Print

Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

Tender and flavorful Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs made with juicy bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs slow-cooked in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. This effortless, hands-off recipe delivers melt-in-your-mouth chicken perfect for busy weeknights or cozy meals, complemented by a rich, sticky glaze and optional fresh garnishes.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 to 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Sauce

  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

Thickener

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water

Optional Garnish

  • Sliced green onions
  • Toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chicken broth until well combined to create a rich, savory-sweet sauce.
  2. Arrange the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker, skin side up if using skin-on thighs to keep the meat juicy and allow the skin to absorb flavor.
  3. Pour the Sauce Over: Evenly pour the prepared honey garlic sauce over the chicken thighs, coating each piece thoroughly to infuse flavor during cooking.
  4. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is fall-apart tender and irresistibly moist.
  5. Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before the cooking ends, mix the cornstarch with cold water to form a slurry and stir it slowly into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce into a glossy glaze.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds before serving for a fresh crunch and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and tenderness.
  • Optional: Brown the chicken skin-side down before slow cooking for extra flavor and crispy texture.
  • Adjust honey quantity to taste for preferred sweetness.
  • Stir cornstarch slurry slowly to avoid lumps and achieve perfect sauce consistency.
  • Serve immediately for best texture; keep warm on low if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic chicken, slow cooker chicken, comfort food, easy dinner, slow cooker recipes, gluten-free chicken, honey glaze chicken