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There's something undeniably comforting about a slow-cooked meal. The tantalizing aroma wafting through your home as dinner simmers away is a welcome reminder that good things come to those who wait. Slow cooking not only allows flavors to meld beautifully, but it also makes mealtime effortless, especially for those with busy lifestyles. Enter the Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs — a dish that perfectly encapsulates the essence of slow cooking while delivering a delightful balance of flavors that will please even the most discerning palates.

Slow-Cooked Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Discover the joy of a comforting meal with Sweet & Savory Slow-Cooked Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs. This easy, flavorful dish combines tender chicken thighs with a rich honey garlic sauce, perfect for any occasion. Just set it in your slow cooker and let the flavors meld as you go about your day. With a blend of sweet and savory and a touch of heat, it’s sure to impress family and friends. Serve it with rice and seasonal veggies for a wholesome dinner. Dive into effortless cooking and savor the delicious results!
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Ingredients
  

6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

1/2 cup honey

1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken: Start by rinsing the chicken thighs under cold water. Once cleaned, pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure they crisp up nicely. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.

    Create the Sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and well blended.

      Sear the Chicken (Optional): For added flavor, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a small drizzle of oil. Carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Allow them to sear for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is golden brown. Flip the thighs and sear the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes. This step enhances flavor but can be skipped if you're looking for a quicker preparation.

        Setup the Slow Cooker: Arrange the seared chicken thighs in the slow cooker, positioning them skin-side up. Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce evenly over the top, ensuring each thigh is nicely coated in the sauce.

          Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it is fork-tender and falls off the bone effortlessly.

            Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you desire a thicker sauce, transfer the remaining sauce to a saucepan once the chicken is cooked. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes, allowing it to reduce. You can either return the thickened sauce to the chicken in the slow cooker or drizzle it over the chicken when serving.

              Serve the Dish: After cooking, remove the chicken thighs from the slow cooker and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of sliced green onions and sesame seeds. These thighs pair beautifully with a side of steamed rice or seasonal vegetables to enjoy the rich, flavorful sauce.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 6-8 hours (slow cook time) | Serves 4