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Easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs (Perfect Weeknight Dinner)

crockpot honey garlic chicken thighs - featured image

This easy crockpot honey garlic chicken thighs recipe is a true ‘dump and go’ meal that delivers incredibly tender, fall-apart chicken coated in a rich, sticky, sweet and savory glaze. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (900g) chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on or boneless, skinless)
  • 1/2 cup (170g) honey
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) ketchup
  • 6–8 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1–2 teaspoons sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional garnishes: sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, extra sriracha

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. (Optional but recommended) Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, low-sodium soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, sriracha (if using), rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
  4. Place the seared (or raw) chicken thighs in the bottom of a 5-6 quart slow cooker in a single layer. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender.
  6. Carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker with tongs and place on a plate. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
  7. In a small cup, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth to create a slurry. Turn the slow cooker to HIGH. Pour the slurry into the sauce and whisk until incorporated. Let cook, uncovered, for 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy, syrupy consistency.
  8. Return the chicken thighs to the thickened sauce, spooning the sauce over the top to coat. Let sit for a minute to warm back up. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

For the most tender chicken, always opt for the LOW setting. The cornstarch slurry is essential for a thick, sticky glaze. Don’t lift the lid during cooking. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot chicken, honey garlic chicken, slow cooker chicken thighs, easy weeknight dinner, dump and go recipe, chicken thigh recipe