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Easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs (Best Recipe)

crockpot honey garlic chicken thighs - featured image

This incredibly easy slow cooker recipe delivers tender, fall-apart chicken thighs in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. With just 15 minutes of prep, you can set it and forget it for a crowd-pleasing meal that tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 68 thighs)
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional garnish: sliced green onions, sesame seeds, fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
  3. Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker in a single layer. Pour the sauce over the top, making sure each piece is coated.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  5. Carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and set aside, covered loosely with foil.
  6. Pour the cooking liquid into a small saucepan. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Slowly pour the slurry into the sauce while whisking constantly. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
  7. Return the chicken to the slow cooker or pour the thickened sauce over it. Toss gently to coat. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
  8. Transfer the chicken to a serving platter. Spoon extra sauce over the top. Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro if desired. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or with steamed vegetables.

Notes

For best results, use low heat and don’t skip the cornstarch slurry. Let the chicken rest in the sauce for 5-10 minutes before serving. The sauce can be thickened further by simmering on the stovetop if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot honey garlic chicken, slow cooker chicken thighs, easy chicken recipe, honey garlic chicken, guest favorite chicken