Slow Cooker Sweet and Saucy Chicken Thighs

This flavor-packed Slow Cooker Sweet and Saucy Chicken Thighs is made with tamari sauce, Worcestershire sauce, fresh lemon juice, Sucanat, and juicy chicken thighs. This delicious dinner dish takes about 245 minutes from start to finish and serves up to 4 people with ease.

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Recipe Ingredients

3 tbsp of tamari sauce
3 tbsp of Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp of lemon juice
3 tbsp of Sucanat
1/3 cup (80 g) of ketchup (store-bought or homemade)
2 pounds (908 g) of boneless, skinless chicken thighs

How To Make Slow Cooker Sweet and Saucy Chicken Thighs

Mix the Sauces: In your slow cooker, add the tamari sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, Sucanat, and ketchup. Stir everything together until the ingredients are fully combined and smooth.
Add the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into the slow cooker, making sure each piece is coated well in the sauce mixture. Gently toss them to ensure they are fully covered.
Set the Cooking Time: Cover the slow cooker with the lid. If you’re cooking on low, let it cook for about 4 to 5 hours. For a quicker option, set it to high and cook for about 3 to 4 hours.
Check for Doneness: When the chicken is fully cooked, it should be tender and juicy, and it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Serve it warm, letting the sauce soak into each bite.

Recipe Tips

Add some spice: If you like a bit of heat, toss in 1/2 teaspoon of chili flakes or cayenne pepper while mixing the sauces. I love doing this for a subtle kick.
Use fresh herbs: Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or cilantro on top right before serving. It adds a nice pop of color and fresh flavor to the dish.
Try bone-in chicken: I’ve swapped boneless thighs for bone-in ones, and it turns out just as delicious. Just increase the cooking time by 30 minutes for the best tenderness.
Make it ahead: You can prep the sauce the night before and let the chicken marinate in the fridge overnight. This way, it’s all ready to go in the morning.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

Can I use coconut sugar instead of Sucanat?

Yes, you can swap Sucanat for coconut sugar in equal amounts. It provides a similar sweetness and works well with the other flavors in the recipe.

How do I store leftover sweet and saucy chicken?

Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

You can use boneless chicken breasts instead of thighs. Just keep in mind, chicken breasts might dry out a bit faster, so check for doneness after 3 hours on low.

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