Easy Honey Garlic Crockpot Chicken Thighs Recipe for Busy Weeknights
A hands-off, flavorful honey garlic chicken thighs recipe cooked in a crockpot, perfect for busy weeknights. The slow cooking method creates tender, juicy chicken coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours (low) or 2 to 3 hours (high)
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 5 hours 10 minutes (low) or 2 hours 10 minutes to 3 hours 10 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (boneless optional, cooking time may vary)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup water or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water (for cornstarch slurry)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Black pepper, freshly ground
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup honey, 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, and 1/4 cup water or chicken broth. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Set aside.
- Pat 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Optional: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon oil. Sear chicken thighs skin-side down for 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Place the chicken thighs in a single layer in the crockpot, skin side up if seared.
- Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken, coating each piece.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until chicken is tender and falling off the bone.
- About 15 minutes before serving, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water to make a slurry. Stir it into the crockpot to thicken the sauce. Skip if you prefer a thinner sauce.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
Pat chicken dry before cooking to help sauce stick and avoid watery sauce. Searing chicken is optional but adds flavor and texture. Avoid overcooking beyond 5 hours on low to prevent mushy texture. Thicken sauce with cornstarch slurry near the end for a glossy finish. Use tamari for gluten-free option. Add red pepper flakes or Sriracha for spice. Serve with steamed rice or roasted vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 13
- Sodium: 550
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 25
Keywords: honey garlic chicken, crockpot chicken thighs, slow cooker chicken, easy dinner, weeknight meal, honey garlic sauce, crockpot recipe