Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dinner: honey garlic chicken thighs in the crock pot! Seriously, this recipe is a game changer. You just toss everything in your slow cooker, and let it work its magic while you go about your day. The aroma that fills your kitchen while it cooks is just heavenly—sweet, savory, and oh-so-inviting! Plus, the chicken turns out so tender you can practically shred it with a fork. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone gather around the table with big smiles. Whether you’re a busy parent or just someone who wants an easy, delicious meal without the fuss, this recipe has got you covered. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredients List
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs in Crock Pot
Season the Chicken
First things first, let’s get those chicken thighs ready! Grab your salt and pepper and sprinkle them generously over both sides of the chicken. This simple seasoning step adds so much flavor to the dish. Don’t skimp on it! Just a light dusting will do, but a little extra won’t hurt either. It’s the foundation for all that deliciousness coming up!
Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce
Now, let’s whip up that sweet and savory honey garlic sauce! In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of ground ginger. Give it a good stir until everything is well mixed. You’ll love how the sweet honey meets the savory soy sauce—it’s just magical! Plus, the garlic and ginger add an incredible depth of flavor.
Combine Ingredients in the Crock Pot
Time to bring it all together! Place those seasoned chicken thighs into your crock pot, making sure they’re snug but not overcrowded. Then, pour the honey garlic mixture over the top, ensuring each piece of chicken is coated. Cover the crock pot tightly with the lid—it’s important to keep that moisture in for tender chicken!
Cooking Time and Temperature
Now, let’s get cooking! Set your crock pot to low and let it do its thing for about 4 to 6 hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can crank it up to high for about 2 to 3 hours. Just make sure to check that the chicken is cooked through and tender before serving. You’ll know it’s ready when it easily pulls apart with a fork. Yum!
Serving Suggestions
When it’s time to eat, serve your honey garlic chicken thighs hot with a side of fluffy rice or some colorful steamed vegetables. The sauce is so good, you’ll want to drizzle a little extra on top. Trust me, your family will be asking for seconds!
Tips for Success
Let’s make sure your honey garlic chicken thighs turn out perfectly every time! Here are some of my favorite tips:
- Cooking time varies: Every crock pot is a little different, so keep an eye on your chicken. If you find it’s cooking faster than expected, don’t be afraid to check it early. You want it tender, not dry!
- For thicker sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, once the chicken is done, carefully remove it from the crock pot and pour the sauce into a small saucepan. Simmer it on the stove for a few minutes until it thickens up. You’ll love that extra richness!
- Customize your flavors: Feel free to experiment! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat or throw in some chopped green onions right before serving for a fresh pop of flavor. The possibilities are endless!
- Check for doneness: Always make sure your chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). A meat thermometer is your best friend here!
- Leftover magic: If you have leftovers, they make for an amazing lunch! Just reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, and you’ll have that delicious flavor all over again!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! Here’s the typical nutritional breakdown for one serving of honey garlic chicken thighs (that’s about 1 chicken thigh, in case you’re wondering!). Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on standard ingredients, so they can vary a bit depending on what you use.
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
So there you have it! A delicious meal that’s not just easy to make but also packs a decent punch in the nutrition department. Perfect for fueling your busy days!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making honey garlic chicken thighs in the crock pot? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common inquiries and my best answers to help you out.
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs work just as well and will cook a bit faster too. Just keep an eye on the cooking time to ensure they don’t dry out.
What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?
No problem! You can substitute it with white vinegar or even lemon juice for a bit of tang. Both will still add a nice flavor to the sauce.
Can I add vegetables to the crock pot?
Yes! You can toss in some chopped carrots, bell peppers, or broccoli. Just make sure to add them partway through cooking so they don’t get mushy—about 1-2 hours before the chicken is done should work great!
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a meat thermometer, just check that the meat is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork—this is a good sign it’s ready!
Can I make this recipe with chicken breasts instead?
Of course! Chicken breasts will work too, but they may require a bit more moisture. Consider adding a splash more soy sauce or honey to keep them juicy. Just remember, they might cook a little faster than thighs, so keep an eye on them!
Is it okay to cook the chicken on high for less time?
Yes, you can cook on high for 2-3 hours. Just make sure to check for doneness, as every crock pot is a bit different. You want that tender, juicy chicken that falls off the bone!
How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove to enjoy that delicious flavor again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep, you can set it and forget it while your crock pot does all the work!
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet honey and savory garlic creates a mouthwatering sauce that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this dish, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
- One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks together in the crock pot, so clean-up is a breeze. Less time washing dishes means more time enjoying your meal!
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or adjust the sauce to suit your taste. It’s a flexible recipe that you can make your own!
- Meal Prep Friendly: Leftovers are just as tasty, making this a great option for meal prepping lunches for the week.
- Comfort Food: There’s nothing quite like a warm, tender piece of chicken dripping with flavorful sauce to make you feel at home.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got some leftovers? Lucky you! Storing your honey garlic chicken thighs is super simple. Just let them cool down a bit, then place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend using glass containers if you have them; they help keep the flavors intact!
When it’s time to enjoy those tasty leftovers, reheating is a breeze. You can pop them in the microwave for a couple of minutes, but I like to use a skillet on the stove. Just add a splash of water or a little extra honey garlic sauce to keep them moist and heat them over medium heat until warmed through. This way, you’ll bring back that juicy tenderness and delicious flavor! Enjoy every bite!
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Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs in Crock Pot: 5 Simple Steps!
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and delicious honey garlic chicken thighs recipe made 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 ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and ginger.
- Place the chicken thighs in the crock pot.
- Pour the honey garlic mixture over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
- Check that the chicken is cooked through and tender before serving.
- Serve hot with rice or vegetables.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time based on your crock pot model.
- For thicker sauce, remove the chicken and simmer the sauce on the stove for a few minutes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Crock Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: honey garlic chicken thighs, crock pot recipes, easy chicken recipes
