This honey garlic slow cooker chicken thighs recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. Juicy, tender chicken thighs are bathed in a luscious, sticky-sweet honey garlic sauce, infused with savory soy sauce and a hint of ginger. The slow cooker does all the work, making this dish incredibly effortless and deeply flavorful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you love bold flavors with minimal effort, this honey garlic chicken thighs recipe is for you. The slow cooker transforms the dark meat into fall-apart tenderness, soaking up every drop of the rich, garlicky sauce. The balance of sweet honey, salty soy sauce, and aromatic garlic creates an irresistible umami experience.
Unlike stovetop or oven-baked versions, slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a dish that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours—because it has! Whether you’re serving this over fluffy rice, mashed potatoes, or even crispy noodles, it’s an easy yet impressive crowd-pleaser.
This recipe is also a meal-prepper’s dream! It stores well, reheats like a charm, and works for everything from family dinners to lunchboxes. With simple pantry ingredients and no-fuss cooking, you’ll find yourself making this dish on repeat.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Use skinless, bone-in chicken thighs for extra tenderness – they stay juicier than boneless. However, boneless thighs work too!
- For extra caramelization, sear the chicken in a pan before placing it in the slow cooker.
- Thicken the sauce after cooking by simmering it with cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water).
- Want a stronger garlic kick? Add fresh minced garlic during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Low and slow is best – cook on low for the juiciest results. High heat works but can make the meat slightly drier.
- Add vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for a complete one-pot meal.
Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
Juicy, slow-cooked chicken thighs in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce—perfectly tender and full of rich, umami-packed flavors.
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening, optional)
- 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry, optional)
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). This sauce will infuse the chicken with deep, bold flavors.
- Arrange the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker in a single layer. Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Set the slow cooker to LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2.5-3 hours. The chicken should be tender and easily pull apart with a fork.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker, glaze-like sauce, remove the chicken and pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan. Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce over medium heat. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until it thickens.
- Serve and Enjoy: Return the chicken to the sauce or drizzle it over the plated dish. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes before slow cooking.
- The sauce will naturally thin out as the chicken releases its juices—thicken as needed.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen!
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 453Total Fat 15gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 10gCholesterol 205mgSodium 875mgCarbohydrates 42gFiber 1gSugar 35gProtein 43g
The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.
Ingredients Notes
- Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skinless thighs are the best choice for deep flavor and tenderness. Boneless thighs work but may cook faster.
- Honey: Provides the perfect natural sweetness. Opt for raw honey for a richer depth of flavor.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is key! It gives the sauce its signature punchy flavor.
- Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce works, but if you prefer a lighter sodium version, adjust the salt levels accordingly.
- Ginger: Freshly grated ginger adds a warm, peppery note that complements the honey.
- Rice Vinegar: A touch of acidity balances the sweetness. Apple cider vinegar is a good substitute.
- Sesame Oil: Enhances the dish with a toasty, nutty undertone.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce if you prefer a sticky glaze.
Variations and Substitutions
- Swap Chicken Thighs for Chicken Breasts: If using chicken breasts, reduce the cook time by 30-45 minutes to avoid dryness.
- Make it Spicy: Add 1 teaspoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes for a sweet-heat kick.
- Low-Carb Version: Replace honey with a sugar-free sweetener like monk fruit syrup for a keto-friendly alternative.
- Add Veggies: Bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli can be added in the last hour of cooking.
- Use Different Proteins: This sauce pairs beautifully with pork or salmon for a unique twist.
Storage Options
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in 30-second bursts, adding a splash of water if needed.
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