Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
These Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs are tender, juicy, and full of sweet and savory flavor! Slow-cooked with honey, garlic, and soy sauce, they create a sticky, flavorful glaze that’s perfect over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes. Easy, family-approved, and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 2–3 lbs 900 g–1.4 kg chicken thighs, bone-in or boneless
- ¼ cup honey
- 3–4 garlic cloves minced
- ¼ cup soy sauce low-sodium optional
- 2 tbsp ketchup or tomato paste
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- Optional: ¼ tsp red pepper flakes for mild heat
- Optional Add-Ons:
- Sliced onions or bell peppers
- Sesame seeds or chopped green onions for garnish
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar to brighten sauce
- 1 tbsp butter to enrich sauce before serving
Instructions
- Step 1 – Prep the Chicken:
- Pat chicken thighs dry and season lightly with salt and pepper. (Optional) Sear in a hot skillet 2–3 minutes per side for a caramelized crust.
- Step 2 – Mix the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ketchup, and seasonings until smooth.
- Step 3 – Slow Cook:
- Place chicken in the slow cooker and pour sauce evenly over the top.
- Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours until chicken is fork-tender and coated in glaze.
- Step 4 – Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
- Remove chicken and pour remaining sauce into a saucepan. Stir in cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) and simmer until glossy. Return chicken to coat.
- Step 5 – Serve:
- Serve over steamed rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
- Use skinless thighs for better sauce absorption.
- Avoid overcooking — thighs remain juicy.
- Taste before serving; adjust sweetness or saltiness as needed.
- For extra flavor, add a dash of sriracha or fresh herbs.