Description
Home cooks adore this honey garlic slow cooker chicken recipe for its rich, caramelized flavors and hassle-free preparation. Simmering tender chicken in a sweet and savory sauce makes dinner effortless and delicious for anyone seeking comfort on their plate.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 large chicken thighs (skinless and bone-in)
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2 tbsps low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsps cider vinegar
- 6 cloves garlic (finely chopped or minced)
- ¼ cup water or chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp paprika (mild or smoked)
- 1 tsp coarse salt
- ½ tsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp cracked pepper
- ¼ tsp cracked pepper
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Preparation: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels, creating an optimal surface for seasoning and flavor absorption.
- Seasoning: Massage olive oil and selected spices into chicken thighs, ensuring comprehensive coverage and deep flavor penetration.
- Searing: Brown chicken in a hot skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes per side, developing a rich caramelized exterior and sealing in moisture.
- Sauce Creation: In the same skillet, melt butter, sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then combine remaining sauce ingredients, allowing flavors to meld for one minute.
- Slow Cooking: Transfer seared chicken to slow cooker, pour sauce evenly over the meat, and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or LOW for 5-6 hours, occasionally basting to maintain moisture.
- Finishing: Remove chicken and rest under foil, transforming cooking liquid into a glossy sauce by creating a cornstarch slurry and simmering to desired consistency.
- Caramelization: Broil chicken briefly on a lined baking sheet, basting with sauce to create crispy, caramelized edges.
- Serving: Plate chicken immediately, drizzling with the reduced sauce to preserve optimal flavor and temperature.
Notes
- Moisture Management: Thoroughly dry chicken thighs with paper towels to ensure perfect seasoning absorption and prevent soggy texture.
- Flavor Layering: Sear chicken before slow cooking to develop deep caramelized notes and lock in rich, complex taste profiles.
- Sauce Technique: Create a cornstarch slurry to transform cooking liquid into a glossy, restaurant-quality sauce with ideal thickness.
- Finishing Touch: Brief broiling after slow cooking adds crispy caramelized edges, elevating the overall taste and visual appeal of the dish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-6 hours
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 526
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 37 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 123 mg