If you’re looking for a dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with a luscious, flavorful sauce, then this Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs (Slow Cooker) Recipe is about to become your new go-to meal. The magic happens as the chicken simmers slowly in a perfect blend of honey, garlic, soy sauce, and ginger, creating a sweet and savory glaze that clings beautifully to each piece. It’s effortless to prepare, takes the stress out of cooking, and fills your home with an inviting aroma that will have everyone eager for dinner. This recipe proves just how easy it is to impress with minimal hands-on time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential for creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color in this dish. Each one plays a vital role in building that rich, tangy, and slightly sticky sauce that defines the recipe.
- Chicken thighs (4 medium-sized, skin and bone in): Using skin-on adds flavor and keeps the meat juicy, but boneless works well if you prefer.
- Soy sauce (¼ cup): Provides a salty and umami depth that complements the sweetness.
- Water (¼ cup): Balances the sauce consistency and prevents it from becoming too thick too soon.
- Ketchup (¼ cup): Adds a gentle tang and tomato sweetness; passata or tomato sauce can be a fun twist.
- Garlic (3 teaspoons, minced or grated): Infuses bold, aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with honey.
- Honey (¼ cup): The star ingredient delivering that luscious natural sweetness and sticky glaze.
- Ginger (1 teaspoon, grated): Lends a little zing and freshness, balancing the rich flavors.
- Cornstarch (3 tablespoons) + water (2 tablespoons): Mixed into a slurry, this thickens the sauce perfectly without clumps.
- Sesame seeds and green onions/scallions: These bring a delightful crunch and fresh garnish that brighten the dish.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs (Slow Cooker) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Spray a 4-quart slow cooker with cooking oil to prevent sticking and place the chicken thighs inside. Add soy sauce, water, ketchup, minced garlic, honey, and grated ginger. Give everything a gentle stir to combine the sauce ingredients around the chicken.
Step 2: Slow Cook the Chicken
Cover and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or on LOW for 4-5 hours. The slow cooker works its magic by gently infusing the flavors and tenderizing the chicken. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the meat is wonderfully tender.
Step 3: Remove Chicken and Prepare Sauce
Carefully remove the cooked chicken thighs from the slow cooker and set them aside while leaving the flavorful sauce behind. This step gives you a chance to thicken the sauce and intensify its glossy finish.
Step 4: Make the Cornstarch Slurry
Mix 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl until smooth. Slowly pour this slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Turn the slow cooker to the HIGH setting and allow the sauce to cook for another 10-15 minutes. This helps it thicken to a perfect consistency that will coat the chicken beautifully without being runny.
Step 6: Return Chicken and Serve
Put the chicken thighs back into the slow cooker and baste them with the thickened sauce. Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top before serving to add that irresistible finishing touch.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs (Slow Cooker) Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate this dish to restaurant-quality presentation. Toasted sesame seeds bring nutty crunch, and green onions add bright color and a mild sharpness that complements the sweet sauce. A few red chili flakes are a nice option if you prefer a little heat.
Side Dishes
This Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs (Slow Cooker) Recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy basmati to soak up all the extra sauce. For veggies, bright steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans add freshness and a lovely contrast in texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken over cauliflower rice or alongside crispy roasted potatoes for a hearty option. You can also toss shredded chicken into wraps or salads for delicious leftovers that keep the flavors exciting!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover chicken and sauce should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days, making it a perfect weekday meal to grab and reheat.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Place portions of chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers slowly on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave at medium power to avoid drying out the chicken. Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs can be used and they will cook a bit faster. They remain tender and soak up the honey garlic sauce wonderfully.
Is it possible to make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can adapt it to an Instant Pot. Use the sauté function for a few minutes to lightly cook the sauce ingredients, then pressure cook the chicken for about 10-12 minutes followed by a quick release.
Can I reduce the sweetness in the sauce?
Definitely! If you prefer less sweetness, decrease the honey to 3 tablespoons and balance with a bit more soy sauce or a squeeze of lime juice for acidity.
What side dishes pair well with Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs?
Classic sides like steamed rice and green vegetables work beautifully. You can also serve it alongside noodles, roasted sweet potatoes, or even a light slaw for some crunch.
Do I need to brown the chicken before slow cooking?
Nope! This recipe skips the browning step to keep things simple. Cooking low and slow in the sauce ensures the chicken stays juicy and absorbs plenty of flavor.
Final Thoughts
With its wonderfully balanced flavors and unmatched ease, this Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs (Slow Cooker) Recipe is guaranteed to win a place in your family’s rotation. It’s effortless comfort food that feels special every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and watch it become one of your favorites too!
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Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs (Slow Cooker) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
Delicious Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs cooked slowly in a crock pot, featuring a flavorful blend of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and honey, then thickened with a cornstarch slurry for a perfect sticky glaze. This easy slow cooker recipe yields tender, juicy chicken with a sweet and savory sauce, ideal for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 medium-sized chicken thighs, skin and bone in (boneless optional)
Sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup ketchup (can substitute with passata or tomato sauce)
- 3 teaspoons garlic (minced, grated, or pressed)
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon ginger (grated)
Thickener
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Green onion/scallions, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare Slow Cooker and Combine Ingredients: Spray a 4-quart slow cooker or crock pot with cooking oil. Place the chicken thighs and all sauce ingredients (soy sauce, water, ketchup, garlic, honey, and ginger) into the cooker, excluding the cornstarch and additional water.
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Cook the mixture on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours or on LOW for 4 to 5 hours. Check the internal temperature of the chicken; it should reach 165°F for safe consumption.
- Remove Chicken: Take the chicken thighs out of the slow cooker, leaving the sauce behind in the pot.
- Make Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Slowly whisk this into the hot sauce in the slow cooker until fully incorporated.
- Thicken the Sauce: Continue cooking the sauce on the HIGH setting for another 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens nicely.
- Reassemble and Serve: Return the chicken thighs to the slow cooker, basting them with the thickened sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
- You can use boneless chicken thighs if preferred for quicker cooking and easier eating.
- Adjust the amount of honey depending on your desired sweetness level.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- The cooking time may vary slightly depending on slow cooker model and chicken size; always use a meat thermometer.
- Serve this dish with steamed rice or vegetables for a complete meal.
