Description
Savor the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and spicy with Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs. Slow-cooked to perfection, these tender chicken thighs are coated in a rich glaze made from honey, garlic, and soy sauce. Ideal for busy weeknights or impressing guests, this dish is simple to prepare and packed with irresistible flavors.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup ketchup (or tomato sauce)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For Thickening:
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, ketchup, minced garlic, grated ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
- Set the mixture aside.
- Add Chicken to the Crockpot:
- Place the chicken thighs in a single layer at the bottom of your crockpot.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Slow Cook the Chicken:
- Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on high for 3 1/2 hours or low for 6-7 hours.
- The chicken should be tender and infused with the sauce.
- Thicken the Sauce:
- About 15 minutes before serving, remove the chicken from the crockpot and set aside in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth.
- Stir the cornstarch mixture into the crockpot sauce. Cover and let cook for an additional 15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Shred the Chicken:
- While the sauce thickens, use two forks or an electric hand mixer to shred the chicken.
- Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it into the thickened sauce.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the sticky honey garlic chicken thighs over steamed rice, noodles, or with roasted vegetables.
- Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Adjust Spice Level: For a milder flavor, omit the crushed red pepper flakes. Add more chili flakes or sriracha for a spicier kick.
- Cooking Alternatives: To make this on the stovetop, sear the chicken in a skillet, add the sauce, and simmer until fully cooked and thickened.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3 1/2 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired