Juicy Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Recipe

Tucking tender chicken thighs into a honey garlic sauce creates magic in your kitchen.

Some nights demand comfort without complicated cooking steps.

Slow cookers transform ordinary ingredients into extraordinary meals with minimal effort.

Rich, sweet notes of honey blend beautifully with savory garlic undertones.

The aroma will drift through your home, promising a delicious dinner that feels effortless.

Minimal prep means maximum flavor in this simple yet impressive dish.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for busy weeknights when time is precious.

Grab a fork and get ready to savor every delectable bite.

Why Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Hit The Sweet Spot

• Unleash Effortless Flavor: This honey garlic chicken thighs recipe delivers maximum taste with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy home cooks wanting delicious meals without complex preparation.
• Customize and Adapt Easily: The recipe offers flexible cooking options like low or high slow cooker settings, optional searing step, and simple sauce thickening technique, making it adaptable to different skill levels and time constraints.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Meal: Packed with sweet and savory notes from honey, garlic, and soy sauce, this dish appeals to both kids and adults, transforming ordinary weeknight dinners into satisfying family experiences.
• Meal Prep Champion: With straightforward ingredients and hands-off cooking method, this recipe becomes an excellent meal prep option, allowing you to prepare a nutritious, flavorful protein that can be served with multiple side dishes throughout the week.

Everything Needed For Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

• Chicken Thighs: Tender meat that becomes juicy and flavorful in the slow cooker, boneless and skinless recommended for easy eating.

• Honey, Soy Sauce: Sweet and salty combination that creates rich glaze for the chicken.
• Ketchup: Adds depth and slight tanginess to the sauce.
• Vinegar: Provides balanced acidic note to enhance overall flavor.

• Garlic: Provides robust and aromatic taste profile.
• Ginger: Adds warm, slightly spicy undertone to the sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for subtle heat kick.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance chicken's natural taste.
• Olive Oil: Used for searing chicken to create golden brown exterior.
• Cornstarch, Water: Optional thickening agents for creating more substantial sauce texture.

• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Fresh and crunchy toppings that add visual appeal and light flavor contrast.

How To Slow Cook Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and carefully place chicken thighs in the pan. Cook each side until a beautiful golden-brown color develops, about 2-3 minutes per side. This quick searing locks in incredible flavor and creates a delicious exterior.

Step 2: Create the Magical Sauce

• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Minced garlic
• Ketchup
• Vinegar
• Grated ginger
• Red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)

Whisk everything together until the sauce looks smooth and glossy.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

• Low setting: 6-7 hours
• High setting: 3-4 hours

The chicken will become incredibly tender and infused with mouthwatering flavors.

Step 4: Sauce Transformation (Optional)

• Remove chicken and keep warm
• Mix cornstarch with water in a small bowl
• Stir the cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker sauce
• Cook on high for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens beautifully

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

• Fluffy rice
• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Steamed vegetables

Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Best Tips For Flavorful Chicken Thighs

• Sear for Flavor Boost: Quickly brown chicken thighs in a skillet before slow cooking to develop a deeper, richer taste profile that elevates the entire dish.
• Customize Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference, from mild to fiery, ensuring the recipe suits every palate.
• Sauce Thickening Trick: Use cornstarch slurry to transform thin cooking liquid into a glossy, restaurant-quality sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare ingredients the night before and store in the refrigerator, then simply dump into the slow cooker for a hassle-free meal.
• Leftover Transformation: Shred remaining chicken and use in tacos, salads, or sandwiches for a delicious next-day lunch that prevents food waste.

Storage Help For Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

• Refrigerate leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Seal the chicken with its delicious sauce to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Store in shallow containers to help cool the dish quickly and evenly.
• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-lock bags for convenient future meals.
• When freezing, remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn and preserve flavor.
• Frozen chicken will keep well for 2-3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently in the microwave or oven.
• Avoid multiple reheating cycles to maintain the chicken's tender texture and prevent overcooking.
• Always use clean utensils when handling stored food to prevent bacterial contamination.

What To Serve With Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

• Pair with Crisp Riesling: Select a slightly sweet Riesling that balances the honey's richness and cuts through the savory garlic notes, creating a refreshing contrast with the chicken's deep flavors.
• Match with Nutty Brown Rice: Create a wholesome base by serving the chicken over brown rice, which absorbs the delicious sauce and provides a hearty, nutritious complement to the tender meat.
• Serve with Roasted Broccoli Medley: Elevate the dish with roasted broccoli seasoned with garlic and sesame seeds, mirroring the recipe's flavor profile while adding a crunchy vegetable element that enhances the overall meal.
• Complement with Tangy Asian Slaw: Prepare a quick Asian-inspired coleslaw with rice vinegar, green onions, and a touch of sesame oil to provide a light, zesty side that cuts through the chicken's richness and adds textural variety.

Flavorful Twists On Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

• Spicy Honey Chipotle Version: Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the original honey garlic mixture for a smoky, fiery kick. Reduce red pepper flakes and incorporate a smoky paprika powder to enhance depth of flavor.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Replace soy sauce with balsamic vinegar and add dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary to the sauce. Include lemon zest for a bright, fresh Mediterranean-inspired profile that complements the chicken's richness.
• Asian Ginger Soy Alternative: Increase ginger quantity and swap ketchup with hoisin sauce. Include rice wine vinegar and a splash of sesame oil to create a more authentic Asian-inspired chicken preparation with complex umami undertones.
• Caribbean Tropical Remix: Introduce pineapple juice to the honey garlic sauce and sprinkle ground allspice. Incorporate a small amount of rum for depth, creating a tropical-inspired chicken dish with sweet and tangy characteristics.

Common Questions About Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

FAQs for Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs:

• Why should I sear the chicken before slow cooking?

Searing creates a golden-brown exterior that locks in flavor and adds depth to the final dish. It’s an optional step that enhances the overall taste and texture of the chicken.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

While you can use chicken breasts, chicken thighs are recommended because they’re more tender and flavorful. Breasts tend to dry out more easily in slow cookers, so you’ll need to be extra careful with cooking time.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild heat from red pepper flakes, which you can easily omit if you prefer a completely mild dish. The heat level is very gentle and can be adjusted to your taste preference.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and easily falls apart. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker, so use a meat thermometer for best results.

Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 6-7 hours
• Yield: 68 1x

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Description

Simmering with tantalizing honey garlic slow cooker chicken thighs, this dish promises a flavor explosion that melts in your mouth. Succulent chicken infused with sweet and savory notes will transport you to culinary bliss, making dinner an irresistible experience.

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Ingredients

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Chicken:

• 6 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (or boneless, if preferred)

Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Sauce Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup honey
• ⅓ 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)
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)

Sauce Thickener (optional):

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

Garnish:

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Carefully season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, ensuring complete coverage on both surfaces. Create a robust flavor foundation by quickly searing the meat in a skillet with heated olive oil, developing a golden-brown exterior that locks in delectable juices.
2. Craft a vibrant sauce by combining honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ketchup, vinegar, grated ginger, and optional red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl. Whisk ingredients until thoroughly blended, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
3. Strategically arrange seared chicken thighs inside the slow cooker, then generously pour the prepared sauce over the meat. Confirm each piece is completely coated, guaranteeing maximum flavor absorption during cooking.
4. Cover the slow cooker and allow chicken to simmer on low temperature for 5-6 hours or high temperature for 3-4 hours. Monitor until meat becomes exceptionally tender and fully cooked, practically falling apart with minimal pressure.
5. For a more luxurious sauce consistency, separate chicken temporarily and create a quick cornstarch slurry. Incorporate the mixture into remaining cooking liquid, allowing it to thicken for approximately 10-15 minutes on high setting.
6. Reunite chicken with enriched sauce, ensuring each piece receives a glossy, flavorful coating. Plate over fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or vibrant steamed vegetables. Elevate presentation by sprinkling fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top.

Notes

• Prep Ahead: Sear chicken thighs before slow cooking to lock in deep, rich flavors and create a beautiful golden-brown exterior that enhances overall taste and texture.
• Sauce Flexibility: Adjust honey and soy sauce ratio to control sweetness and saltiness, making the dish adaptable to personal preferences or dietary restrictions.
• Spice Control: Modify red pepper flakes quantity to create mild or spicy versions, perfect for families with different heat tolerance levels.
• Healthier Alternatives: Swap honey with maple syrup for lower glycemic index or use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content without compromising delicious flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 68
• Calories: 173
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 286 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 73 mg