Slow Cooker Honey Ginger Chicken Thighs

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These honey ginger chicken thighs are juicy, sticky, and absolutely delicious when cooked low and slow. Serve them over fluffy rice, mashed potatoes and top with green onions and sesame seeds. It's better than takeout and the perfect meal for a cozy night.

Slow Cooker is something that I like to use quite often, from my Barley Soup, Beef Stew, to irresistible Spaghetti Sauce. And this honey-glazed chicken is sure loved in our family.

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Why You'll Love This Honey Ginger Chicken
🛒Ingredients
Chicken Breasts VS Thighs
🥘 Instructions
What Does Honey Ginger Chicken Taste Like?
Honey Soy Chicken Popular Substitutions
📋Tips
What Can You Do With Leftover Chicken Thighs
Storage Instructions
👪Serving Suggestions
Variations
Is Honey Chicken Healthy?
🤷Frequently Asked Questions
Delicious One-Pot Dinners
Slow Cooker Honey Ginger Chicken Thighs

Why You'll Love This Honey Ginger Chicken

Ease - making chicken thighs in a slow cooker requires minimal effort and prep time. Just toss all ingredients in the crock pot, set the timer, and let it do the work for you.
Incredibly juicy chicken - when cooking chicken at a low temperature for a longer time, it helps break down the collagen in the meat. And that's what will give you that juicy, tender texture and make the meat practically fall off the bone! Juicy and tender chicken thighs are guaranteed every time.
Soy, Honey and Ginger Marinade - the sweetness of honey, tomato sauce, aromatic garlic, and pungent ginger is all you need for a delicious combination for a homemade take-out dish.

🛒Ingredients

Chicken - you'll need medium-sized thighs with skin and bone in. Opt for bone-in chicken pieces like chicken thighs or drumsticks for more flavorful and tender results. Boneless chicken breasts can also be used, but they tend to be leaner and may become dry if overcooked. Also, for the best results, don’t use chicken straight from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature.
Fresh Ginger - freshly grated ginger adds a warm and slightly spicy kick to the sauce. So don't skip it! It perfectly complements the other flavors in the dish.
Soy Sauce - adds a savory umami flavor to the dish. You can use regular soy sauce or low-sodium soy sauce depending on your preference.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional) - Red pepper flakes add a touch of heat and spiciness to the dish. If you prefer a milder version, you can omit them or adjust the amount according to your taste.
Garlic - use fresh minced, grated, or pressed garlic instead of garlic powder. Trust me, it makes a huge difference!
Cornstarch - to thicken up the sauce, we use a simple cornstarch slurry by mixing 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. It gives the sauce that perfect sticky consistency we all love in take-out dinners.
Garnish - sesame seeds and spring onions/scallions on top. Don't skip these either, as they add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Note on the Marinade and sticky sauce - the thing with take-out dinners is that they are full of sodium. Making your own homemade version allows you to take control of ingredients and salt content. I recommend using low-sodium soy sauce if you want to cut back on sodium.

For the full list of ingredients, please scroll down to where you'll find the recipe card.

✅ PRO TIP You can add a couple of smaller chicken thighs to the slow cooker if you want. However, keep in mind that the sauce will be thick the next day. So, if you prefer the extra sauce to pour over your chicken and rice when serving, it's best to have some on hand.

Chicken Breasts VS Thighs

For this recipe, I prefer using thighs rather than chicken breast, but you can use both here. Here is what you can expect from both options:

Chicken thighs - These cuts are known for their juiciness and tenderness, thanks to their higher fat content. They handle longer cooking times without drying out, making them ideal for stews and slow cooker recipes. You can expect flavorful and succulent results when using chicken thighs.
Chicken breasts - On the other hand, chicken breasts are leaner and have a milder flavor. While they can still be used in this honey garlic chicken recipe, they require careful attention to prevent overcooking and dryness. Keep an eye on the cooking time as chicken breasts tend to cook faster than thighs.

Note: Both options can deliver delicious and tender results, but it's important to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

🥘 Instructions

How to clean chicken thighs

Cleaning chicken thighs is an essential step in food preparation.

Begin by rinsing the thighs under cold water to remove surface impurities, then pat them dry with paper towels.

raw chicken thighs in slow cooker with sauces

Inspect for any excess fat or unwanted skin, and trim if desired. Remember to maintain a thin layer of fat for moisture. Practice proper food safety by washing hands and utensils thoroughly. Following these steps will ensure clean and ready-to-cook chicken thighs.

Cook. Spray a 4 quart crock pot (or larger) with olive oil and place all the ingredients except cornstarch + water.

Cook on HIGH for about 2-3 hours, or LOW for 4-5 hours.

Pro tip: To check if the chicken is done, use a kitchen thermometer and make sure it reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit when inserted into the thickest part of the chicken.

Take out sticky chicken thighs and leave the honey garlic sauce in the slow cooker.

Honey ginger sauce. Meanwhile, make a cornstarch slurry. Mix 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until it's nice and smooth.

Slowly pour that slurry into the slow cooker and give it a good whisk to incorporate it into the sauce. Let it cook on HIGH for another 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens up.

Bring back the chicken thighs and give them a generous basting of sticky sauce.

When you're ready to serve, sprinkle on some sesame seeds, red pepper flakes, and green onions. Serve with white rice, mashed potatoes or noodles. Enjoy!

What Does Honey Ginger Chicken Taste Like?

Flavor-wise, our honey ginger chicken is a combination of savory, sweet, and a touch of pungency.

The soy sauce adds savory notes, while the honey brings in the sweetness. The garlic and ginger provide a pungent and aromatic kick. It's delicious!

Honey Soy Chicken Popular Substitutions

Vegetarian: For a veggie-friendly version, go for firm tofu or veggies like cauliflower florets or sliced bell peppers. Make sure to coat them well with the honey garlic sauce for maximum flavor.

Sweetener: If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey as a sweetener.

Gluten-free: Use gluten-free soy sauce, or tamari or coconut aminos (generally, tends to taste sweeter) as a substitute.

Herbs: Add different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or a dash of paprika to customize the flavors to your liking. It's all about making it your own.

📋Tips

You can also use frozen chicken thighs for this recipe. You’ll need to thaw them first in cold water in the fridge until completely defrosted.
While it's not a mandatory step in this recipe, consider browning the chicken thighs before transferring them to the slow cooker. This additional step allows for the development of a delightful caramelized crust on the chicken skin, resulting in a more complex and locked-in flavor profile.
Different slow cookers may vary in terms of temperature and cooking time. I recommend using a handy kitchen thermometer to ensure chicken doneness.
Resist opening the lid of the slow cooker while the chicken is cooking as the heat and moisture will start to escape, which can affect the cooking time and temperature.
Adjust the sauce consistency if needed. If the honey garlic sauce is too thin at the end of cooking, you can transfer it to a saucepan and simmer it on the stovetop to reduce and thicken it. On the other hand, if the sauce is too thick, you can add a little bit of water or chicken broth to thin it out.
You can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos that give pretty much similar results. And if using ketchup make sure to carefully read the labels to ensure it's gluten-free. While many brands of ketchup are safe, some do include gluten as an added ingredient.
Add vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or bell peppers for a wholesome and balanced meal. We like to cut the carrots and bell peppers into thinner long strips on small cubes.
Be careful not to overdo it with the honey. Too much will make this dish overly sweet. You can also skip the ketchup and use high-quality passata (no sugar added) and add only a little honey.
There are two main ways to thicken the sauce for this honey ginger chicken. First, you can add a cornstarch slurry toward the end of the recipe. Alternatively, you can remove the slow cooker lid and let the sauce cook for an extra 30 minutes.
Garnishing the honey garlic chicken thighs with chopped green onions and sesame seeds adds flavor and texture and makes for a more visually appealing dish.
Serve these chicken thighs with fluffy white rice or a side of vegetables for a complete meal. For time-saving, make the rice in a rice cooker if you have one.

✅ EXPERT TIP If you want to cut back on sodium, choose low-sodium soy sauce. It will still taste great with a well-balanced and flavorful result without it becoming overly salty.

slow cooker chicken thighs served on a bed of rice

What Can You Do With Leftover Chicken Thighs

Just like with my Pulled Beef, you can shred the chicken thighs and use them in sandwiches, wraps, and tacos.
Make a shredded chicken salad with lots of lettuce or cabbage, vegetables, and light dressing.
Use the leftovers in stir-fries, and pasta, and serve with the same style of sauce.
Make a simple vegetable soup or stew and add the chicken.

Storage Instructions

🍱To Store. Let the chicken cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the fridge. The sauce will thicken and you may need to add some water or broth to return the initial consistency.
🥶Freezing. Follow the same steps and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Make Ahead. Can you make honey ginger chicken in advance? You can make this chicken up to 48 hours in advance. Keep refrigerated and reheat in the microwave or over the stovetop. Stir constantly until warmed through.

👪Serving Suggestions

Steamed rice - for a classical take-out recipe serve chicken on a bed of steamed white or brown rice.
Rice noodles or egg noodles.
Quinoa - for a lighter side dish.
Mashed potatoes - my comfort food dinner winner!
Oven roasted or steamed vegetables - we like to use our favorite vegetables for most of our Asian fusion dishes: zucchini, green beans, snap peas, carrots, cauliflower, asparagus, or broccoli.
In a salad - shred the chicken and top your favorite lettuce or cabbage salad.

Variations

Add more fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavor and aroma - cilantro, parsley, scallions or even basil will add a satisfying aroma.
You can incorporate more Asian flavors by switching up the soy sauce with teriyaki or using it as a replacement for part of the soy sauce. You can also omit the ketchup in this case and use less honey to bring out more savory flavors.
Sticky Glaze - For a sticky and caramelized texture, you can brush the chicken with additional honey or maple syrup during the last hour of cooking. This will create a glossy glaze on the chicken as it cooks.
Citrus notes - drizzle the sticky chicken thighs with lemon, lime, or orange juice or zest. It will help to balance off the sweetness in this recipe.

Is Honey Chicken Healthy?

Honey itself is a natural sweetener with antioxidants, but it's still a form of sugar, so moderation is important.

When preparing honey chicken, opt for lean protein like skinless chicken breast and trim excess fat to reduce calories and fat content.

Using minimal oil and low-sodium soy sauce can also help lower sodium intake.

To make it even healthier, add more veggies to the dish or serve it with nutritious sides like steamed vegetables or whole grains.

🤷Frequently Asked Questions

How to tell when chicken thighs are done?

To check if the chicken is done, use a kitchen thermometer and make sure it reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit when inserted into the thickest part of the chicken.

What to serve with honey ginger chicken?

The classic take out style is with white rice, steamed veggies like broccoli, green beans, snap peas. But we also like switch up things a little and serve it with creamy mashed potatoes. It’s delicious!

Is chicken breast or thigh better for slow cooker?

Both chicken breast and chicken thigh meat are good choices for cooking in the slow cooker. Chicken breasts are leaner than chicken thighs which means that they can dry out more quickly. However the fattier content in chicken thighs will provide even better results.

Can I put raw chicken in slow cooker?

Absolutely! The slow cooker is ideal for cooking raw chicken, creating an environment that kills bacteria while tenderizing the meat and locking in delicious flavor.

Do you have to brown chicken before putting in slow cooker?

No. I haven’t browned my chicken thighs before adding them to the slow cooker with the other ingredients but many people do prefer to brown the chicken first. Browning the chicken thighs will caramelize the skin and will also lock in the flavors. It’s definitely an extra step that’s well worth the time.

Is it better to cook chicken on high or low in slow cooker?

These bone-in chicken thighs can be cooked on LOW or HIGH, depending on your preference. If you only have boneless chicken for this dish then I recommend cooking on LOW as the meat can easily dry out if cooked on HIGH.

I hope you enjoy this honey ginger chicken thighs! Happy Slow Cooking!

Rita

Delicious One-Pot Dinners

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