Picture the sweet aroma of honey mingling with garlic, filling your kitchen on a busy afternoon. These Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs are an easy recipe magic that turns weeknight dinners into something special. Perfect for meal prep, they’ve been all the buzz for good reason who can resist that sticky, savory glaze?
This dish combines just four ingredients: chicken thighs, honey, soy sauce, and garlic. It’s comforting and unbelievably simple, like your favorite comfort food but effortlessly made in the slow cooker. You toss everything in, set it, and forget itthat’s the beauty of it! And yes, they’re totally freezer-friendly, too.
I started making these back in 2018 when life was chaotic with my kids’ busy schedules. The first time I served them, my daughter squealed, “This is magic!” The trick? Broil them at the end for a few minutes to get that glaze just right. After years of testing recipes, this one is a family favorite that I’m excited to share with you.
Enjoy tender, flavorful honey garlic slow cooker chicken thighs that require minimal prep and everyday ingredients. This recipe is perfect as a honey garlic chicken thighs crockpot meal or a slow cooker sticky chicken dish that’s both easy and delicious. Ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this sweet and savory chicken shines with a simple homemade sauce that melds honey, garlic, soy, and ginger into an irresistible glaze.
For serving: chopped scallions, sesame seeds, rice optional, to taste
1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/3 cup honey
1/3 cup ketchup
6 cloves garlic minced
1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes optional
2 tablespoons cornstarch
Method
Arrange chicken thighs evenly in the slow cooker insert.
In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, ketchup, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, grated ginger and red pepper flakes, stirring until well mixed.
Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker.
Cook on high for 3.5 hours or on low for 6 to 8 hours until the chicken is well cooked and tender.
Whisk cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water until smooth.
Add the cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker and stir to incorporate.
Continue cooking on high for an additional 15 minutes to thicken the sauce.
Serve the chicken whole or shred it using two forks directly in the slow cooker.
Optionally, serve over rice garnished with scallions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
This recipe yields 4 to 6 servings depending on portion size. Feel free to adjust the spiciness by omitting or adding crushed red pepper flakes. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Effortless: Just toss the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it work its magicperfect for busy nights.
Sweet & Savory: The honey garlic sauce strikes that lovely balance, making it a hit for family dinners or meal prep.
Versatile: Serve it over rice, toss it in a salad, or enjoy it in a wrapthere’s no wrong way to savor this meal!
Budget-Friendly: With just a handful of pantry staples, these honey garlic chicken thighs are easy on the wallet and oh-so-delicious.
Key Ingredients & Tools
To whip up these honey garlic slow cooker chicken thighs, you’ll need:
Chicken Thighs: Boneless and skinless for tender bites.
Honey: Adds a lovely sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Helps keep sodium levels in check while enhancing flavor.
Ketchup: A secret ingredient for depth and a touch of tang.
Garlic & Ginger: These aromatics bring the dish to lifefresh minced garlic and grated ginger are best!
Tools: A trusty slow cooker and a whisk for blending the sauce.
How It Works Step-by-Step
Start by layering the boneless, skinless chicken thighs in your slow cooker.
In a bowl, whisk together the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and fresh ginger until well combined.
Pour that sweet and savory sauce over the chicken, making sure it’s all well-coated. Set your slow cooker on high and let it cook for 3 hours and 30 minutes, or on low for 6 to 8 hours.
When it’s almost done, mix cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl. Add it to the slow cooker, give it a gentle stir, and let everything cook a little longer to thicken up.
Finally, either keep the chicken whole or shred it right in the pot, then serve topped with scallions and sesame seeds (if you like them) over a bed of rice.
Tweaks & Variations
Feel free to get creative with this easy honey garlic chicken recipe!
Add Spice: Toss in some crushed red pepper flakes for a kick.
Cooking Time Adjustments: If you’re using bone-in chicken thighs, plan on cooking for longer, adjusting to your slow cooker’s settings as necessary.
Keep It Fresh: Experiment with fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for a fresh pop of flavor just before serving.
Serving & Storage Tips
This dish is perfect for meal prep or family gatherings!
Serving Suggestions: Serve over fluffy rice, in lettuce wraps, or alongside steamed veggies for a complete meal.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Quick Tips
Tip
Detail
For a Glaze
Broil the chicken for a few minutes after cooking to caramelize the sauce for extra yum!
Make It Keto/Gluten-Free
Use coconut aminos in place of soy sauce for a low-carb and gluten-free option.
Perfect for Meal Prep
Double the batch and portion it out for quick lunches throughout the week.
Expert Says
Using honey in Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs not only adds a delightful sweetness but also enhances browning through caramelization. The natural sugars in honey create a flavorful glaze while the slow cooking process breaks down the collagen in chicken thighs, resulting in tender, juicy meat that’s hard to resist.
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The Journey to Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
After several attempts, I finally nailed the perfect balance for these Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs. I learned the hard way that too much garlic can overpower, but when I hit just the right note, the sweet and savory combination became a family favorite that I can’t wait to share with you.
FAQs ( Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs )
How long to cook chicken thighs in a slow cooker?
Cooking chicken thighs in a slow cooker typically takes 4 to 6 hours on low or about 2 to 4 hours on high. This allows the meat to become tender and absorb all the flavors. Always check that the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F for safety.
Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well in this recipe. They will cook faster than bone-in thighs, so reduce the cooking time to about 3 to 4 hours on low. This is a great option if you’re looking for more convenience without sacrificing flavor.
What sides should I serve with this dish?
This recipe pairs wonderfully with rice, which soaks up the delicious sauce. Steamed vegetables or a simple salad can add freshness and balance. For a heartier meal, consider mashed potatoes or a grain-based salad.
Can I make this dish keto-friendly?
Yes, to keep this dish keto-friendly, use low-sugar alternatives for honey or substitute with a sugar-free sweetener. Adjust the sauce accordingly to maintain flavor. Pair it with low-carb vegetables to complete your meal.
How to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the chicken in portions for later use. Reheat thoroughly before serving, adding a splash of water if needed to keep the sauce moist.
Conclusion
There you have itHoney Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs that are as comforting as a hug on a chilly day! After just a few hours, you’ll be treated to tender, flavorful bites that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Feel free to play around with the ingredients; toss in some veggies or adjust the sweetness to your liking. A little trick I picked up from my grandmother? Swap honey for maple syrup for a delightful twist! And don’t forget, leftovers are perfect for a quick lunch; just reheat them on low for that melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
I’d love to hear how your family enjoys this dish! Did you grow up with something similar? Snap a pic and share your memories! Don’t forget to save this recipe for those busy weeknightsyou’ll want to spread the magic!
