Slow Cooker Honey Soy Chicken

INGREDIENTS:

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce

1/2 cup honey

1/4 cup hoisin sauce

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

2 tablespoons sesame oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

1/2 cup chicken broth

2 tablespoons cornstarch

2 tablespoons water

Sesame seeds, for garnish

Green onions, sliced, for garnish

Cooked rice, for serving

DIRECTIONS:

Prepare the Chicken: Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and place them in the slow cooker.

Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using) until well combined.

Combine: Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring that the chicken is well coated.

Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

Thickening the Sauce:

Prepare the Slurry: About 30 minutes before the end of cooking time, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry.

Thicken the Sauce: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and set aside. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker. Increase the heat to high and let the sauce cook, uncovered, for about 20-30 minutes, or until thickened.

Finish the Chicken: Return the chicken to the slow cooker and toss it in the thickened sauce to coat evenly.

Serving:

Garnish: Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the chicken for garnish.

Serve: Serve the honey soy chicken over cooked rice, spooning extra sauce over the top.