Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Recipe Introduction
Ever have one of those days? You know, when even thinking about cooking feels like climbing Mount Everest? Then crock pot meals are your saviour, Bish, Bash, Bosh!
What's the Deal?
This recipe is all about my Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs. Honestly, you chuck it all in the crock pot , walk away, and hours later… BOOM! Dinner.
What is better for lazy dinners crockpot ?
Quick Hook
Seriously, how good does fall off-the-bone chicken sound right now? It is a sweet and savoury flavour bomb that requires minimal effort, perfect for sports night dinners quick meals .
Brief Overview
This is inspired by classic Asian American takeout flavours. It’s easy, takes about 15 minutes to prep and cooks for 4 8 hours in the slow cooker .
This recipe makes about 6 servings, perfect for feeding the family or having leftovers.
Main Benefits
The beauty of this recipe is that using chicken thighs is great because they stay moist, even with the slow cooking.
Its also perfect for those weeknight crock pot dinners . Plus, the honey garlic sauce is just divine.
Right then, let’s talk ingredients! It makes a real difference to use free range chicken. If you're looking for fall off the bone chicken crock pot , this one's for you!
Right, let's talk ingredients! I am so excited to dive into crock pot meals . They are the bomb.
Ingredients & Equipment
First, let's get one thing straight: Lazy Dinners Crockpot meals are all about ease. No fancy stuff needed. This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a perfect example.
Main Ingredients
Ok, grab your shopping list!
- 2.5 lbs (1.13 kg) boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Look for thighs that are plump and pink. Avoid any that look discolored.
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) honey.
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) low-sodium soy sauce.
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) ketchup.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh is best, obvs!
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar.
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional, for heat).
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch.
- 2 tablespoons cold water.
Seasoning Notes
Honey and garlic are a match made in heaven, honestly. Ginger adds warmth. The sriracha gives it a little kick.
It all works together. For a Slow Cooker Asian Chicken twist, try adding a tiny dash of sesame oil.
Don't have apple cider vinegar? Use white wine vinegar. It gives a similar tang. Experiment! See what Flavor enhancers and aromatics works for you.
Equipment Needed
This recipe is seriously simple. You will require basic items.
- A 6-quart (5.7-liter) slow cooker (crock pot).
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- A small bowl and whisk.
- Serving Spoon.
That’s it! No need for any fancy gadgets. Common household alternatives work great too.
Seriously, these Easy Crock Pot Chicken Recipes are amazing because you just dump everything in. You let the crock pot do its thing.
Then, boom, dinner! Great for Sports Night Dinners Quick Meals . You know? You can prep it and forget it. It’s ideal for busy weeknights.
Weeknight Crock Pot Dinners for the win! Now you have the best way to enjoy Crock Pot Summer Meals !
Cooking Method: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Slow cooking chicken thighs? Honestly, it's a game changer! Imagine coming home after a long day to the most amazing smell.
This recipe for Slow Cooker Chicken Thigh Recipes using Honey Garlic sauce is total comfort food. Think fall off the bone chicken crock pot deliciousness! It's so easy, it's practically criminal.
Let's dive in!
Prep Steps: Setting Yourself Up for Success
First things first: mise en place . It's a fancy term, but it just means get everything ready! We're talking 2.
5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, 1/2 cup of honey, 1/2 cup of low-sodium soy sauce, 1/4 cup of ketchup, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp of sriracha, 1/2 tsp of ground ginger, and 1/4 tsp of black pepper.
A little chopping, a little measuring. Easy peasy. Grab 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water to make the slurry for a thick sauce.
You know, that's how lazy dinners crockpot meals are born!
Time saving tip: Chop your garlic and measure out your spices the night before. Trust me, it makes a difference.
step-by-step: The Slow Cooker Magic
Here is a guide to making sports night dinners quick meals:
- Trim any excess fat from your 2.5 lbs chicken thighs.
- In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup honey, 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup ketchup, 4 cloves minced garlic, 1 tbsp vinegar, 1 tsp sriracha, 1/2 tsp ginger, and 1/4 tsp pepper. That's our amazing sauce sorted.
- Place your chicken thighs in your 6-quart crock pot in a single layer if you can.
- Pour your lovely sauce evenly over the chicken.
- Cook it! Low for 6- 8 hours or high for 4- 6 hours . You want that chicken cooked through and tender, easily shreddable.
- Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water in a bowl until smooth.
- 30 minutes before serving, stir in that cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce into a lovely glaze. Skip this if you want a thinner sauce.
- Shred the chicken using 2 forks and serve.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Crock Pot Game
Want Easy Crock Pot Chicken Recipes ? Here's one!
- Don't overcook it! Check the chicken around the 4-hour mark on high and 6-hour mark on low. You want it cooked, not dried out.
- For that extra flavour boost, sear the chicken thighs in a pan before putting them in the slow cooker. Extra step, but worth it. Honestly!
- This recipe is great for weeknight crock pot dinners . You can even prep the chicken and sauce the night before and just toss it all in the slow cooker in the morning. Ta-dah! Enjoy your home cooked meal of Crock Pot Summer Meals .
Recipe Notes
This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe is a game changer. Honestly, I've made this so many times. It's one of my go-to easy crock pot chicken recipes .
It turns out perfect every time.
Serving Like a Pro
Presentation is key, right? I love plating this over fluffy rice. A sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions? Oh my gosh! It looks restaurant worthy.
Steamed broccoli or a simple Asian slaw are fab additions too. Trust me, it's a winner for sports night dinners quick meals .
Storing Like a Boss
Got leftovers? No worries! Pop them in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days .
For longer storage, freezing is the way to go. Thaw overnight and reheat gently. The microwave works, but the oven keeps it juicier.
Variations and Adaptations
Want to shake things up? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Boom! Spicy! For a low-carb option, try serving it over cauliflower rice.
It's surprisingly delicious. If you're avoiding soy, coconut aminos work a treat. It's perfect for any dietary needs. You could try swapping the honey for maple syrup too.
Nutrition Snippets
Alright, let's talk numbers. Each serving is roughly 350 calories. You get a whopping 35 grams of protein. Not bad, eh? Honey provides natural sweetness, and garlic has amazing health benefits.
It is really good for you. The best part of lazy dinners crockpot ? Less time in the kitchen, more time for you.
I have tried a similar recipe using other ingredients as pork, and I can say that chicken is the way to go!
The beauty of crock pot summer meals is the ease. It's a set-it-and-forget-it kind of meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.
So give it a go! I promise you won't be disappointed with this fall off the bone chicken crock pot .
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken in these crock pot meals, or does it have to be thawed?
It's generally recommended to thaw your chicken thighs before adding them to the slow cooker. Using frozen chicken can significantly increase the cooking time and may not reach a safe internal temperature evenly. For best and safest results, fully defrost those bird legs, mate!
My sauce is too thin! How can I thicken it up for this crock pot chicken recipe?
No worries, this is a common fix! As the recipe suggests, mixing a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch and cold water) and stirring it into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking will thicken it right up.
Alternatively, you can carefully remove the chicken and simmer the sauce on the stovetop until it reaches your desired consistency. Just like thickening gravy for your Sunday roast!
How long can I store leftover honey garlic chicken made in crock pot meals?
Leftover honey garlic chicken is safe to store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it cools down completely before refrigerating. It can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months; defrost thoroughly before reheating. Think of it as batch cooking fit for a queen!
Can I adapt this recipe for other cuts of meat, or is it strictly for chicken thighs?
While this recipe is tailored for chicken thighs, you can definitely experiment! Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs will add a richer flavour, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time. Pork shoulder (pulled pork, anyone?) would also work beautifully with this honey garlic sauce.
Just adjust the cooking time accordingly and make sure the internal temperature reaches a safe level. Like putting a new spin on a classic!
Is this honey garlic chicken a healthy choice, and what are the nutritional considerations?
This recipe can be part of a balanced diet, but it's worth considering the nutritional aspects. It's a good source of protein, but the honey and soy sauce contribute to sugar and sodium content. Opting for low-sodium soy sauce and serving it with plenty of vegetables can help balance the meal.
Think of it like adding peas to your pie, healthy and delicious!
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 0g |
