Imagine walking into your kitchen and being greeted by an irresistible aroma of sweet honey, tangy garlic, and perfectly tender chicken that practically melts in your mouth. This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is not just a meal—it's a culinary experience that transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into extraordinary feasts. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, this recipe will become your new go-to comfort dish that impresses family and friends without chaining you to the stove.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken thighs by patting them dry with paper towels and seasoning generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, and minced garlic until well combined, creating a smooth marinade sauce.
- Place the seasoned chicken thighs into the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
- Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated and covered.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to cook on low heat for 4 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and absorb the flavors.
- About 30 minutes before cooking is complete, mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry for thickening the sauce.
- Carefully remove the chicken thighs from the slow cooker and transfer to a serving platter, keeping them warm.
- Stir the cornstarch slurry into the remaining sauce in the slow cooker, allowing it to thicken for 10-15 minutes on high heat.
- Pour the thickened sauce over the chicken thighs and garnish with optional chopped green onions or sesame seeds.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or your preferred side dish, enjoying the rich, sweet, and savory flavors.
Tips
- Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and tenderness. The extra fat helps keep the meat juicy during slow cooking.
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to help the salt and pepper adhere better and promote better browning.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider briefly searing the chicken thighs in a hot skillet before placing them in the slow cooker to develop a deeper, caramelized exterior.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the salt content and prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
- If you prefer a glossier sauce, you can broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes after cooking to create a beautiful, slightly caramelized finish.
- Don't skip the cornstarch slurry—it's crucial for creating that perfect, restaurant-quality sauce consistency.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 468kcal
Carbohydrates: 44g
Protein: 42g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 120mg
