Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Honey

Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Honey

This recipe for Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Honey is simple, flavorful, and perfect for a busy weeknight. The honey helps to create a sticky, slightly sweet glaze on the chicken, and the slow cooking process ensures that the chicken is incredibly tender.

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Ingredients:

• 6 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (you can use boneless if preferred)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free version)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped green onions (for garnish, optional)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel and season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

2. Make the Sauce:

   • In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, and paprika. This will create a sweet and tangy glaze for the chicken.

3. Slow Cook the Chicken:

   • Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker.
   • Pour the honey mixture over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated in the sauce.

4. Cook:

   • Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).

5. Finish the Sauce (Optional):

   • Once the chicken is done, you can remove the chicken and set it aside. If you’d like to thicken the sauce, turn the slow cooker to high and cook the sauce for an additional 10-15 minutes, or transfer the sauce to a saucepan and simmer it on the stove until it thickens slightly.

6. Serve:

   • Serve the chicken thighs over rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite side dish. Drizzle the sauce over the top.
   • Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

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Tips:

• Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a more savory dish, you can reduce the honey to 2 tablespoons and increase the vinegar or add a bit of mustard to balance the sweetness.
• Add vegetables: You can add sliced onions, bell peppers, or even carrots to the slow cooker to cook along with the chicken for added flavor.
• Crisp the skin (optional): If you prefer crispy skin, you can broil the chicken thighs for a few minutes at the end of cooking after removing them from the slow cooker.

This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Honey recipe is perfect for a hands-off meal that delivers a deliciously sweet and savory dish with minimal effort!