Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Recipe

Chicken thighs: Bone-in and skinless, these provide a rich, flavorful base for the dish.

Soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami depth to the sauce.

Honey: Brings a natural sweetness that complements the savory elements.

Garlic: Freshly minced, it infuses the dish with a robust, aromatic flavor.

Olive oil: Helps to blend the sauce ingredients and adds a subtle richness.

Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and enhances the overall flavor.

Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors of the other ingredients.

To ensure the chicken thighs absorb maximum flavor, marinate them in the soy sauce and honey mixture for at least 30 minutes before placing them in the slow cooker. This extra step allows the garlic and other seasonings to penetrate deeper into the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender dish.

• bone-in, skinless chicken thighs - Substitute with boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Boneless thighs cook faster and are easier to eat, though they may be slightly less juicy.

• bone-in, skinless chicken thighs - Substitute with chicken drumsticks: Drumsticks have a similar cooking time and flavor profile, making them a good alternative.

• soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that provides a similar umami flavor.

• soy sauce - Substitute with coconut aminos: Coconut aminos are a soy-free option with a slightly sweeter taste.

• honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup offers a similar sweetness and consistency, though it has a different flavor profile.

• honey - Substitute with agave nectar: Agave nectar is another sweetener that can mimic the texture and sweetness of honey.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in a pinch, though fresh garlic provides a more robust flavor.

• minced garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, sweeter flavor that can complement the dish well.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar smoke point and neutral flavor, making it a good alternative.

• olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil is another neutral oil that can be used in place of olive oil.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile.

• black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds more heat and a different flavor, so use sparingly.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a slightly different mineral content.

• salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has larger grains and a different texture but can be used similarly in recipes.

• Allow the chicken thighs to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to soggy textures and spoilage.
• Transfer the cooled chicken thighs along with any remaining sauce into an airtight container. For best results, use containers that are specifically designed for food storage to maintain freshness.
• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the chicken within 3-4 days. Make sure the refrigerator is set to a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below.
• For longer storage, place the chicken thighs in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible from the bags to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the containers or bags with the date of storage. This helps you keep track of how long the chicken has been stored and ensures you use it within the recommended time frame.
• When ready to reheat, thaw the chicken thighs in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This slow thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor.
• Reheat the chicken in a microwave-safe dish, covered, on medium power. Alternatively, you can reheat in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the chicken moist.
• Serve the reheated honey garlic chicken thighs with fresh vegetables, rice, or your favorite side dishes to complete the meal.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken thighs in an oven-safe dish, cover with aluminum foil to retain moisture, and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps maintain the juiciness of the chicken.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil. Place the chicken thighs in the skillet, cover, and heat for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally. This method gives the chicken a slightly crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender.

• Microwave Method: Place the chicken thighs in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a few holes poked in it. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. This is the quickest method but may result in slightly less juicy chicken.

• Slow Cooker Method: Return the chicken thighs to the slow cooker, add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying out, and heat on low for 1-2 hours. This method is perfect for maintaining the original tenderness and flavor.

• Steaming Method: Place the chicken thighs in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for about 5-10 minutes. This method keeps the chicken moist and tender, similar to the slow cooker method.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken thighs in the basket and heat for 5-7 minutes. This method will give the chicken a nice, crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy.

• Mixing bowl: Use this to whisk together the soy sauce, honey, garlic, olive oil, black pepper, and salt.

• Whisk: Essential for blending the sauce ingredients smoothly.

• Slow cooker: The main appliance for cooking the chicken thighs slowly and evenly.

• Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the soy sauce and honey.

• Measuring spoons: Needed to measure the olive oil, black pepper, and salt precisely.

• Garlic press: Handy for mincing the garlic cloves quickly and efficiently.

• Tongs: Useful for placing the chicken thighs into the slow cooker and for serving them once cooked.

• Serving platter: Ideal for presenting the cooked chicken thighs with your favorite side dishes.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop garlic and measure out soy sauce and honey the night before to save time.

Use pre-minced garlic: Opt for store-bought minced garlic to cut down on prep time.

Line the slow cooker: Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup, saving you time after cooking.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick meal later.

Quick side dishes: Pair with simple sides like steamed vegetables or instant rice to keep the meal quick and easy.