Hey there, friends! Today, I’m excited to share one of my favorite easy dinners with you—Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs with Potatoes! 🐔🥔 If you’re looking for a simple, delicious meal that basically cooks itself, this is it! It’s one of those “dump and go” recipes where you just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do all the work. Sounds like a dream, right?
Imagine coming home to a house that smells incredible and knowing dinner is already ready and waiting for you. This dish has all the cozy vibes—juicy chicken, tender potatoes, and a honey garlic sauce that’s to die for. Let’s jump in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy: Just a few minutes of prep and the slow cooker takes care of the rest!
- Full of flavor: Sweet honey, savory garlic, and a bit of zing from the lemon juice make this dish unforgettable.
- Perfect for busy days: Set it and forget it, then come back to a meal that’s ready to devour.
- Family-friendly: It’s a hit with both adults and kiddos—who doesn’t love juicy chicken and potatoes in a tasty sauce?
What You’ll Need
You probably already have most of these ingredients hanging out in your kitchen:
- 6 large bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds)
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 pound baby red potatoes (or gold potatoes)
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup honey
- ⅓ cup sweet chili sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Optional: 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water for thickening the sauce
Let’s Get Cooking!
Step 1: Prep the Chicken & Potatoes
Alright, grab your slow cooker, and let’s load it up! First, place your 6 large chicken thighs (skin-on for extra flavor, trust me!) into the pot. Next, toss in a sliced onion and 1 pound of baby red potatoes. If the potatoes are a bit bigger, just cut them into smaller chunks so they cook evenly.
Step 2: Season Everything
Now, let’s season it up! Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of oregano, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper over everything. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil on top, then give everything a good toss. Make sure everything is coated with the seasonings—this will make sure every bite is packed with flavor! Arrange the chicken so the skin is facing up (it helps keep things juicy while it cooks).
Step 3: Whip Up the Honey Garlic Sauce
Now for the best part—the sauce! In a bowl, mix together:
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 6 minced garlic cloves (the more garlic, the better, right?!)
- ½ cup of honey (sweetness is key here)
- ⅓ cup of sweet chili sauce (for a little extra kick)
- 3 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
This sauce is going to give the chicken so much flavor! It’s the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory. Once you’ve mixed it all up, pour the sauce right over the chicken and potatoes in your slow cooker. Yum!
Step 4: Set It & Forget It
Now comes the easy part—pop the lid on your slow cooker, set it to high for 4 to 6 hours, and let it do its thing! You don’t need to check it constantly; just let the slow cooker work its magic while you go about your day. Your kitchen is going to smell absolutely amazing as it cooks—garlicky, sweet, and savory all at once.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
Once the chicken has been cooking for about 5 hours, you might notice the sauce is a little thin. If you prefer a thicker, more gravy-like sauce, this step is for you. Just mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the slow cooker. Let it cook for another 15 minutes, and boom—the sauce will thicken right up!
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
After 4-6 hours, your chicken and potatoes will be fall-apart tender and full of flavor. Serve it up over some rice or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal. Careful when scooping out the chicken—it’s so tender it might just fall apart!
For a final touch, you can use a blow torch (or broil it in the oven for a few minutes) to crisp up the chicken skin if you’re feeling fancy. But honestly, it’s already perfect as is. Just grab a plate and dig in!
Helpful Tips
- Chicken Thighs vs. Chicken Breasts: I love thighs for this recipe because they stay so juicy in the slow cooker, but if you’re more of a chicken breast fan, go ahead and swap them in. Just keep an eye on the cooking time—they’ll cook a little faster.
- Make It Spicy: Want to add some heat? A pinch of red pepper flakes or some extra chili sauce will do the trick!
- Leftovers: If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they’re just as good the next day! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll last for up to 3 days.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken thighs?
Yes! You can definitely use frozen chicken thighs, but just add an extra hour or two to the cooking time.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop for best results.
Can I cook this on low?
Absolutely! If you want to cook it on low, just set your slow cooker for 6 to 8 hours instead of 4 to 6. It’ll come out just as tender and flavorful!
Conclusion
And there you have it—an easy, delicious dinner that’s as simple as it gets. This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs with Potatoes recipe is a winner for busy weeknights or when you just need a meal that practically cooks itself. I’m telling you, once you make this, it’ll be on repeat in your house. The flavors are so good, and the best part is you barely have to do any work!
Give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments below! Happy cooking!