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.
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.
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.
Cover and let it cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Ensure 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.
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 Cooking Instructions
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.
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.
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.
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.
Oven Cooking Instructions
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.
In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, dry mustard, and ground pepper. Stir until well-blended.
Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish and pour the prepared mixture over them, ensuring each thigh is thoroughly coated.
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.
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.
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Notes
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.
GARLIC CHICKEN THIGHS CROCK POT FAQS
Do I need to sear the chicken thighs before placing them in the crockpot?Searing isn’t a requirement, but browning them first can add an additional layer of flavor.
Is it okay if my chicken thighs are slightly frozen when I put them in the crockpot?While it’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking, you can use semi-frozen thighs. However, the cooking time may need to be extended.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?Absolutely. Chicken breasts can be leaner and might turn out a bit drier than thighs, but if cooked properly, they can still be a delicious substitute.
Can I add vegetables to the crockpot with the chicken?Definitely! Vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or carrots can be added for extra flavor and a more wholesome meal. Just note that softer veggies might become quite tender after the long cooking time.