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Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

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These honey garlic chicken thighs are tender, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make in a slow cooker. The sweet and savory honey garlic sauce pairs perfectly with rice, mashed potatoes, or vegetables for a satisfying meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

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For the chicken:

  • 6–8 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (or boneless, if preferred)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the sauce:

  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)

For thickening the sauce (optional):

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water

For garnish:

  • Chopped green onions
  • Sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken:
    • Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
    • Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown. (This step is optional but enhances the flavor.)
  2. Make the sauce:
    • In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, garlic, ketchup, vinegar, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  3. Slow cook the chicken:
    • Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the top, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated.
    • Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
  4. Thicken the sauce (optional):
    • If you’d like a thicker sauce, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep warm.
    • In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water. Stir the mixture into the sauce in the slow cooker and cook on high for 10–15 minutes, until thickened.
  5. Serve:
    • Return the chicken to the slow cooker to coat with the sauce.
    • Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.


Notes

  • Bone-in chicken thighs are recommended for juicier meat, but you can use boneless thighs or chicken breasts if preferred (adjust cooking time accordingly).
  • For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for 1–2 hours before cooking.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.