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If you’re on the hunt for a delectable meal that combines rich flavors with minimal prep time, look no further than Sweet & Savory Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs. This dish is an embodiment of comfort food, offering tender meat that practically falls off the bone, all while enveloped in a luscious sauce that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory. The appeal of this recipe lies not only in its outstanding taste but also in the convenience of using a slow cooker, which allows you to prepare a hearty meal without much fuss.

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Discover the deliciousness of Sweet & Savory Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs, a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. Enjoy juicy, tender chicken engulfed in a rich honey garlic sauce, all made effortlessly in your slow cooker. Ideal for busy weeknights, this recipe requires minimal prep and features simple ingredients like soy sauce, ginger, and apple cider vinegar. Serve with rice or steamed veggies for a satisfying meal everyone will love. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings!
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Ingredients
  

4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

1/2 cup honey

1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

6 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced (or 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger)

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon sesame oil

2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening sauce)

2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening sauce)

Chopped green onions, for garnish

Sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken: Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get nice and crispy if you're searing it beforehand.

    Make the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, ginger, black pepper, onion powder, and sesame oil until well combined.

      Optional Searing: For added flavor, you can sear the chicken thighs in a hot skillet with a little oil until the skin is golden brown on both sides (about 3-4 minutes per side). This step is optional but highly recommended.

        Place in Slow Cooker: If you chose to sear the chicken, transfer the thighs to the slow cooker. Otherwise, just place the raw chicken thighs directly into the slow cooker.

          Add Sauce: Pour the honey garlic marinade over the chicken, ensuring that the thighs are well coated.

            Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender and cooked through.

              Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water in a small bowl to make a slurry. In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the slurry and allow the sauce to thicken.

                Serve: Once the chicken is ready, turn off the slow cooker. Carefully remove the chicken thighs and place them on a serving platter. Spoon some of the sauce over the top.

                  Garnish: Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top for a fresh, vibrant finish.

                    Enjoy: Serve your honey garlic chicken thighs with steamed rice, quinoa, or your favorite vegetables to complete the meal.

                      Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 7 hrs 15 mins | Servings: 4-6