Irresistible Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Recipe

Soft, succulent chicken thighs bathed in a luscious honey garlic slow cooker sauce promise an explosion of flavor.

This mouthwatering dish blends sweet and savory notes into a delectable meal that demands attention.

Tender meat falls apart with the gentlest touch, infused with rich aromatic seasonings.

The slow cooking method ensures each bite melts effortlessly on your tongue.

Simple ingredients combine to create a restaurant-quality meal without hours of preparation.

Minimal effort yields maximum deliciousness, making this recipe a weeknight dinner champion.

Prepare to savor every single bite of this irresistible chicken sensation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)

Total Time: 6-7 hours

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 69

What’s Inside Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

• Chicken Thighs: Succulent and tender cut that absorbs flavors beautifully, preferring bone-in options for richer taste and juicier meat. Choose organic or free-range for superior quality and deeper flavor profile.

• Honey: Natural sweetener that caramelizes perfectly, creating rich glaze with deep golden undertones. Select raw, local honey for maximum nutritional benefits.
• Soy Sauce: Delivers umami depth and salty complexity, balancing sweet notes. Choose low-sodium varieties for healthier preparation.
• Ketchup: Adds tangy richness and subtle tomato complexity to sauce. Opt for organic brands with minimal preservatives.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides bright, acidic balance and helps tenderize meat. Select unfiltered versions for robust flavor.

• Garlic: Aromatic powerhouse that infuses intense savory notes. Fresh cloves always trump pre-minced versions for maximum punch.
• Ginger: Introduces warm, spicy undertones with subtle zingy kick. Fresh root delivers most vibrant flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Contributes gentle heat and exciting spice dimension. Adjust quantity based on personal heat tolerance.

• Cornstarch: Creates silky, glossy sauce texture without heaviness. Mix thoroughly to prevent lumps.
• Water: Helps integrate cornstarch smoothly for perfect sauce consistency.

• Green Onions: Adds fresh, crisp finishing touch with mild onion brightness.
• Sesame Seeds: Introduces delightful nutty crunch and visual appeal.

Slow Cooker Tools For Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

• Slow Cooker: Main appliance for cooking the chicken to tender perfection.
• Skillet: Used for searing chicken to develop rich golden-brown color and extra flavor.
• Small Bowls: Perfect for mixing sauce ingredients and cornstarch slurry.
• Whisk: Essential for blending sauce ingredients smoothly without lumps.
• Cutting Board: For preparing ingredients and chopping green onions for garnish.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient proportions.
• Tongs: Helpful for handling and turning chicken during searing process.

How To Cook Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

• Brown the Chicken

Sprinkle salt and pepper on chicken thighs. Sizzle chicken in hot skillet with olive oil until golden and crispy on each side, creating a delicious caramelized exterior.

• Create Flavor Explosion

Whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ketchup, vinegar, ginger, and optional red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl, blending sweet and savory elements.

• Slow Cook to Perfection

Transfer browned chicken into slow cooker. Pour fragrant sauce over meat, ensuring complete coverage. Allow chicken to simmer and absorb rich flavors on low setting for several hours until meat becomes fork-tender.

• Sauce Transformation

Want a luxuriously thick sauce? Remove chicken and mix cornstarch with water. Stir this silky mixture into cooking liquid, letting it bubble and thicken for a few minutes.

• Plate and Enjoy

Drench chicken back into glossy sauce. Serve over fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes. Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds for fresh, nutty garnish that elevates the entire dish.

Sweet And Savory Tips For Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

• Flavor Boost Tip: Pat chicken thighs completely dry before searing to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust that locks in delicious flavors and enhances overall texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the honey garlic sauce and season chicken the night before, storing in the refrigerator to save morning prep time and allow flavors to develop more deeply.
• Dietary Flexibility: Swap regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version. For low-carb diets, serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional rice.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference – reduce for mild flavor or increase for a spicier kick. Fresh chili peppers can also replace dried flakes for a more complex heat profile.
• Ingredient Swap Options: Replace chicken thighs with chicken breasts or pork tenderloin for variety. Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweet undertone, or add a splash of orange juice for extra brightness.

Serving Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

• Comfort Plate Pairing: Fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes perfectly absorb the rich honey garlic sauce, creating a delightful base for the tender chicken thighs.
• Family-Style Dinner Boost: Arrange the chicken on a large platter surrounded by roasted seasonal vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and zucchini for a colorful and nutritious meal that everyone will love.
• Leftover Magic Transformation: Shred the remaining chicken and use it in tacos, salads, or sandwiches the next day, extending the delicious flavors into another exciting meal that saves time and reduces food waste.
• Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or parsley on top just before serving to add a bright, fresh note that cuts through the sweet and savory sauce, elevating the dish's overall taste and visual appeal.

Plan Ahead And Store Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

• Batch Cooking Brilliance: Prepare multiple chicken thigh batches during weekend meal prep, storing extra portions in freezer-safe containers for quick weeknight dinners.
• Refrigerator Revival: Store leftover chicken in airtight containers, keeping fresh for 35 days. Reheat gently in microwave or skillet with splashed additional sauce to maintain moisture and flavor.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Freeze cooked chicken thighs with sauce in sealed containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating, ensuring tender meat and rich taste.
• Portion Power: Divide chicken into individual serving sizes before storing, allowing flexible meal planning and easy grab-and-go lunches for busy workdays or quick family meals.

Tender Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 6-7 hours
• Yield: 69 1x

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Description

Succulent honey garlic slow cooker chicken thighs deliver rich, complex flavors from North American kitchens. Tender meat glazed with sweet and savory sauce offers comfort and warmth for family gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 6 chicken thighs (bone-in, skinless or boneless)
• ⅓ cup honey
• ⅓ cup soy sauce (low sodium)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsps ketchup
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
• 1 tsp ground ginger (optional)
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional)
• 2 tbsps water
• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Seasoning and Searing: Season chicken thighs thoroughly with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear chicken until a golden-brown crust forms, sealing in rich flavors and creating a robust exterior.
2. Sauce Creation: Whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ketchup, vinegar, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl until a harmonious, glossy sauce emerges with balanced sweet and tangy notes.
3. Slow Cooking Preparation: Transfer seared chicken to slow cooker and pour prepared sauce over the meat, ensuring complete coverage. This method allows deep flavor penetration and tenderization during cooking process.
4. Cooking and Tenderization: Cook on low temperature for 5-6 hours or high temperature for 3-4 hours. Chicken should become incredibly tender, easily pulling apart with minimal pressure, indicating perfect doneness.
5. Sauce Refinement: Remove chicken momentarily and create a cornstarch slurry to thicken remaining cooking liquid. Reintegrate chicken, coating each piece with the enriched, glossy sauce for maximum flavor intensity.
6. Serving and Presentation: Plate chicken over rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables. Garnish with fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds, transforming the dish into a visually appealing and delectable meal.

Notes

• Optimize Searing Technique: Brown chicken thighs quickly in high heat to create a flavorful crust that seals in moisture, preventing dry meat and enhancing overall taste profile.
• Sauce Balancing Trick: Adjust honey and soy sauce ratio to control sweetness and saltiness; taste sauce before pouring to ensure perfect flavor harmony for personal preferences.
• Cornstarch Slurry Precision: Mix cornstarch with cold water to prevent lumps when thickening sauce, stirring continuously to achieve smooth, glossy texture without compromising flavor intensity.
• Dietary Adaptation Strategy: Substitute honey with maple syrup for vegan version, use tamari instead of soy sauce for gluten-free option, and remove red pepper flakes for mild taste preference.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 69
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg