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- 6 bone-in chicken thighs, skinless - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated The base of this dish is the chicken thighs. I prefer skinless for a healthier option. Honey and soy sauce blend well to create a sweet and salty flavor. Garlic adds a strong aroma, while ginger gives a nice kick. - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon black pepper - 1 teaspoon salt Sesame oil adds a nutty taste. Rice vinegar brings a touch of tanginess. Black pepper and salt enhance all the flavors in the dish. - 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening) - 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish) - Sesame seeds (for garnish) If you want a thicker sauce, cornstarch is a great choice. For a pop of color, use green onions and sesame seeds to garnish your dish. This makes it look pretty on your table. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Placing chicken in the crockpot: Start by laying the six skinless chicken thighs flat in the bottom of your crockpot. This step is key for even cooking. Make sure they fit without crowding each other. 2. Mixing the honey garlic sauce: In a mixing bowl, add 1/2 cup honey, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 4 minced cloves of garlic, and 1 tablespoon of grated ginger. Stir in 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon salt. Whisk these together until smooth. This sauce adds a sweet and savory flavor to the chicken. 1. Cooking times: low vs. high: Cover the crockpot and choose your cooking time. For a tender bite, cook on low for 6-7 hours. If you're short on time, set it to high for 3-4 hours. Both methods work, but low heat brings out more flavor. 2. Using a cornstarch slurry for thickness: If you want a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with a tablespoon of water. Stir it well to make a slurry. Add this to the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will help the sauce become nice and thick. 1. Plating the chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove the thighs from the crockpot. Place them on a serving platter. This makes for an appealing display. 2. Adding sauce and garnishments: Spoon the delicious honey garlic sauce over the chicken. Finally, sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top for a bright finish. This adds color and a bit of crunch to your dish. Enjoy your meal! To make sure your chicken is evenly coated, mix the sauce well. Use a whisk to blend honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, rice vinegar, black pepper, and salt. Pour the sauce over the chicken thighs in the crockpot. Move the chicken around gently. This helps every piece soak up the flavor. Cooking time can change based on chicken size. For larger thighs, add more time. If your pieces are smaller, reduce the time slightly. Always check for doneness. Chicken should reach 165°F inside. This keeps them juicy and safe to eat. For sides, steamed rice or quinoa works great. Both soak up the sauce nicely. You can also serve it with roasted veggies or a fresh salad. These add color and crunch to your meal. When plating, place the chicken on a bed of rice. Drizzle with sauce and top with green onions and sesame seeds. This makes your dish look fancy and inviting for guests. A bright garnish can elevate the whole meal. To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container. Let the dish cool first, then cover it tightly. This keeps the chicken fresh in the fridge for about three days. For reheating, use the microwave or stovetop. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts to avoid drying out the chicken. On the stovetop, add a splash of water to the pan. This helps keep the sauce moist and tasty. Pro Tips Marinate for Extra Flavor: For an even richer taste, marinate the chicken thighs in the honey garlic mixture for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator before cooking. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will elevate the dish's flavor profile compared to dried or powdered versions, so opt for fresh whenever possible. Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of honey or add a splash of lime juice for a tangy balance. Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for optimal safety and tenderness. {{image_2}} You can change the flavors of your dish by using different ingredients. If you want a sweeter taste, try maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey. You can also use coconut aminos if you need a soy sauce swap. If you prefer leaner meat, you can switch chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Breasts may cook faster, so check them after 3 hours on high heat or 5 hours on low heat. To add some heat, toss in chopped peppers or chili flakes. This will give your dish a nice kick. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli to the crockpot. They will soak up the sauce and add color. For gluten-free options, make sure you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. This keeps the dish safe for those with gluten allergies. If you're watching your salt, reduce the soy sauce to cut back on sodium. You can also use low-sodium chicken broth instead of soy sauce for more flavor without the salt. To keep your honey garlic chicken thighs fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work great. Before sealing, let the chicken cool down for about 30 minutes. This cooling time helps avoid condensation, which can make food soggy. Freezing is a great way to save leftovers. For best results, freeze the chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet first. Once frozen, transfer it to a freezer bag or container. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently in the microwave or oven until it's hot all the way through. In the fridge, your honey garlic chicken thighs will last about 3-4 days. If you freeze them, they can stay good for up to 3 months. Always check for signs of spoilage. If the chicken smells off or has a strange color, it's best to throw it away. Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs. Just add an extra hour to the cooking time. Cook on low for about 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. This will help them cook evenly. Always ensure they reach 165°F for safety. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F. If you cut into the chicken, the juices should run clear. No pink meat should show. This ensures your chicken is safe and tasty. Serve these chicken thighs over steamed rice or quinoa. You can also add a fresh salad or stir-fried veggies. For a fun twist, try serving with mashed potatoes or even noodles. The sauce pairs well with many sides! You can prepare the chicken and sauce a day ahead. Store them in the fridge until you are ready to cook. Just remember, if you pre-cook, reheat it gently to keep it juicy. This makes meal prep easy and tasty! This blog gave you a clear guide to making honey garlic chicken thighs. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, and helpful tips. You also found variations to fit your taste and dietary needs. Remember, the right storage can keep your leftovers tasty. By trying this recipe, you'll impress your guests while enjoying a simple meal. Keep experimenting in the kitchen, as every cook grows with practice. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

A delicious and easy recipe for honey garlic chicken thighs cooked in a crockpot.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 7 hours 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 6
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 6 thighs bone-in chicken, skinless
  • 0.5 cup honey
  • 0.25 cup soy sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
  • 2 green onions sliced (for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of the crockpot.
  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, rice vinegar, black pepper, and salt until well combined.
  • Pour the honey garlic mixture over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well coated.
  • Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry, and add it to the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Stir until combined and let it thicken.
  • Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken thighs from the crockpot and place them on a serving platter.
  • Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

Serve the chicken thighs over a bed of steamed rice or quinoa, drizzled with sauce and garnished with extra green onions and sesame seeds for a vibrant touch.
Keyword chicken, crockpot, honey garlic