Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Thighs (Crock-Pot)
Need easy chicken thigh crock pot recipes? My Honey Garlic version is a winner! Simple, flavourful, and ready when you are. A real family favourite! Get the recipe. ... Chicken
Recipe Introduction
Ever wondered how to get that perfect honey garlic chicken flavor without all the fuss? well, let me tell you, i've cracked the code.
This chicken thigh crock pot recipes is all about making delicious, comforting food with minimal effort.
This recipe turns simple chicken thighs into a sticky, savory masterpiece! It's like your favorite takeaway, but way healthier and made with love. Think classic Chinese takeout flavours, slow-cooked to total tenderness.
Get Your Crock-Pot Ready
This honey garlic chicken crock pot is a weeknight game-changer. it's got some serious animal based crockpot meals potential going on.
The recipe is inspired by the beloved honey garlic flavor profile of chinese takeout, but conveniently made in a crock-pot.
The best part? it's dead easy. honestly, if you can dump ingredients into a pot, you can nail this. prep takes, like, ten minutes.
Then, the slow cooker does all the hard work. no need to watch over it. this recipe yields 4-6 servings.
Why You'll Absolutely Love This
This isn't just any garlic chicken recipes – it's honey garlic chicken crock pot healthy ! chicken thighs are already winners because they don't dry out like chicken breast.
Plus, slow cooking makes them melt-in-your-mouth tender!
It's perfect for busy weeknights when you need a comforting, old fashioned home cooked meals on the table, stat. and the honey garlic soy sauce chicken crock pot flavor? it's chef's kiss .
This is a perfect way to transform chicken thighs, potatoes and other ingredients you may already have in your pantry.
Now, let's gather our bits and bobs, shall we?
Alright, let's dive into what you need to make some seriously tasty Chicken Thigh Crock Pot Recipes . Honestly, this part is pretty straightforward, so don’t stress!
Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Thighs (Crock-Pot) Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients
- We need about 2.5 lbs (1.1kg) of boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
- ½ cup (120ml) of honey, because who doesn't love a bit of sweetness?
- ¼ cup (60ml) of soy sauce; go for low-sodium to keep it healthy-ish.
- ¼ cup (60ml) of ketchup. Trust me, it adds a nice tang.
- 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar.
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced. Don’t skimp! About 2 tablespoons is perfect.
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. This thickens the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons of cold water. Mix this with the cornstarch.
- 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Adds a nutty flavour.
For the chicken, look for thighs that are plump and pink. they shouldn't smell funky. trust your nose! chicken thigh recipes oven and chicken thigh recipes crockpot are easy to find.
The honey should be clear and runny.
Seasoning Notes
Soy sauce and garlic make a killer combo. a bit of sesame oil really elevates things. it's like a flavour explosion.
You know? for a kick, throw in some red pepper flakes. if you're out of rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar works in a pinch.
These simple tips will help you make the best honey garlic chicken crock pot
Spice up your Slow Cooker Spicy Chicken Thighs with a dash of cayenne pepper. For my animal-based eaters. This one is just up your alley.
Equipment Needed
You'll need a 6-quart (or bigger) slow cooker/crock-pot. a simple one is fine. think 7qt crockpot recipes ! a small mixing bowl is essential.
You’ll also want a whisk. measuring cups and spoons are useful to get the amounts correct.
No fancy stuff here! if you don't have a whisk, a fork will do. honestly, this recipe is all about ease.
If you only have access to the fridge and the oven, this will be a great example of fridge to oven meals , otherwise, for simple chicken thigh crockpot recipes this equipment is all you need, this recipe is one of those amazing old fashioned home cooked meals .
Alright, let's chat about tackling chicken thigh crock pot recipes . honestly, it’s one of my go-to methods when i'm craving something comforting but can't be bothered with fuss.
Ever come home after a long day and just not want to cook? that’s when the crock-pot is a lifesaver.
I find that this recipes become old fashioned home cooked meals that brings warmth and satisfaction.
The Lowdown on Slow Cooking Chicken Thighs
Slow cooking chicken thigh recipes crockpot transforms them from simple protein to fork-tender perfection. did you know that slow cooking can actually make your food more nutritious? okay, maybe not more nutritious, but it helps retain those lovely vitamins and minerals.
So, let's dive into my honey garlic chicken crock pot healthy version.
Prep Steps: Setting the Stage for Success
Essential mise en place is key! chop your garlic and measure everything out first. honestly, it makes the whole process smoother.
For a super time-saver, prep everything the night before. store your prepped ingredients in the fridge. safety first, though. make sure your chicken is fully thawed before you start cooking.
Step-by-Step to Honey Garlic Goodness
This Honey Garlic Chicken Crock Pot is a breeze.
- Whisk together ½ cup honey , ¼ cup soy sauce , ¼ cup ketchup , 2 tablespoons rice vinegar , and 4 minced cloves of garlic in a bowl.
- Place 2.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs in your crock-pot.
- Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken. Make sure everything's coated.
- Cook on low for 6- 8 hours or high for 3- 4 hours , until chicken shreds easily. Don't be tempted to peek too often.
- Mix 2 tablespoons cold water and 1 tablespoon cornstarch . Add to the crock-pot for the last 30 minutes if you want a thicker sauce.
Pro Tips from Yours Truly
Want to elevate your slow cook honey garlic chicken ? first, searing the chicken thighs before adding them to the slow cooker creates a beautiful color and seals in juices.
Avoid overcooking. chicken thighs are forgiving, but dry chicken is no fun. if you are using a 7qt crockpot ensure all the chicken thighs are fully submurged.
Bonus: Fridge to Oven Wonders
Forgot to start the crock-pot ? no sweat! this also works as a fridge to oven meal . simply bake at 375 degrees fahrenheit until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees fahrenheit - usually around 30- 40 minutes depending on the thickness of the thighs.
Right then, let’s chat about the bits and bobs after the cooking's done, yeah? We've got our sticky, delicious Honey Garlic Chicken Crock Pot masterpiece. What next?
Recipe Notes: Cracking the Code
Let's dive into what makes these chicken thigh crock pot recipes truly shine! it's more than just following the steps, it's about making it your own.
Honestly, the joy of food comes from experimenting.
Serving Suggestions: Show Off Your Skills!
Alright, so you've slaved away (well, the crockpot has!). now, let's make it look good. plating? think vibrant! a bed of fluffy rice is perfect.
Garnish with sesame seeds and spring onions. bang on! for sides, keep it simple. steamed broccoli or a quick stir-fry works wonders.
A crisp green salad cuts through the sweetness. don't forget a drink! a light, crisp white wine or even just a fizzy water with a lemon wedge does the trick.
You could always try a ginger beer.
Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh, Mate!
Leftovers are brilliant. pop your cooked slow cook honey garlic chicken into an airtight container. it will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Want to freeze it? go for it! just let it cool completely first. use freezer-safe bags or containers. it'll be good for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating is easy. microwave it, or better yet, gently reheat it in a pan on the hob with a splash of water.
Boneless skinless chicken thighs recipes crockpot is so versatile.
Variations: Tweak it Your Way
Fancy a bit of a change? swap the honey for maple syrup for a different flavour. add a pinch of chilli flakes if you like it spicy.
Simple chicken thigh crockpot recipes can be so easily adapted, honestly! for a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Got some seasonal veggies to use up? chuck them in! peppers, courgettes, anything goes. we can try to experiment with fridge to oven meals, also we can create animal based crockpot meals .
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
Okay, so let’s keep this simple. this honey garlic soy sauce chicken crock pot is packed with protein from the chicken.
It's got carbs from the honey and rice (if you’re serving it with rice). and of course, you can control the salt content by using low-sodium soy sauce.
Remember what they say "you are what you eat". i have some 7qt crockpot recipes i can share later to make this even healthier by adding more vegetables!
Chicken thigh recipes oven are awesome, but this honey garlic chicken crock pot healthy version is just so easy and satisfying.
So, give it a go! get creative with your sides and variations. don't be afraid to experiment! you've got this! it will result one of your favorite old fashioned home cooked meals.
If you are looking for more inspiration, also try searching with garlic chicken recipes or chicken thigh recipes crockpot .
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken thighs in my chicken thigh crock pot recipes?
While it's generally recommended to thaw chicken thighs before slow cooking for food safety and even cooking, you can cook them from frozen in a pinch. However, add at least an extra hour or two to the cooking time, and make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving. Also, be aware that the sauce might become a bit watery as the frozen chicken releases moisture. Think of it like making a Sunday roast - a little extra care goes a long way!
My honey garlic sauce is too runny after cooking. How do I thicken it?
A runny sauce is a common issue with slow cookers. The easiest fix is to create a cornstarch slurry: whisk together 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water until smooth. Stir the slurry into the crock-pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking, with the crock-pot turned up to High if needed. This trick works a treat every time, thicker than gravy!
How long can I store leftover honey garlic chicken thighs?
Leftover honey garlic chicken thighs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the chicken has cooled down properly before putting it in the fridge, and always reheat thoroughly until piping hot. They're great for a quick lunch or another easy dinner later in the week!
Can I adapt this recipe for other cuts of chicken?
While this recipe is designed for chicken thighs because they remain juicy and tender during slow cooking, you could technically use chicken breasts. However, be warned that chicken breasts can become dry and stringy if overcooked in a slow cooker. If using breasts, reduce the cooking time and check for doneness frequently. Also, chicken thighs are more forgiving than breasts, like a trusty old Land Rover!
What are some healthy variations of this chicken thigh crock pot recipe?
To lighten things up, use low-sodium soy sauce, reduce the amount of honey, and increase the garlic for flavor. Serve the chicken over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. You could also add plenty of vegetables to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking, like broccoli florets or sliced bell peppers, just like getting your 5 a day!
Is it possible to sear the chicken thighs before slow cooking for extra flavor?
Absolutely! Searing the chicken thighs before adding them to the slow cooker adds a lovely depth of flavour and a more appealing texture. Just quickly sear them in a hot skillet with a little oil on all sides until browned, then transfer them to the crock-pot and proceed with the recipe. It's like adding a bit of theatrical flair to your cooking!
