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Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs in the Crockpot

honey garlic chicken thighs crockpot - featured image
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Tender, fall-apart chicken thighs in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, made effortlessly in the slow cooker. This set-it-and-forget-it recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and delivers incredible flavor with minimal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 6–8 thighs)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
  • Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken thighs: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
  2. Sear the chicken (optional but recommended): Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. The chicken will not be cooked through.
  3. Make the honey garlic sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and sriracha (if using).
  4. Assemble in the crockpot: Place the seared chicken thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the top, ensuring each piece is coated.
  5. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and shreds easily with a fork.
  6. Thicken the sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, remove the chicken from the crockpot and set aside. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water until smooth. Pour the slurry into the sauce in the crockpot and stir. Cook on high for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to a syrupy consistency. Return the chicken to the crockpot and coat with the thickened sauce.
  7. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro if desired. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or with roasted vegetables.

Notes

For best results, do not skip searing the chicken—it adds depth of flavor. Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat. Thicken the sauce at the end with cornstarch slurry to avoid breakdown during long cooking. If sauce is too thin, add more cornstarch slurry; if too thick, stir in water a tablespoon at a time.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://rowanrecipes.com/easy-honey-garlic-chicken-thighs-in-the-crockpot/