Print

Easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs - featured image
Print Recipe

This easy crockpot honey garlic chicken thighs recipe is a busy weeknight hero. With just a few minutes of prep and simple pantry ingredients, you get fall-apart tender chicken in a sweet, savory, and sticky glaze that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 6–8 thighs)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening)
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish
  • Chopped green onions, for garnish
  • Cooked white rice or steamed jasmine rice, for serving

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken thighs: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
  2. Sear the chicken (optional but recommended): Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken thighs in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. The chicken won’t be cooked through—that’s fine.
  3. Make the sauce: While the chicken sears, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ketchup, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small bowl.
  4. Layer in the crockpot: Place the seared chicken thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the top, making sure each piece is coated.
  5. Cook low and slow: Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The chicken is ready when it’s fork-tender and easily shreds apart.
  6. Thicken the sauce (optional): About 30 minutes before serving, remove the chicken to a plate and cover with foil. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Pour the slurry into the crockpot and stir. Let it cook uncovered for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to a glaze-like consistency.
  7. Finish and serve: Return the chicken to the crockpot and toss to coat with the thickened sauce. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately over steamed rice.

Notes

For best results, don’t skip searing the chicken—it adds deep flavor. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness. If using chicken breasts, reduce cooking time to 3-4 hours on low. The sauce thickens as it sits; leftovers are even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot honey garlic chicken, slow cooker chicken thighs, honey garlic chicken, easy chicken dinner, weeknight dinner, Asian chicken

Find it online: https://zoeplate.com/easy-crockpot-honey-garlic-chicken-thighs/