Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of tender chicken thighs cooked to perfection in a savory honey garlic sauce. This easy recipe will become a favorite in your household!

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Green onions, for garnish
• Sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, garlic, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
2. Place chicken thighs in the crockpot and pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
4. Remove chicken from crockpot and shred with two forks. Serve with sauce from the crockpot.
5. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Popular questions:

• Can I use bone-in chicken thighs instead?
  Yes, you can use bone-in chicken thighs, but adjust the cooking time accordingly for them to cook through.
• Can I substitute the honey with another sweetener?
  You can use maple syrup or agave nectar as a substitute for honey in this recipe.
• Can I add vegetables to this dish?
  You can add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli to the crockpot for a complete meal.
• Can I freeze the leftovers?
  Yes, you can freeze the leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container for up to three months.
• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
  You can use chicken breasts, but thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful in slow-cooked recipes like this one.
• Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?
  Yes, if you prefer to reduce the sodium content, you can use low-sodium soy sauce in this recipe.
• Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
  You can use fresh basil and oregano in place of dried herbs, but double the amount as fresh herbs are milder in flavor.
• Can I double the recipe in the crockpot?
  If your crockpot is large enough, you can double the ingredients, but make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Can I add more garlic for extra flavor?
  You can add more garlic if you love garlic flavor, adjust the amount based on your preference.
• Can I use this sauce for other proteins?
  You can use this honey garlic sauce to marinate and cook other proteins like pork or tofu for a delicious twist.

Helpful tips:

• Marinate the chicken thighs in the sauce for a few hours before cooking for a more intense flavor.
• Sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions just before serving for added crunch and freshness.
• Serve the honey garlic chicken thighs over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
• Add a squeeze of lime juice for a citrusy kick to the sauce.
• Drizzle extra honey garlic sauce over the dish for additional flavor.
• If the sauce is too thin after cooking, you can thicken it with a cornstarch slurry.
• For a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Make a double batch of the sauce and use it as a dipping sauce for chicken wings or vegetables.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the dish to your liking.
• Have some crusty bread on the side to soak up the delicious honey garlic sauce.

Expert Secrets:

• Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper before placing them in the crockpot for enhanced flavor.
• For a richer sauce, add a tablespoon of butter to the honey garlic mixture before pouring it over the chicken.
• For a smoky flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the sauce mixture.
• Baste the chicken thighs with the cooking liquid halfway through the cooking process for extra moisture and flavor.
• For a touch of sweetness, add a splash of pineapple juice to the sauce mixture.
• To achieve a caramelized finish, broil the shredded chicken thighs in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
• For a tangy twist, add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to the honey garlic sauce.
• Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your preferred level of spiciness.
• Add a teaspoon of grated ginger to the sauce for a zesty flavor profile.
• For a burst of freshness, squeeze some lemon juice over the finished dish before serving.