Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs (Print Version)
Tender honey garlic chicken thighs cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. A simple, flavorful weeknight meal with minimal effort and maximum taste.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 240 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 255 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Dairy-Free
# Ingredients:
→ The Hearty Foundation
01 -
2 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
→ Sweet & Umami Glaze
02 -
1/2 cup honey
03 -
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
04 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
06 -
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
07 -
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
08 -
1/2 tsp black pepper
09 -
1/2 tsp salt
→ Thickening & Fresh Accents
10 -
2 tbsp cornstarch
11 -
2 tbsp cold water
12 -
1/4 cup green onions, sliced (for garnish)
13 -
1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
# Instructions:
01 -
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup honey, 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 4 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tbsp fresh ginger (grated), 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional), 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp salt. This creates the flavorful base for your Easy Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs.
02 -
Place 2 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs into your slow cooker. Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. There's no need to stir, just let the sauce embrace the chicken.
03 -
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Avoid lifting the lid too often to maintain consistent cooking temperature for these Easy Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs.
04 -
Carefully remove the cooked chicken thighs from the slow cooker and set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp cornstarch and 2 tbsp cold water to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the sauce remaining in the slow cooker.
05 -
Increase the slow cooker heat to HIGH (if available, or continue on LOW for longer) and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. While the sauce thickens, shred or chop the chicken thighs.
06 -
Return the shredded or chopped chicken to the thickened sauce in the slow cooker, tossing to coat. Serve your Easy Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs warm over rice or noodles. Garnish with 1/4 cup sliced green onions and 1 tbsp sesame seeds for a fresh finish.
# Notes:
01 -
For extra flavor, you can quickly sear the chicken thighs in a hot pan for 2-3 minutes per side before adding them to the slow cooker. This step is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor.
02 -
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The sauce will continue to thicken slightly upon cooling.
03 -
Feel free to adjust the 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes to your spice preference; omit for no heat or add more for a spicier kick.
04 -
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice, brown rice, or even quinoa. A side of roasted broccoli or sautéed green beans would complete the meal.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Slow cooker
02 -
Measuring cups
03 -
Measuring spoons
04 -
Whisk
05 -
Small bowl
06 -
Cutting board
07 -
Knife
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 435 kcal
Total Fat: 16 g
Total Carbohydrate: 29 g
Protein: 40 g