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Cozy Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe with Creamy Mashed Potatoes

cozy crockpot honey garlic chicken thighs - featured image

A comforting slow cooker recipe featuring tender honey garlic chicken thighs paired with creamy mashed potatoes, perfect for cozy nights and easy meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 68 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds / 900g)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning, optional but recommended)
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
  • 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1/2 cup whole milk or cream (room temperature)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: fresh chives or parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Optional: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown chicken thighs skin-side down for 4-5 minutes, then flip and brown the other side for 3 minutes. Transfer to the slow cooker.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, chicken broth, and apple cider vinegar. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
  5. About 30 minutes before the chicken finishes, place peeled and cubed potatoes in a medium pot, cover with cold water, add a pinch of salt, bring to a boil, and simmer until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
  6. Return potatoes to pot or a large bowl. Add butter and warm milk. Mash until creamy but still a bit textured. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley if desired.
  7. Carefully remove chicken from the slow cooker and keep warm. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the remaining sauce, turn slow cooker to high, and cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes until sauce thickens to a glossy glaze.
  8. Serve mashed potatoes topped with honey garlic chicken thighs and drizzle extra sauce over everything. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Dry chicken before browning for better crust. Browning is optional but adds flavor and texture. Use warm milk for mashed potatoes for creaminess. Stir cornstarch slurry gently and watch sauce while thickening to avoid gluey texture. For gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos. Dairy-free substitutions include coconut or almond milk and dairy-free butter. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3 days; freeze chicken and potatoes separately for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic chicken, crockpot chicken, slow cooker recipe, creamy mashed potatoes, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal