Go Back
Tender Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs with sweet sticky sauce

Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

A sweet and garlicky slow cooker recipe that effortlessly delivers tender chicken thighs in a sticky honey garlic sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 380
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2-2.5 pounds Chicken thighs (bone in or boneless)
  • 1/2 cup Honey
  • 1/2 cup Soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
  • 5-7 cloves Garlic, minced (or 1.5 to 2 tablespoons jarred)
  • 2 tablespoons Ketchup or tomato paste This helps the sauce feel richer
  • 1 tablespoon Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar For balance
  • 1 teaspoon Sesame oil Optional
  • Black pepper To taste
  • 1-2 tablespoons Cornstarch + water for slurry Optional for thickening
Optional Add-ons
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Ginger
  • Sliced green onions
  • Sesame seeds

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Lightly grease your slow cooker insert if you want easy cleanup.
  2. Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker in a single layer if using bone-in thighs.
  3. In a bowl, stir together honey, soy sauce, garlic, ketchup or tomato paste, vinegar, sesame oil (if using), and black pepper. Pour it over the chicken.
  4. Cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken reaches 165°F and is very tender.
Sauce Preparation
  1. Optional: Remove the chicken to a plate, pour the sauce into a small pot, and simmer for 5 to 8 minutes. To thicken, whisk 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water, stir it in, and simmer until it coats a spoon.
  2. Return the chicken to the pot or spoon sauce over the top before serving.

Notes

Use chicken thighs for juiciness; avoid overcooking. For more garlic, add more at the end. Adjust sweetness by modifying honey and vinegar balance. Serve over rice, noodles, in lettuce wraps, or with roasted veggies.