The Ultimate Easy Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs (Print Version)
How to make incredibly tender honey garlic chicken thighs in your slow cooker that are perfect for easy, delicious weeknight dinners.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 60 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 75 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Poultry
# Ingredients:
→ Main Components
01 -
2.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
02 -
1/2 cup honey
03 -
6 cloves garlic, minced
04 -
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
05 -
1/4 cup chicken broth
06 -
2 tablespoons cornstarch
→ Flavor Builders
07 -
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
08 -
1 teaspoon sesame oil
09 -
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
10 -
2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
→ Seasonings & Spices
11 -
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
12 -
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Finishing Touches
13 -
2 green onions, sliced
14 -
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
# Instructions:
01 -
In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, chicken broth, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. This forms the delicious base for your Easy Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs.
02 -
Trim any excess fat from your boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Arrange the chicken in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker. This ensures even cooking and allows each piece to absorb the wonderful flavors.
03 -
Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Gently turn the chicken to ensure every piece is thoroughly coated. This step is key for infusing maximum flavor into your Easy Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs.
04 -
Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2.5 hours, until the chicken is incredibly tender and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
05 -
Carefully remove the cooked chicken thighs from the slow cooker and set aside. In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the sauce and cook on high for 15-20 minutes, or until thickened.
06 -
Return the tender chicken thighs to the thickened sauce, ensuring they're well coated. Garnish your Easy Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
# Notes:
01 -
Prevent rubbery chicken by using a meat thermometer; cook until 165°F (74°C) to avoid overcooking.
02 -
Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
03 -
For a gluten-free option, substitute low-sodium soy sauce with tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
04 -
Serve the tender chicken and sauce over fluffy white rice, optionally with steamed broccoli or quick-pickled cucumbers.
05 -
Sear chicken thighs briefly before slow cooking for extra depth and beautifully caramelized surfaces.
06 -
Prepare the honey garlic sauce up to 24 hours ahead, storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Slow cooker
02 -
measuring cups and spoons
03 -
cutting board
04 -
knife
05 -
grater
06 -
medium bowl
07 -
small bowl
08 -
whisk
09 -
meat thermometer
10 -
tongs
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 450
Total Fat: 20g
Total Carbohydrate: 30g
Protein: 48g