Description
A comforting slow cooker recipe featuring tender chicken thighs in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, served over warm rice. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners with minimal prep.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (can use boneless if preferred)
- ⅓ cup (113g) honey
- ¼ cup (60ml) soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) rice vinegar
- ½ cup (120ml) chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) sesame oil
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon (8g) cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
- 4 cups cooked white or jasmine rice, to serve
Instructions
- Pat the 2 pounds of bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, chicken broth, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
- Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the crockpot. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken, coating each piece.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until chicken is tender and sauce thickens.
- Optional: About 15 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Stir into the crockpot, cover, and cook on high for the remaining time to thicken the sauce.
- While the chicken finishes cooking, prepare 4 cups cooked white or jasmine rice according to package instructions.
- Serve the chicken thighs over warm rice, drizzle extra sauce on top, and garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for best flavor and juiciness. The sauce thickens naturally but can be thickened with a cornstarch slurry if desired. Avoid lifting the lid too often during cooking to maintain heat. If sauce is too thin after cooking, leave crockpot uncovered for 20 minutes to reduce. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. For a vegetarian version, use firm tofu or cauliflower and adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Protein: 25
Keywords: crockpot chicken, honey garlic chicken, slow cooker recipe, easy dinner, comfort food, chicken thighs, weeknight meal