Description
A simple, hands-off slow cooker recipe featuring tender chicken thighs soaked in a sweet and tangy honey garlic sauce. Perfect for busy nights when you want a cozy, flavorful dinner without stove fuss.
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (boneless optional, adjust cooking time)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) honey
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) rice vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) water or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon (8 g) cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) cold water (for cornstarch slurry, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir until combined.
- Pat dry the chicken thighs with paper towels. Place them skin-side up in the crockpot, arranging snugly but not overcrowding.
- Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken thighs, coating all pieces.
- Cover crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is tender. Avoid opening the lid too often.
- Optional thickening: Remove chicken and set aside. Mix cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry. Stir slurry into the crockpot sauce and cook uncovered on high for 10-15 minutes until thickened. Return chicken to sauce to coat.
- Serve chicken with sauce spooned over and garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
Pat chicken dry before cooking to keep skin intact and prevent watery sauce. Avoid stirring too often to keep skin from breaking. For a crispy finish, broil skin-side up for 2-3 minutes after slow cooking. Sauce thickens and flavors deepen after sitting overnight. Adjust sweetness by tweaking honey amount. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness. Can increase cooking to high for 2-3 hours if short on time but texture will be less tender.
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Protein: 25
Keywords: honey garlic chicken, crockpot chicken, slow cooker recipe, easy dinner, no-heat start, family dinner, cozy meal, chicken thighs