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Easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

easy crockpot honey garlic chicken thighs - featured image

A forgiving and flavorful slow cooker recipe that yields tender, juicy chicken thighs in a glossy, sweet-and-savory honey garlic sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep.

Ingredients

  • Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • Honey (real honey, not corn syrup blends)
  • Soy sauce (low-sodium or tamari for gluten-free)
  • Fresh garlic, minced
  • Fresh ginger, grated
  • Rice vinegar
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Cornstarch
  • Cold water (for cornstarch slurry)
  • Toasted sesame oil
  • Green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and place them in the slow cooker in a single layer.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes until smooth and emulsified.
  3. Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Use a spatula to scrape out the bowl and turn the chicken to coat evenly.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours. Do not cook on HIGH for more than 3 hours.
  5. About 30 minutes before serving, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry.
  6. Pour the slurry into the slow cooker, stir gently to distribute, cover, and cook on HIGH for the final 30 minutes to thicken the sauce.
  7. Drizzle with sesame oil and garnish with chopped green onions before serving over rice or noodles.

Notes

Use fresh garlic and ginger for best flavor; jarred garlic can turn bitter. The cornstarch slurry is essential for thickening the sauce. If using chicken breasts, reduce cooking time to 2-3 hours on low to prevent dryness. For a spicy version, add jalapeรฑo or increase red pepper flakes. Can be made in an Instant Pot using sautรฉ and pressure cook functions.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot, slow cooker, honey garlic chicken, chicken thighs, easy dinner, meal prep, gluten-free option, dairy-free