Print

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

slow cooker honey garlic chicken thighs - featured image
Print Recipe

A cozy, hands-off slow cooker recipe featuring tender chicken thighs in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, perfect for easy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup honey (170g)
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce (80ml), low-sodium preferred
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup (30ml)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (15ml)
  • 1/4 cup water or chicken broth (60ml)
  • Ground black pepper, freshly cracked, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (8g) (optional, for thickening)
  • 2 tablespoons cold water (30ml) (for cornstarch slurry)
  • Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
  • Green onions, thinly sliced (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and water or chicken broth until fully blended.
  2. Optional: Heat a small skillet over medium-high heat with a bit of oil. Sear chicken thighs skin-side down for 3-4 minutes until golden brown, then flip and sear the other side for 2 minutes. Skip if short on time.
  3. Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker in a single layer. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours until chicken is fork-tender and sauce is bubbling gently.
  5. Optional: About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker, cover, and cook on high for 20-30 minutes until sauce thickens.
  6. Before serving, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a fresh, nutty finish.

Notes

Searing chicken before slow cooking adds extra flavor and crispiness but is optional. Use fresh minced garlic for best flavor. Adjust sweetness by tasting the sauce before cooking and adding more vinegar or soy sauce if needed. Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid frequently to maintain cooking temperature. Use bone-in thighs for juicier results. Cornstarch slurry should be added near the end to avoid gummy sauce. Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, honey garlic chicken, chicken thighs, easy dinner, crockpot recipe, comfort food, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/slow-cooker-honey-garlic-chicken-thighs-easy-recipe-for-cozy-dinners/