Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Recipe

Chicken thighs: These are the main protein of the dish, providing a rich and tender meat that absorbs the flavors of the sauce.

Soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami flavor that complements the sweetness of the honey.

Ketchup: Provides a tangy and slightly sweet base for the sauce.

Honey: Adds a natural sweetness that balances the savory elements.

Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a robust and aromatic flavor.

Dried basil: Adds a subtle herbaceous note that enhances the overall flavor profile.

To make this recipe vegan, substitute the chicken thighs with tofu or seitan. For the honey, use maple syrup or agave nectar. This will maintain the sweet and savory flavor profile while adhering to a vegan diet.

• chicken thighs - Substitute with seitan: Seitan has a meaty texture and absorbs flavors well, making it a great vegan alternative to chicken.

• soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative that provides a similar umami flavor.

• ketchup - Substitute with tomato paste and apple cider vinegar: Mixing tomato paste with a bit of apple cider vinegar mimics the tangy and sweet profile of ketchup.

• honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a similar sweetness and viscosity, making it a perfect vegan substitute for honey.

• garlic - Substitute with garlic: Garlic is already vegan, so no substitution is necessary.

• dried basil - Substitute with dried basil: Dried basil is already vegan, so no substitution is necessary.

• Allow the chicken thighs to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can lead to sogginess and spoilage.
• Transfer the cooled chicken thighs along with the honey garlic sauce into an airtight container. Make sure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the dish within 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making the dish even more delicious.
• For longer storage, place the chicken thighs and sauce in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness.
• When freezing, ensure the chicken thighs are submerged in the honey garlic sauce. This helps to prevent freezer burn and keeps the meat moist.
• To reheat, thaw the frozen chicken thighs in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor.
• Reheat the chicken thighs in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave, but be sure to cover the dish to retain moisture.
• If the honey garlic sauce has thickened too much during storage, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen it up while reheating.
• Serve the reheated chicken thighs with a side of steamed vegetables or over a bed of rice to complete the meal.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken thighs in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to retain moisture, and bake for about 20 minutes or until heated through. This method helps maintain the juiciness of the chicken.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of vegetable broth or water to the pan to prevent sticking. Place the chicken thighs in the skillet, cover, and heat for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until thoroughly warmed.

• Microwave Method: Place the chicken thighs in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Be cautious not to overcook, as this can dry out the chicken.

• Slow Cooker Method: If you have the time, place the chicken thighs back in the slow cooker. Add a bit of vegetable broth or water to keep them moist. Set the slow cooker to low and heat for 1-2 hours, or until warmed through. This method is great for preserving the original flavors and tenderness.

• Steaming Method: Use a steamer basket over boiling water. Place the chicken thighs in the basket, cover, and steam for about 5-10 minutes. This gentle reheating method helps retain moisture and flavor.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken thighs in the basket and heat for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method can help re-crisp the skin while keeping the inside juicy.

• Slow cooker: A countertop electrical cooking appliance used to simmer at a lower temperature than other cooking methods, allowing for unattended cooking for many hours.

• Mixing bowl: A bowl used to combine ingredients together before cooking.

• Measuring cup: A cup marked in graded amounts, used for measuring ingredients.

• Measuring spoons: Spoons of various sizes used to measure small quantities of ingredients.

• Garlic press: A kitchen tool used to crush garlic cloves efficiently.

• Knife: A tool with a sharp blade used for cutting ingredients.

• Cutting board: A durable board on which to place material for cutting.

• Spatula: A tool used for mixing, spreading, and lifting ingredients.

• Serving spoon: A large spoon used to serve food.

• Tongs: A tool used to grip and lift objects, useful for handling the chicken thighs.

• Whisk: A tool used to blend ingredients smoothly or to incorporate air into a mixture.

Use pre-minced garlic: Save time by using pre-minced garlic from a jar instead of mincing fresh cloves.

Opt for boneless thighs: Boneless chicken thighs cook faster and are easier to handle.

Mix sauce ahead: Prepare the soy sauce, ketchup, and honey mixture the night before to streamline your morning routine.

Line the slow cooker: Use a slow cooker liner for quick and easy cleanup.

Batch cook: Double the recipe and freeze half for a future meal, saving time on another busy day.