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Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pulled Chicken Thighs

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Juicy, tender pulled chicken thighs cooked low and slow in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, perfect for cookouts and easy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/3 cup honey (113g)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (60ml)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (30ml)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth (60ml)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for browning garlic)

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, onion powder, minced garlic, chicken broth, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Taste and set aside.
  2. Place chicken thighs in a single layer in the slow cooker.
  3. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken thighs without stirring.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2.5 to 3 hours until chicken is tender and easily shredded.
  5. Remove chicken from slow cooker and shred with two forks.
  6. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat with sauce. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Keep warm in the slow cooker for 10 minutes before serving. To thicken sauce, cook uncovered on high for 10-15 minutes or stir in a cornstarch slurry and cook on high for 10 minutes.

Notes

Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for best shredding and moisture. Fresh minced garlic is preferred over pre-minced. Browning garlic in olive oil before adding to sauce deepens flavor. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. To thicken sauce, use a cornstarch slurry. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, honey garlic, pulled chicken, chicken thighs, cookout recipe, easy dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/slow-cooker-honey-garlic-pulled-chicken-thighs-easy-perfect-cookout-recipe/