If you’re searching for a mouthwatering dish that practically cooks itself, look no further than these Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken Thighs! Imagine succulent chicken thighs marinated in a heavenly blend of garlic, soy sauce, and honey, simmering away in your slow cooker for hours, filling your home with an irresistible aroma. This easy, hands-off recipe not only delivers on flavor but also ensures a tender, juicy meal that will leave your family begging for seconds. Ready to impress your taste buds? Let’s dive into the details of this delectable dish!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken thighs by patting them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the seasoning adhere better and promotes better browning.
- Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper on both sides, ensuring even coverage.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together minced garlic, soy sauce, honey, and olive oil until well combined, creating a flavorful marinade.
- Lightly grease the inside of the slow cooker with cooking spray or a thin layer of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Pour the prepared garlic-honey marinade evenly over the chicken thighs, making sure each piece is well coated.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cook for 5-6 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and absorb the rich flavors.
- After cooking, carefully remove the chicken thighs from the slow cooker. If desired, transfer them to a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes to crisp the skin.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Optional: Spoon the remaining sauce from the slow cooker over the chicken thighs for extra flavor before serving.
Tips
- Prep for Success: Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This simple step helps the seasoning stick better and promotes a nice browning if you choose to broil them at the end.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper! Season the chicken thighs well on both sides to enhance their flavor throughout the cooking process.
- Create a Flavorful Marinade: Whisk together minced garlic, soy sauce, honey, and olive oil until smooth. This marinade not only infuses the chicken with flavor but also helps to tenderize it as it cooks.
- Grease the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease your slow cooker with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent the chicken from sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
- Layer Carefully: Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in the slow cooker. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
- Cook Low and Slow: Set your slow cooker to low and let the chicken cook for 5-6 hours. This slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the chicken to become incredibly tender.
- Crisp It Up (Optional): For an extra touch, broil the cooked chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes to achieve a crispy skin. This adds a delightful texture contrast to the tender meat.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes after cooking. This step helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful.
- Sauce It Up: Don’t forget to spoon the remaining sauce from the slow cooker over the chicken thighs before serving for an extra burst of flavor!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 344kcal
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 37g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 80mg
