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Easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

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Tender, fall-apart chicken thighs in a thick, glossy honey garlic sauce, made effortlessly in the slow cooker. Perfect for busy weeknights, this set-it-and-forget-it recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 6–8 thighs)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken thighs: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Sprinkle both sides generously with salt and black pepper. If using olive oil, rub a thin layer over the chicken before seasoning. Set aside.
  2. Make the honey garlic sauce: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together honey, low-sodium soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
  3. Layer the chicken in the crockpot: Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer if possible. Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken.
  4. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
  5. About 30 minutes before serving, check the chicken for doneness. If tender, use tongs to transfer the chicken to a plate or cutting board. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
  6. Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Pour the slurry into the liquid remaining in the crockpot and whisk thoroughly. Turn the slow cooker to high, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the sauce is thick and glossy.
  7. Return the chicken to the sauce: Gently place the chicken thighs back into the crockpot and spoon sauce over the top. Let warm through for about 5 minutes.
  8. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the chicken. Serve immediately over steamed rice, quinoa, or with vegetables.

Notes

Do not skip the cornstarch slurry step—it transforms the thin cooking liquid into a thick, glossy glaze. For best results, cook on low for 6-7 hours. Fresh garlic is recommended over pre-minced jarred garlic for optimal flavor. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot honey garlic chicken, slow cooker chicken thighs, easy chicken dinner, honey garlic chicken, set it and forget it chicken

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