If you’re looking for a meal that’s not only easy but also downright delicious, you’ve hit the jackpot with my crock pot honey garlic chicken thighs! Seriously, this dish is a lifesaver on those busy weeknights when you want something home-cooked without spending hours in the kitchen. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve come home from work, and the smell of this chicken wafting through the house has instantly made me feel at home. It’s the perfect meal for family dinners—everyone loves it! You just throw everything in the crock pot, let it do its magic, and before you know it, you’ve got tender, juicy chicken coated in a sweet and savory sauce. Trust me, your loved ones will be asking for seconds!
Ingredients
Let’s gather everything we need for this scrumptious crock pot honey garlic chicken thighs! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup honey – this is what gives the dish that sweet, sticky goodness
- 1/4 cup soy sauce – adds that savory umami flavor
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – because what’s a good sauce without garlic?
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch – to help thicken the sauce later
- 1 tablespoon water – for mixing with the cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste – seasoning is key, so don’t skip this!
Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go, and you’ll be on your way to a delicious meal in no time!
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking! This part is where the magic happens, and I promise it’s super easy. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a mouthwatering meal ready to enjoy.
Season the Chicken
First things first, grab those chicken thighs and sprinkle a good pinch of salt and pepper over them. Make sure to coat both sides! This seasoning is crucial because it brings out the flavor of the chicken, making every bite delicious. Don’t skimp on this step—I always say it’s the little things that make a big difference!
Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
Now, in a medium bowl, mix together your 1/2 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, and the 3 cloves of minced garlic. Give it a good stir until everything’s combined. This sauce is the star of the show! The honey brings sweetness, the soy sauce adds that umami kick, and the garlic gives it a lovely depth of flavor. Yum!
Combine in the Crock Pot
Next, place your seasoned chicken thighs right in the crock pot. Pour that yummy honey garlic sauce all over the chicken, making sure they’re nicely coated. And here’s a little tip: cover the crock pot! It’s super important to keep the steam in so the chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy.
Cooking Time and Method
Now, set your crock pot to cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, depending on how much time you have. If you’re really busy, I recommend low for the best flavor! You’ll know the chicken is done when it’s tender and reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F. A meat thermometer is your best friend here! USDA guidelines suggest using a meat thermometer for safety.
Thicken the Sauce
Once your chicken is cooked, take it out and keep it warm. Now, let’s thicken that sauce! In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Stir this into the sauce in the crock pot and set it to high for about 15 minutes. This will make your sauce nice and thick, perfect for drizzling over the chicken!
Serving Suggestions
Finally, when everything is ready, serve your delicious honey garlic chicken thighs over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside some steamed veggies. Trust me, the sauce will take everything to the next level! Enjoy every bite with your loved ones—you’ve earned it!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for my crock pot honey garlic chicken thighs. Each serving (1 chicken thigh with sauce) is estimated to have about 320 calories, 15g of fat, 25g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind these values can vary a bit based on the specific ingredients you use!
Tips for Success
To make your crock pot honey garlic chicken thighs truly shine, here are a few pro tips! First, feel free to adjust the amount of honey based on your sweetness preference—some like it sweeter, while others prefer a more balanced flavor. Using boneless thighs can also speed up the cooking process and make serving easier. And don’t forget to check for doneness! A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F. Trust me, this little gadget will save you from any guesswork and give you perfectly cooked chicken every time!
FAQ Section
Got questions about my crock pot honey garlic chicken thighs? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear:
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work, but keep in mind they can dry out a bit more. Just make sure to check for doneness to avoid overcooking.
What can I substitute for soy sauce?
If you need a soy sauce alternative, you can use tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, and you’ll be ready to enjoy more of that delicious sauce!
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! Just make sure your crock pot is large enough to hold everything and adjust cooking times if needed. More chicken means more tasty leftovers!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce or a suitable substitute, this crock pot honey garlic chicken thighs recipe is gluten-free!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—just toss everything in the crock pot!
- Easy cleanup—minimal dishes to wash after a delicious meal.
- Flavorful meal that everyone in the family will enjoy.
- Makes great leftovers for lunch or a quick dinner.
- Gluten-free option with simple ingredient swaps.
Equipment List
To whip up my delicious crock pot honey garlic chicken thighs, you’ll need just a few basic pieces of equipment. Here’s what I recommend:
- A crock pot (of course!) for slow cooking
- Mixing bowls for combining the sauce ingredients
- Measuring cups for accuracy
- A meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked chicken
- A spatula or spoon for stirring and serving
With these tools on hand, you’re all set to create a fantastic meal!
Print
Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs: 5-Star Comfort Meal
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and tasty recipe for crock pot honey garlic chicken thighs.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
- Place the chicken in the crock pot.
- Pour the honey garlic mixture over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken and keep warm.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry.
- Stir the slurry into the sauce in the crock pot and cook on high for 15 minutes to thicken.
- Serve the chicken with the sauce over rice or vegetables.
Notes
- Check chicken for doneness using a meat thermometer.
- Adjust the honey for sweetness to your liking.
- Use boneless thighs for quicker cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: crock pot honey garlic chicken thighs
