Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
A cozy and easy slow cooker recipe featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, perfect for fuss-free weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 to 6 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes (low) or 3 hours 10 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (boneless optional)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/3 cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Chopped green onions or chives (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and water. Set aside.
- Pat dry the chicken thighs with paper towels.
- Optional: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken thighs skin-side down for 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy, then flip and sear the other side for 2 minutes.
- Place chicken thighs skin side up in the slow cooker pot.
- Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and sauce is slightly thickened.
- About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry and stir into the slow cooker. Cook uncovered for the remaining time to thicken the sauce.
- Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the top before serving.
Notes
Do not lift the slow cooker lid frequently during cooking to avoid heat loss. Browning the chicken before slow cooking adds flavor and texture but is optional. Use cornstarch slurry in the last 30 minutes to thicken the sauce without making it gluey. Let chicken rest 5 minutes after cooking for better moisture. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 16
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 28
Keywords: slow cooker, honey garlic chicken, chicken thighs, easy dinner, comfort food, crockpot chicken, weeknight meal