Cozy Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
A comforting and easy slow cooker recipe featuring tender chicken thighs cooked in a sticky, sweet, and savory honey garlic sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 to 6 hours (low) or 2.5 to 3 hours (high)
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes (low) or 2 hours 40 minutes to 3 hours 10 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 3 pounds / 1.4 kg)
- 1/4 cup (85 g) honey (raw or pure clover preferred)
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Optional garnishes: sesame seeds and chopped green onions
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help the sauce stick better and prevent excess water from diluting the flavors. (5 minutes)
- In a mixing bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, water, and black pepper. Whisk until well blended. (3 minutes)
- Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the base of the slow cooker. (2 minutes)
- Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken thighs, coating each piece. Do not stir. (2 minutes)
- Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 2.5-3 hours until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- About 15 minutes before serving, remove the chicken to a plate. Mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker sauce and cook uncovered on high for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy glaze. (15 minutes)
- Return the chicken to the slow cooker and spoon the thickened sauce over the top. Let warm through for 5 minutes. (5 minutes)
- Serve garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. Serve over steamed rice or alongside roasted vegetables.
Notes
Pat chicken dry before cooking to prevent steaming and ensure better flavor. Do not stir sauce during cooking to let flavors soak in. For crispier skin, broil chicken for 2-3 minutes after slow cooking. Cornstarch slurry thickens sauce without overcooking chicken. Avoid opening slow cooker frequently to maintain heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About one chicken th
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 14
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Protein: 28
Keywords: slow cooker, honey garlic chicken, chicken thighs, easy dinner, comfort food, weeknight meal, crockpot recipe