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Cozy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs: Easy Slow Cooker Comfort

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Tender slow cooker chicken thighs coated in a glossy honey garlic sauce that tastes like a warm hug. This easy comfort food recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and requires just 10 minutes of hands-on prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 6–8 thighs)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening)
  • Cooked rice or mashed potatoes for serving
  • Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to the slow cooker.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, tomato paste, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using) until smooth.
  4. Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Ensure each piece is coated.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until chicken is fork-tender.
  6. Optional: For a thicker glaze, remove chicken to a plate. Whisk cornstarch slurry into the sauce. Cook on HIGH uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
  7. Return chicken to the slow cooker and coat with thickened sauce. Serve over rice or mashed potatoes. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

Searing the chicken is optional but highly recommended for deeper flavor. Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for best results. For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. The sauce will be thin initially; thicken with a cornstarch slurry if desired. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic chicken, slow cooker chicken, chicken thighs, comfort food, easy dinner, slow cooker recipe, honey garlic sauce

Find it online: https://lucastable.com/cozy-honey-garlic-chicken-thighs-easy-slow-cooker-comfort/