Get ready to fall in love with the sweet, savory magic of Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs! This dish brings together tender, juicy pieces of chicken in an irresistibly glossy sauce bursting with honey, soy sauce, garlic, and just the right touch of tang. The best part? Everything happens right in your slow cooker for a fuss-free dinner that feels like a treat, even on the busiest weeknights. You’ll want to put your own spin on this recipe time and again, and I promise it’ll become a cherished favorite on your dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs lies in its honest, unfussy ingredient list. Every element does its part to create a dinner that’s both comforting and flavor-packed, with a gorgeous sticky sauce that clings to succulent chicken.
- Chicken thighs (2 pounds, boneless, skinless): These stay juicy and tender throughout the slow cooking process, perfect for soaking up all that yummy sauce.
- Honey (1/2 cup): The star ingredient here, bringing a beautiful sweetness and a lovely golden glaze to the finished dish.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (1/2 cup): Adds savory depth while keeping things from getting too salty—definitely use low-sodium if you can.
- Ketchup (1/4 cup): Rounds out the flavors with a little tang and helps create that classic sticky, shiny texture.
- Hoisin sauce (2 tablespoons, optional): For an extra layer of complexity and umami richness—fantastic if you have it on hand!
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Balances the sweet with a hint of bright acidity.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Loads of aromatic punch; don’t be shy here, it’s all about that fragrant bite.
- Fresh ginger (1 teaspoon, grated): Brings a gentle, warm zing right into the sauce.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Just a subtle heat if you like things with a touch of spice.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): The trusty thickener that brings your sauce from runny to luxuriously glossy.
- Water (2 tablespoons): Just enough to activate the cornstarch for a smooth finish.
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish): Adds a fresh pop of color and texture right before serving.
How to Make Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
Step 1: Prep Your Chicken and Sauce
Let’s get started! Arrange your chicken thighs snuggly in the bottom of your slow cooker—no need to pre-sear, that’s the beauty of this recipe. In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, hoisin sauce (if you’re using it), rice vinegar, minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes. This easy marinade is what transforms simple chicken into unforgettable Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs!
Step 2: Slow Cook Until Tender
Pour that luscious sauce over the chicken thighs, making sure each piece is nicely coated. Pop the lid on and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, or if you’re short on time, on high for 2.5 to 3 hours. The chicken will become ultra-tender, soaking up layers of flavor while you go about your day.
Step 3: Make the Sauce Silky and Thick
Once the chicken is done, gently transfer the pieces out and set them aside—you don’t want to leave anyone behind! In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a smooth slurry. Stir this into the sauce in your slow cooker, then crank the heat up to high and cook uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes. Watch as your sauce transforms, thickening into that signature, sticky-sweet glaze that loves to cling to every bite.
Step 4: Finish and Garnish
Return the chicken thighs to the slow cooker, giving them a good toss so they’re evenly swaddled in the thickened sauce. Right before serving, sprinkle with chopped green onions and a handful of sesame seeds for a finishing touch that brings brightness and a gentle crunch. Your Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs are officially ready for the spotlight!
How to Serve Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of the perfect garnish! A flurry of thinly sliced green onions and a scattering of toasted sesame seeds not only adds color and crunch, but they also enhance every savory-sweet bite. For an extra festive flair, try a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or even a few thin slices of red chili for some heat.
Side Dishes
Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs are a match made in heaven for a bowl of fluffy steamed jasmine rice or simple noodles—the sauce soaks right in! For a pop of freshness and color, add some steamed broccoli, snap peas, or sautéed bok choy on the side. If you’re feeling adventurous, a crisp, Asian-inspired slaw brings the perfect contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not turn dinner into something extra special? Shred your chicken and heap it inside lettuce cups or steamed bao buns, then drizzle with extra sauce. You can also serve the chicken over rice in individual bowls, topped with veggies for a complete rice bowl experience. This dish even works wonderfully as a meal prep star—pack with your favorite veggies and grains for lunchboxes that make coworkers jealous.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to transfer both chicken and sauce to an airtight container and let cool completely before sealing. When hunger calls, you’ll be reaching for these leftovers with a big smile!
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this dish for a future easy dinner. After cooling, portion the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Lay flat for easier storage, and be sure to squeeze out any extra air to prevent freezer burn. They’ll keep well for up to three months.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs again, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until hot and bubbling, stirring occasionally. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before warming. The sauce may thicken even more, so don’t hesitate to add a splash of water to loosen it up if needed.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken thighs instead of boneless?
Absolutely! Bone-in chicken thighs work wonderfully for this recipe—just keep in mind that they may require a little extra cooking time to become fully tender. The bones can add even more depth of flavor.
Can I make Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce the night before and even marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor. In the morning, simply transfer everything to your slow cooker and proceed as directed. The cooked chicken also reheats beautifully for meal prepping.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten free?
You sure can! Swap out the soy sauce for your favorite gluten-free version (like tamari or coconut aminos) and double-check that your hoisin sauce is gluten free if you’re using it. Just like that, your Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs are safe for gluten-sensitive guests.
Can I substitute chicken breasts for thighs?
You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option—just be cautious with the cook time as breasts can dry out more quickly. Check for doneness at the lower end of the time range.
What can I do if my sauce is too thin?
If you find the sauce isn’t thickening to your liking, you can make a little extra cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water) and stir it in. Let it simmer in the slow cooker with the lid off until you reach that perfect, sticky consistency.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to share these Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with your family and friends! There’s just something so inviting about this incredibly simple yet unforgettable meal. Give it a whirl, have fun with the garnishes and sides, and get ready to add these thighs to your list of absolute favorites.
Print
Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish with a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. The tender chicken is cooked low and slow in a flavorful sauce that will have everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients
Chicken Thighs:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce (optional for extra depth)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Thickening:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Garnish:
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
- Create Sauce: In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, ketchup, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Pour over chicken.
- Cook: Cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 2.5-3 hours until chicken is tender.
- Thicken Sauce: Remove chicken. Mix cornstarch with water and stir into the sauce. Cook on high, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes.
- Finish Dish: Return chicken to the sauce. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- Serve over rice or noodles with vegetables.
- Bone-in thighs may be used with extended cooking time.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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