Description
This slow cooker honey garlic chicken thighs recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken with a sticky, sweet, and savory sauce. Perfect for an effortless, hands-off dinner that feels special.
Ingredients
- 6–8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds / 900g)
- 1/4 cup honey (85g)
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (60ml)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (30ml)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth (60ml)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- Optional garnish: sliced green onions or sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and chicken broth until well combined.
- Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken without stirring.
- Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours if short on time.
- Carefully remove chicken thighs and set aside. Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry.
- Pour the sauce remaining in the slow cooker into a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the slurry and stir constantly until sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Return chicken thighs to the thickened sauce and spoon sauce over them. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Cook chicken thighs skin-on for juiciness and flavor; remove skin after cooking if preferred. Thickening the sauce with cornstarch slurry is key to avoid a runny sauce. Fresh garlic and ginger provide the best flavor. Adjust honey and vinegar to taste for sweetness and tang. Flipping thighs halfway is optional but helps even sauce coating. Reheat leftovers gently with a splash of water or broth to loosen sauce. Avoid freezing as sauce may separate.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 28
Keywords: slow cooker, honey garlic chicken, chicken thighs, easy dinner, comfort food, crockpot recipe, tender chicken, sweet and savory sauce