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Cozy Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken – Easy Fall Dinner

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This impossibly tender slow cooker honey garlic chicken features a glossy, sticky sauce that transforms simple ingredients into a cozy fall dinner. With minimal hands-on time and a secret stovetop reduction step, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will change your mind about slow cooker chicken.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup (170g) honey
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) low-sodium soy sauce
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • Sliced green onions (for garnish, optional)
  • Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, tomato paste, and minced garlic.
  2. Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of a 5-6 quart slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer if possible. Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken.
  3. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender.
  4. Using tongs, carefully transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board or plate. Let rest for a few minutes.
  5. Pour the liquid from the slow cooker into a small saucepan. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a simmer. Whisk in the cornstarch slurry and continue to cook, whisking constantly, for 3-5 minutes, until the sauce thickens to a glossy, syrupy consistency.
  6. While the sauce simmers, roughly shred the chicken thighs with two forks, or leave them whole. Return the chicken to the slow cooker (or a serving dish) and pour the thickened sauce over the top. Drizzle with sesame oil and gently toss to coat.
  7. Serve immediately over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or with your favorite side dishes. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

For deeper flavor, sear the chicken thighs in a hot skillet with oil for 2-3 minutes per side before adding to the slow cooker. Do not skip the stovetop sauce reduction—it transforms the sauce into a thick, glossy glaze. Use a meat thermometer for best results: chicken is safe at 165°F (74°C), but thighs are most tender around 175-185°F (80-85°C). Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker honey garlic chicken, easy fall dinner, honey garlic chicken, slow cooker chicken thighs, sticky chicken, comfort food, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://novanosh.com/cozy-slow-cooker-honey-garlic-chicken-easy-fall-dinner/