Put chicken in a slow cooker, but what goes on top turns this into an irresistible family meal

Instructions

1. Sear for Flavor: Pat the chicken thighs dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in the skillet skin-side down and sear for 4-5 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip and sear for another 2-3 minutes. Transfer the chicken to your slow cooker.

2. Create the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the tasty browned bits. Whisk in the honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and dried thyme until combined. Let it simmer for one minute.

3. Slow Cook to Perfection: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fall-apart tender.

4. Thicken the Sauce (Optional): For a thicker, gravy-like sauce, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Whisk the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the liquid in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.

5. Serve & Enjoy: Place the tender chicken on a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes. Spoon the glorious honey garlic sauce over the top, garnish with fresh parsley, and get ready for compliments!

Chef’s Tip: For an easy oven method, after searing and making the sauce in an oven-safe skillet, nestle the chicken back in and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes.