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Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs in Crockpot

honey garlic chicken thighs crockpot - featured image

Tender, fall-apart chicken thighs cooked low and slow in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. This set-it-and-forget-it recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and fills your kitchen with an incredible aroma.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 45 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Sliced green onions (for garnish)
  • Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, chicken broth, rice vinegar, and sesame oil (if using) until well combined.
  2. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper. Place chicken thighs in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker in a single layer.
  3. Pour the sauce over the chicken, making sure every piece is coated. Use a spatula to scrape all the sauce from the bowl.
  4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. Do not lift the lid during the first 4 hours of cooking.
  5. About 30 minutes before serving, optionally shred the chicken with two forks or leave whole.
  6. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Pour the slurry into the slow cooker and stir gently. Let cook uncovered for 20-30 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy glaze, stirring once or twice.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more soy sauce for saltiness or honey for sweetness if desired.
  8. Serve over steamed rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables. Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and an extra drizzle of honey.

Notes

Don’t lift the lid during the first 4 hours of cooking to maintain heat. For bone-in thighs, add about 1 hour on low and remove skin before cooking. The cornstarch slurry is essential for a thick, glossy sauce. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic chicken, crockpot chicken, slow cooker chicken, easy chicken dinner, honey garlic chicken thighs