Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for a dinner that’s not only super easy but also bursting with flavor, you’ve got to try my honey garlic chicken crock pot thighs! Seriously, this recipe is a lifesaver for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Just toss everything in the crock pot, and let it do the magic for you! The combination of sweet honey and savory garlic creates a mouthwatering glaze that will have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, you’ll love how effortlessly you can whip up this dish, making it a staple in your weeknight rotation. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients List
Let’s gather everything you’ll need for this delicious honey garlic chicken crock pot thighs recipe! It’s super simple, and I promise you’ll have most of these ingredients in your kitchen already. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
That’s it! Just a handful of ingredients, but the flavor is out of this world. Ready to get started?
How to Prepare Honey Garlic Chicken Crock Pot Thighs
Let’s dive into the magic of making this honey garlic chicken! The process is super straightforward, and I’ll guide you step by step. You’re going to love how easy this is!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, grab your trusty crock pot and place the chicken thighs right in there. You want to make sure they’re laid out evenly for even cooking.
- Next, in a medium bowl, mix together your honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and ginger. This mixture is where the magic happens, so give it a good stir until it’s well combined.
- Now, pour that delicious honey garlic sauce over the chicken thighs. Make sure they’re all nicely coated. Oh, the aroma already starts to get you excited!
- Season with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste. Don’t skimp on this part; it really enhances the flavor.
- Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. This is where you can kick back and relax while the flavors meld beautifully!
- When the time’s up, check that your chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F. If it’s there, you’re ready to dig in!
- Serve it hot with your favorite rice or veggies, and enjoy the amazing flavors you’ve created!
Don’t forget, if you want even more flavor, you can marinate the chicken in the sauce for about an hour before cooking. Trust me, it’s worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Rich, sweet, and savory flavor that everyone will adore.
- Only a few simple ingredients required, many of which you probably have on hand.
- Versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with rice, noodles, or steamed veggies.
- Hands-off cooking; just set it and forget it while the crock pot works its magic.
- Great for meal prep; leftovers taste even better the next day!
Tips for Success
To really nail this honey garlic chicken crock pot thighs recipe, here are some of my favorite tips! First, if you like a sweeter sauce, feel free to add a bit more honey—it’s all about your personal taste! I also recommend using bone-in thighs instead of boneless; they tend to stay juicier and more flavorful during cooking.
If you have time, marinating the chicken in the sauce for about an hour before cooking can make a world of difference in flavor. Just remember to keep an eye on the cooking time; if your chicken is larger or smaller, you may need to adjust slightly. And lastly, don’t forget to check for doneness with a meat thermometer—165°F is the magic number for perfectly cooked chicken. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for each serving of this honey garlic chicken crock pot thighs recipe. Keep in mind these are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Cholesterol: 100mg
This dish is not only delicious but also packed with protein, making it a satisfying option for dinner!
FAQ Section
Got questions? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries about my honey garlic chicken crock pot thighs recipe:
Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes, you can! Boneless thighs will work just fine, but I recommend bone-in for juicier results. Just keep an eye on cooking time, as boneless might cook a bit faster.
What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?
No problem! You can substitute it with white vinegar or even lemon juice for a nice tang.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer. Make sure it reaches 165°F for perfectly cooked chicken!
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure your crock pot is large enough to accommodate the extra chicken and sauce. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it is! Just make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari for a delicious gluten-free meal.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover honey garlic chicken is a breeze! Just let it cool down a bit, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to save it for later, you can freeze it for up to 3 months—just make sure to label the container with the date!
To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave until it’s warmed through, or for a crispy skin, heat it in a skillet over medium heat. Just be careful not to overcook it, or it might dry out. Enjoy your delicious leftovers!
Serving Suggestions
Now that your honey garlic chicken crock pot thighs are ready to be devoured, let’s talk about some tasty pairings! This dish goes fantastically with a fluffy bed of rice—white, brown, or even jasmine rice will soak up that luscious sauce beautifully. If you’re in the mood for something a little lighter, steamed veggies like broccoli, green beans, or carrots add a nice crunch and color to your plate. You could also serve it with a simple salad for a refreshing contrast. Honestly, whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong with this flavorful chicken!
For more delicious chicken recipes, check out this easy crockpot chicken recipe or these quick chicken dinner ideas.
Print
Honey Garlic Chicken Crock Pot Thighs: 7 Easy Steps!
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and delicious recipe for honey garlic chicken thighs cooked in a crock pot.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place chicken thighs in the crock pot.
- In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, and ginger.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- Check for doneness; chicken should reach 165°F.
- Serve hot with rice or vegetables.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for 1 hour before cooking.
- Use bone-in thighs for more moisture.
- Adjust honey for sweetness preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Crock Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: honey garlic chicken crock pot thighs easy recipes
