Honey Garlic Boneless Chicken Thighs in the Crock Pot

These honey garlic boneless chicken thighs are irresistibly tender and coated in a sweet, savory, and sticky glaze made with honey, garlic, soy sauce, and a hint of ginger. Slow-cooked to perfection, this easy crock pot recipe creates a mouthwatering dish that pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

  • Sear the chicken first: Browning the chicken thighs in a skillet before slow cooking enhances flavor.
  • Use fresh garlic: Minced fresh garlic delivers a more robust flavor than garlic powder.
  • Thicken the sauce: Mix cornstarch with water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes for a thicker glaze.
  • Adjust sweetness: Add more or less honey depending on your preferred level of sweetness.
  • Soy sauce matters: Use low-sodium soy sauce to avoid an overly salty dish.
  • Add a spicy kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha adds a subtle heat.
  • Don’t overcook: Chicken thighs become fall-apart tender at around 4–6 hours on low—any longer, and they may be too soft.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This honey garlic chicken recipe is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness, all cooked effortlessly in the slow cooker. The honey creates a beautifully caramelized glaze, while the soy sauce adds depth and umami. Garlic and ginger infuse the dish with warmth, and a touch of vinegar keeps it from being overly sweet.

Perfect for busy weeknights, this crock pot recipe requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor. The slow cooking process makes the chicken incredibly tender, while the sauce thickens into a rich, glossy glaze. Serve it over rice for a comforting meal or alongside steamed veggies for a lighter option. It’s a dish the whole family will love!

Yield: Serves 6

Honey Garlic Boneless Chicken Thighs in the Crock Pot

Honey Garlic Boneless Chicken Thighs in the Crock Pot

Slow-cooked honey garlic chicken thighs are tender, flavorful, and coated in a rich, sticky glaze—perfect for easy, family-friendly dinners.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Additional Time 5 minutes
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • ½ cup honey
  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil (optional)
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
  • 2 tbsp sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
  • 2 tbsp chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Mince the garlic, grate the ginger, and measure out all ingredients. This ensures a smooth cooking process.
  2. Sear the Chicken (Optional): Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken thighs for 2 minutes per side to lock in flavor.
  3. Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
  4. Assemble in the Crock Pot: Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker and pour the honey garlic sauce over them, ensuring they are well coated.
  5. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreddable.
  6. Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the chicken before serving. Pair with steamed rice, noodles, or vegetables for a complete meal.
  8. Enjoy Every Bite! Serve hot and savor the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness.

Notes

  • If using bone-in chicken thighs, increase the cooking time by about 30 minutes.
  • For a saucier version, double the sauce ingredients.
  • Serve with stir-fried vegetables, jasmine rice, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.

Nutrition Information

Yield

6

Serving Size

1

Amount Per Serving Calories 386Total Fat 15gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 11gCholesterol 184mgSodium 653mgCarbohydrates 27gFiber 1gSugar 23gProtein 38g

The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Ingredient Notes

  • Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Stay juicy and tender in the crock pot. You can use chicken breasts, but they may be drier.
  • Honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps create the sticky glaze.
  • Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives a bold, aromatic flavor—don’t use pre-minced for the best taste.
  • Soy sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce balances the sweetness and adds a rich umami depth.
  • Ginger: Freshly grated ginger enhances the warmth of the dish, but ground ginger works in a pinch.
  • Rice vinegar: Helps balance the flavors with a mild tang. Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice can be used as substitutes.
  • Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce into a luscious glaze—skip it if you prefer a thinner consistency.
  • Sesame seeds & green onions: Optional, but they add great texture and freshness when sprinkled on top.

Variations and Substitutions

  • Use chicken breasts: They work well but may require slightly less cooking time (about 3–4 hours on low).
  • Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or a drizzle of chili oil.
  • Swap honey for maple syrup: This gives a different kind of sweetness with a richer, earthy flavor.
  • Add vegetables: Toss in carrots, bell peppers, or broccoli for a complete meal.
  • Make it gluten-free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
  • Try a tropical twist: Add pineapple chunks for a sweet and tangy variation.
  • Enhance with nuts: Garnish with chopped cashews or peanuts for extra crunch.

Storage Options

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
  • Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
  • Make ahead: This dish is great for meal prep! Store in portioned containers for easy grab-and-go meals.

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