The 5-Minute Prep Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken That Went Viral
The primary complaint among novice slow cooker users centers on watery sauce. Because the heavy lid traps all moisture, natural chicken juices dilute the soy and honey mixture over three hours of braising. Opening the lid to let it boil down inside the vessel takes too long and drops internal heat dramatically.
The solution is an authentic cornstarch thickening slurry introduced at the very tail end of the cook. Whisk two tablespoons of cornstarch into two tablespoons of cold water until fully suspended. Pour this mixture into the hot braising liquid, stirring thoroughly around the chicken thighs. Switch the cooker setting to High for 15 to 20 minutes with the lid tilted slightly. The cornstarch molecules swell and burst at roughly 203°F, rapidly binding the free liquids into a glossy sweet and savory glaze.
For an even thicker, takeout-style consistency, transfer the liquid into a small saucepan over medium stovetop heat for three minutes. The sugars will bubble and reduce into a dark lacquer that coats the back of a spoon.