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Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

slow cooker honey garlic chicken thighs - featured image

Tender chicken thighs simmered in a sticky, sweet honey garlic glaze, paired with roasted carrots for a cozy and flavorful dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds / 900g)
  • 1/4 cup honey (use a mild wildflower honey for balance)
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into sticks (about 450g)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
  • Optional garnishes: chopped fresh parsley or green onions, sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Whisk until well blended to make the honey garlic glaze.
  2. Optional: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken thighs skin-side down for 3-4 minutes until golden brown to add extra texture.
  3. Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker, skin side up if seared. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken, coating each piece. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  4. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss carrot sticks with olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme. Spread evenly on a baking sheet.
  5. Roast carrots for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until tender and caramelized at the edges.
  6. Remove chicken from slow cooker and place on a serving platter. Spoon some thickened sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
  7. Serve chicken alongside roasted carrots. Optionally pair with quinoa, steamed greens, or other simple sides.

Notes

Searing chicken thighs before slow cooking is optional but adds crispy skin and richer flavor. Roast carrots separately at high heat for best texture and caramelization. If sauce is too thin after cooking, simmer on stove or thicken with cornstarch slurry. Use fresh garlic for best flavor. Check slow cooker at 4 hours to avoid overcooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, honey garlic chicken, chicken thighs, cozy dinner, easy dinner, roasted carrots, slow cooker recipe