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Crispy Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs: Easy 3-Ingredient Dinner

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Tender, fall-apart chicken thighs with a sticky, caramelized honey garlic glaze, finished under the broiler for a crispy skin. This easy slow cooker recipe uses just a handful of ingredients and is perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2.5 to 3 pounds total)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
  • Thinly sliced green onions, for garnish (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken thighs: Pat them dry with paper towels. Sprinkle both sides generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  2. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil (if using).
  3. Arrange in the slow cooker: Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up in a single layer in a 6-quart slow cooker. Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the top, trying not to submerge the skin completely.
  4. Cook on low for 4 to 5 hours. Do not cook on high. Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer—it should read at least 175°F.
  5. Transfer to a baking sheet: Carefully remove the chicken thighs using tongs and place them skin-side up on a foil-lined baking sheet. Reserve the cooking liquid in the slow cooker.
  6. Thicken the sauce: Turn the slow cooker to high. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Pour the slurry into the hot cooking liquid and whisk continuously. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens into a glossy, syrupy glaze.
  7. Brush the glaze: Using a pastry brush or the back of a spoon, generously coat each chicken thigh with the thickened sauce. Reserve the rest for serving.
  8. Broil for 3 to 5 minutes: Preheat your broiler to high. Place the baking sheet 6 inches from the heating element. Watch closely—honey burns fast. Rotate the pan halfway through for even browning.
  9. Rest and serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Drizzle with remaining sauce and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Notes

For best results, do not overcrowd the slow cooker. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken thighs reach 175°F to 185°F. Watch the chicken closely under the broiler to prevent burning. The recipe can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight before broiling. Double the sauce if you want extra for serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot honey garlic chicken, slow cooker chicken thighs, crispy chicken thighs, honey garlic chicken, easy chicken dinner, 3-ingredient dinner

Find it online: https://bakebelle.com/crispy-crockpot-honey-garlic-chicken-thighs-easy-3-ingredient-dinner/