Introduction

Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs are a simple and flavorful meal perfect for busy days. The tender chicken thighs soak up a delicious sweet and savory sauce, making dinner effortless and satisfying.

A close-up of a black bowl filled with several pieces of glazed, golden-brown chicken wings stacked in a pile, each piece coated in a shiny, sticky sauce with visible red chili flakes and green herb bits sprinkled on top, giving a spicy and fresh look. The texture of the chicken is crispy on the edges with a juicy inside, and steam rises softly from the warm dish. The bowl sits on a wooden surface with a blurred background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
For serving: chopped scallions, sesame seeds, rice (optional, to taste)
1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/3 cup honey
1/3 cup ketchup
6 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, ketchup, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, grated ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes if using, to make the sauce.
Step 2: Place the chicken thighs into the slow cooker and pour the sauce evenly over them, ensuring they are well coated.
Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Step 4: Once cooked, stir the sauce gently to combine with the cooked chicken and then serve with chopped scallions and sesame seeds over rice, if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a thicker sauce, remove the chicken and simmer the sauce on high in the slow cooker for 15-20 minutes before serving.
Use bone-in chicken thighs for a juicier result, but increase cooking time slightly.
Add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli halfway through cooking for a complete meal.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. The sauce may thicken upon cooling, so you can add a splash of water or broth when reheating if needed.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a black bowl filled with pieces of glazed, caramelized chicken that have a rich, shiny brown color with crispy edges. Each piece is coated in a thick, sticky sauce that glistens with hints of red chili flakes and small green herb bits sprinkled generously on top. The chicken pieces are piled up in the bowl, some overlapping, creating a textured, appetizing look. Steam rises softly from the hot dish, enhancing the fresh and savory feel. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface and a wooden base. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken breasts may cook faster and can dry out more easily. Check for doneness early and adjust cooking time accordingly.

Is it necessary to add crushed red pepper flakes?

No, the crushed red pepper flakes are optional and add a slight heat. You can omit them if you prefer a milder sauce.

Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 92 reviews

Tender and flavorful Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs simmered in a sweet and savory sauce made with honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. This easy slow cooker recipe delivers juicy chicken perfect for busy weeknights, served best with scallions and optional sesame seeds or rice.

Author: Zane
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3 to 6 hours (depending on slow cooker setting)
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes (high) to 6 hours 10 minutes (low)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American Asian Fusion
Diet: Low Sodium

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Sauce

1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/3 cup honey
1/3 cup ketchup
6 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

For Serving

Chopped scallions, to taste
Sesame seeds (optional)
Rice (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together low-sodium soy sauce, honey, ketchup, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, grated fresh ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. This sauce will provide the sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor that coats the chicken.
Add Chicken to Slow Cooker: Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs evenly in the bottom of your slow cooker. Make sure they are spread out in a single layer for even cooking.
Pour Sauce Over Chicken: Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce over the chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is coated well with the flavorful mixture.
Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through. The slow cooking process will make the chicken juicy and absorb the sauce flavors deeply.
Finish and Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and pour the sauce from the pot over it. Garnish with chopped scallions and sprinkle sesame seeds on top if desired. Serve over a bed of rice for a complete meal.

Notes

You can use chicken thighs with skin if preferred, but skinless is less fatty.
Adjust crushed red pepper flakes based on your spice tolerance or omit for a milder flavor.
To thicken the sauce, remove chicken after cooking and simmer the sauce on the stovetop until desired consistency is reached.
Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
For gluten-free option, ensure soy sauce is tamari or certified gluten-free.

Keywords: honey garlic chicken, slow cooker chicken thighs, easy chicken recipe, crockpot chicken, sweet and savory chicken