If you’re looking for a dinner that feels like a warm hug but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, then you’re in for a treat! My honey garlic crock pot chicken thighs are the perfect blend of sweet and savory, and the best part? You just toss everything in the crock pot and let it do the work for you! Trust me, the aroma of garlic and honey wafting through your home while this cooks will have everyone asking, “What’s for dinner?”
I love this recipe because it’s so simple and forgiving—perfect for those of us who are still getting the hang of cooking! Plus, it’s a delightful way to enjoy juicy chicken thighs that are so tender they practically fall apart. Don’t worry if you’re a beginner; I’ll walk you through every step of the way. So grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!
Ingredients for Honey Garlic Crock Pot Chicken Thighs
Gather these simple ingredients, and you’ll be all set to whip up a delicious meal that your family will love. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 chicken thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are great for keeping the meat juicy, but boneless, skinless will work too if you prefer.
- 1/2 cup honey: This gives the dish that sweet touch that balances perfectly with garlic.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Adds depth and umami flavor—don’t skip this!
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is a must for that aromatic kick!
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: A little tang to brighten up the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger: This adds a warm spice that complements the honey beautifully.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Just a pinch will do to enhance the flavors of the chicken.
Make sure you have everything ready before you start cooking. It’s all about keeping things easy and fun, right?
How to Prepare Honey Garlic Crock Pot Chicken Thighs
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the steps for making this mouth-watering honey garlic crock pot chicken thighs. I promise it’s super easy—just follow along, and you’ll impress everyone at the dinner table!
Step 1: Season the Chicken
First things first, let’s season those chicken thighs! Sprinkle salt and pepper generously on both sides of each thigh. This is where you bring out the flavor, so don’t be shy! A little seasoning goes a long way in boosting that juicy chicken. Trust me, you’ll want every bite to be delicious!
Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and ground ginger. Whisk it all together until it’s nicely blended. I love how the sweet honey and savory soy sauce create such a tempting aroma as you mix! Make sure the garlic is evenly distributed for that perfect punch of flavor.
Step 3: Assemble in the Crock Pot
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Place the seasoned chicken thighs in your crock pot, skin side up. Then, pour that gorgeous honey garlic mixture over the top, making sure each piece of chicken is covered. If you want, you can give the chicken a little nudge to get it all coated—every bit of sauce is going to be pure magic!
Step 4: Cooking Time
Cover your crock pot and set it to cook. If you’re using the low setting, let it work its magic for about 6 to 7 hours. If you’re in a hurry, the high setting will do the trick in 3 to 4 hours. Just a quick tip: you’ll know it’s done when the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork. You can also check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F for safety.
Step 5: Shred and Serve
Once your chicken is cooked to perfection, take two forks and shred the thighs right in the crock pot. You can mix the meat with the sauce for an extra burst of flavor! Serve it over a bed of rice or alongside some steamed veggies. Oh, and don’t forget to drizzle that luscious sauce on top—it’s the cherry on the cake! Enjoy every bite of this comforting dish!
Tips for Success with Honey Garlic Crock Pot Chicken Thighs
Ready to take your honey garlic crock pot chicken thighs to the next level? Here are my top tips to ensure everything goes smoothly and you end up with a dish that will have everyone raving!
- Don’t Skimp on the Seasoning: It might feel like a lot of salt and pepper at first, but seasoning is key! It’s the difference between good and great chicken, so be generous.
- Mix Well: When making the honey garlic mixture, whisk it thoroughly to ensure all the ingredients are well combined. This helps distribute the flavors evenly over the chicken.
- Monitor Cooking Times: Every crock pot is a bit different! If you’re trying a new one, keep an eye on the chicken as it cooks. You want it tender, not mushy, so check the doneness a bit earlier if you can.
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: If you have the time, consider marinating the chicken in the honey garlic mixture overnight. This will infuse even more flavor into the meat and make it extra tasty!
- Save the Sauce: Once you’ve shredded the chicken, don’t forget to spoon that delicious sauce over your serving. It’s packed with flavor, and you’ll want every drop!
- Leftover Magic: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge! They make a fantastic filling for sandwiches or wraps the next day, so don’t let that goodness go to waste.
With these tips, I’m confident you’ll nail this recipe! Cooking should be fun and rewarding, so enjoy the process and the delicious results!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a little note before you dig in! The nutritional information provided for my honey garlic crock pot chicken thighs is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, while this dish is certainly delicious and satisfying, I recommend checking the labels on your ingredients for the most accurate information. Enjoy your meal without any worries—it’s all about the flavor and the love you put into it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs are my favorite for their juiciness, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can work too. Just keep an eye on the cooking time since they might cook a bit faster.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can! Simply follow the same steps but set your Instant Pot to the pressure cook setting for about 10-12 minutes. Make sure to use the natural release for tender chicken!
What can I serve with honey garlic crock pot chicken thighs?
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables. You can also toss it into a salad or serve it in wraps for a delicious lunch the next day!
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! Just let the chicken cool completely, then store it in an airtight container. It should keep well in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?
The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F. If you don’t have one, the chicken should be tender and easily shred with a fork when it’s done.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious meal without any fuss!
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey and garlic creates a mouthwatering sweet and savory balance that’s irresistible.
- Hands-Free Cooking: Once everything’s in the crock pot, you can forget about it and let it do all the work. Perfect for busy days!
- Juicy Thighs: Chicken thighs stay tender and juicy, making each bite melt in your mouth.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this dish—it’s a hit with both kids and adults!
- Leftover Goodness: Enjoy the flavors all over again—great for meal prep and lunches throughout the week!
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or adjust the sweetness to your liking. Make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After enjoying your delicious honey garlic crock pot chicken thighs, you might find yourself with some tasty leftovers—and trust me, you’re going to want to save them! Here’s how to properly store and reheat your chicken so it remains just as flavorful as the first time you served it.
To store leftovers, let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This will keep it fresh and prevent any unwanted moisture from building up. You can store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it for longer, feel free to freeze it! Just make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It should keep well for about 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, reheating is super simple! If you’ve stored the chicken in the fridge, you can pop it in the microwave for a quick meal. Just cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist and heat it in short bursts, checking to make sure it doesn’t dry out.
If you’ve frozen the chicken, it’s best to thaw it overnight in the fridge for even heating. Once thawed, you can reheat it in the microwave as mentioned, or for a little extra love, warm it up in a skillet on low heat. Just add a splash of chicken broth or a drizzle of the honey garlic sauce to keep it juicy and flavorful. It’s all about keeping that tender goodness intact!
So, whether you’re enjoying round two at home or packing it for lunch, these steps will ensure your honey garlic chicken thighs stay as delicious as ever. Happy eating!
For more delicious chicken recipes, check out this crockpot chicken and rice recipe or this simple chicken dinner idea. If you’re interested in the health benefits of garlic, you can read more here.
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Honey Garlic Crock Pot Chicken Thighs: 5 Steps to Delight
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and flavorful recipe for honey garlic crock pot chicken thighs that anyone can make.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 4 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, 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 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks.
- Serve the chicken with the sauce over rice or vegetables.
Notes
- Make sure to adjust cooking time based on your crock pot model.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken; it should reach 165°F.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce overnight.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Crock Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: honey garlic crock pot chicken thighs
