Garlic Chicken Thighs

Savor the blend of soy sauce, lime juice, and garlic with these flavor-packed Garlic Chicken Thighs! Perfect for the crockpot, Instant Pot, and the oven.

GARLIC CHICKEN IN SLOW COOKER INGREDIENTS

• Chicken Thighs, bone-in or boneless
• Soy Sauce
• Lime Juice
• Worcestershire Sauce
• Garlic Cloves, Minced
• Dry Mustard
• Ground Pepper
• Cornstarch

PAM’S TIP: Whether you opt for bone-in or boneless chicken thighs largely depends on your personal preference and cooking goals. Bone-in thighs can bring a richer depth of flavor to dishes. They also tend to retain moisture better, resulting in juicier, more succulent bites. On the other hand, boneless thighs offer convenience; they’re quicker to cook and easier to eat, making them a go-to for those busy weeknight dinners or when serving kids. Whichever you choose, both versions can seamlessly fit into my Garlic Lime Chicken Thighs recipe, ensuring results every time.

HOW TO MAKE LIME GARLIC CHICKEN

I’m sharing three different cooking methods for my Lime Garlic Chicken! While I have a soft spot for the crockpot, due to its sheer convenience, the Instant Pot and oven shouldn’t be overlooked. Each method brings its own unique touch, ensuring delicious results every time.

Crockpot Garlic Chicken Thighs

1. Begin by trimming any excessive fat from the chicken thighs. While a bit of fat can enhance the flavor, I recommend removing any larger chunks.

2. Next, position the chicken thighs at the bottom of the crockpot. Pour over the soy sauce, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, dry mustard, and ground pepper, then give everything a good stir to ensure even coating.

3. Cover and let it cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Make sure the chicken is thoroughly cooked, with its internal temperature reaching at least 165 degrees F.

To give the sauce a richer, gravy-like consistency: About an hour before the end of cooking, whisk together 2 tbsp of cornstarch with 1 cup of cold water to form a slurry. Pour this to the crockpot, stirring it into the sauce for a thicker finish.

4. Cook the meat until it is 165 degrees F! Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken thighs from the Crock Pot and place them on a serving dish. Pour the sauce over the chicken, sprinkle with sesame seeds for garnish, and serve.

Instant Pot Chicken Thighs

1. Start by trimming any excessive fat from the chicken thighs. A bit of fat can add depth to the flavor, but it’s best to remove larger chunks for even cooking.
2. In the Instant Pot, using the sauté function, lightly brown the chicken thighs on both sides for added depth of flavor. Turn off the sauté function (this step is optional). Pour in the soy sauce, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, dry mustard, and ground pepper. Stir well to ensure the chicken is well-coated in the mixture.
3. Secure the lid, making sure the venting knob is set to the sealing position. Select the manual or pressure cook setting and adjust the time for 15 minutes on high pressure. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow for a natural release for about 10 minutes, followed by a quick release.
4. To achieve a thicker sauce consistency: Select the sauté function again. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp of cornstarch with 1 cup of cold water to create a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the Instant Pot, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens. Turn off the Instant Pot and serve.

Baked Garlic Chicken Thighs

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. Start with the chicken thighs, trimming off any excessive fat. While a modest amount of fat can enhance flavor, it’s advisable to remove any larger pieces for an even cook.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, dry mustard, and ground pepper. Stir until well-blended.
3. Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish and pour the prepared mixture over them, ensuring each thigh is thoroughly coated.
4. Transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked, making sure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F.
5. For a thicker sauce: About 10 minutes before the chicken is done, remove the baking dish from the oven. In a separate bowl, blend 2 tbsp of cornstarch with 1 cup of cold water to form a slurry. Pour this mixture into the baking dish, stirring it into the sauce. Return the dish to the oven for the remaining cooking time, allowing the sauce to thicken to a gravy-like consistency.

GARLIC CHICKEN CROCKPOT VARIATIONS

The Garlic Lime Chicken Thighs recipe isn’t just a flavor-packed recipe; it’s a star in my lineup of freezer-friendly dishes. By preparing and freezing this flavorful concoction ahead of time, you ensure a prompt and savory meal solution whenever needed. If you’re eager to learn more about freezer meals, don’t skip my detailed freezer meal guide! In it, I not only elaborate on optimizing this Garlic Lime Chicken recipe for freezing but also spotlight six other exceptional Chicken Crockpot Freezer Meals, full advice.

Creamier Garlic Lime Sauce: At the same time you go to thicken the sauce, add ½ cup heavy cream. Remember, adding heavy cream will not only make the sauce creamier but will also reduce the overall spiciness and intensity of flavors. So, consider that.

Spicer Garlic Lime Sauce: Looking to add a little spice to this recipe? You can add ½ tsp of red pepper flakes or 2 tbsp hot sauce to the original recipe for an added kick.

HOW TO SERVE GARLIC CHICKEN THIGHS RECIPE

Garlic Chicken Thighs are versatile and can complement a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:

• Rice: Whether it’s plain jasmine rice, brown rice, or a pilaf, the grains soak up the flavorful sauce perfectly.
• Vegetables: Steamed or roasted vegetables, such as green beans, broccoli, or asparagus, provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken.
• Salad: A light, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the savory depth of the chicken.
• Potatoes: Mashed potatoes or roasted baby potatoes can pair wonderfully, absorbing the sauce and providing a hearty accompaniment.

STORING CHICKEN THIGHS GARLIC

Do you have leftovers? Here are some details on properly storing the Garlic Chicken Thighs!

1. Cooling: Before storing, allow the garlic chicken thighs to cool to room temperature. This usually takes about 20-30 minutes.
2. Containers: Transfer the chicken thighs to airtight containers. These containers help maintain freshness and prevent the chicken from absorbing any odors from the fridge.
3. Refrigeration: Once in an airtight container, place the chicken thighs in the refrigerator. They will keep well for 3-4 days.
4. Freezing: If you want to store them for a longer period, I’d suggest freezing the chicken thighs. In an airtight, freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, the chicken can be stored for up to 3 months. Remember to label the container or bag with the date for reference.
5. Reheating: When you’re ready to eat, if the chicken has been frozen, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. For reheating, you can use the microwave, oven, or stovetop. Ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

GARLIC CHICKEN THIGHS CROCK POT FAQS

This recipe is the perfect blend of tang, spice, and savory and is a testament to the magic of simple ingredients coming together. Whether you choose the crockpot, Instant Pot, or oven method, the end result will be flavorful and tender. Enjoy every bite and don’t forget to pair with your favorite sides for a complete culinary experience. Happy cooking!

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