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Easy Honey Garlic Crockpot Chicken Thighs – Best Family Dinner

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This Easy Honey Garlic Crockpot Chicken Thighs recipe is the result of an obsession to recreate a beloved restaurant dish. The slow cooker does all the work, and a quick broil at the end gives you that sticky, caramelized glaze that makes it unforgettable.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 6–8 thighs)
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • Optional garnishes: sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, tomato paste, rice vinegar, and grated ginger. Set aside.
  2. Prep the chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Trim any visible fat.
  3. Layer the slow cooker: Place chicken thighs in a single layer in the slow cooker. Pour sauce evenly over the top.
  4. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2.5-3 hours, until fork-tender and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. Remove the chicken: Using tongs, transfer cooked chicken to a foil-lined baking sheet.
  6. Thicken the sauce: Pour liquid from slow cooker into a small saucepan. Whisk in cornstarch slurry. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
  7. Glaze the chicken: Brush or spoon about half of the thickened sauce over the chicken thighs. Reserve the rest for serving.
  8. Broil for caramelization: Preheat broiler to high. Place baking sheet about 6 inches from heating element. Broil for 2-4 minutes, watching closely, until sauce bubbles and darkens.
  9. Finish and serve: Remove from oven. Drizzle with sesame oil and sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve with reserved sauce.

Notes

The broiling step is non-negotiable for caramelization. Don’t lift the lid during cooking. Patience with the sauce; it will thicken as it cools. Prep sauce the night before for convenience. For frozen chicken thighs, add an extra hour to cook time.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic chicken, crockpot chicken thighs, slow cooker chicken, easy dinner, family dinner, chicken thighs, honey garlic

Find it online: https://cooksyla.com/easy-honey-garlic-crockpot-chicken-thighs-best-family-dinner/