Ingredients
For the chicken:
6–8 bone-in or boneless chicken thighs
½ tsp salt (or to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for searing)
For the honey garlic sauce:
½ cup honey
½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
¼ cup ketchup
5 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated (optional)
2 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp sesame oil
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
¼ cup chicken broth
For thickening and garnish:
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp cold water
1 tbsp sesame seeds
2 tbsp chopped green onions
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry using paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika. For extra flavor, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes on each side until lightly golden. This step is optional.
Step 2: Make the honey garlic sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and chicken broth until well combined.
Step 3: Add everything to the slow cooker
Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the slow cooker in a single layer as much as possible. Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated.
Step 4: Slow cook the chicken
Cover and cook:
LOW: 4–5 hours
HIGH: 2–3 hours
Cook until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C). Avoid overcooking, especially with boneless thighs.
Step 5: Thicken the sauce
Carefully remove the cooked chicken and place it on a serving plate. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Pour the mixture into the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce.
Cover and cook on HIGH for another 10–15 minutes, until the sauce thickens. Alternatively, transfer the sauce to a saucepan and simmer gently with the cornstarch mixture until glossy and thick.
Step 6: Coat and garnish
Return the chicken to the thickened sauce and gently turn to coat each piece. Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the top. Serve warm with extra honey garlic sauce.
Cooking Tips
For extra flavor: Sear the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker.
For a thicker sauce: Add a little more cornstarch slurry if needed.
For a spicy kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a little sriracha.
For juicy chicken: Use a meat thermometer and avoid cooking longer than necessary.
For crispy edges: Broil the cooked chicken for 2–3 minutes, watching carefully, then spoon the sauce over it.
For less sweetness: Reduce the honey to ⅓ cup and adjust to taste.
Serving Suggestions
Steamed white or brown rice
Garlic fried rice
Roasted broccoli
Stir-fried vegetables
Egg noodles
Mashed potatoes
Fresh cucumber salad
Preparation and Cooking Time
Details
Time
Preparation
15 minutes
Cooking on LOW
4–5 hours
Cooking on HIGH
2–3 hours
Sauce thickening
10–15 minutes
Servings
4–6
Nutrition Information
Approximate values per serving, based on 6 servings.
Nutrient
Amount
Calories
390 kcal
Protein
29 g
Carbohydrates
27 g
Fat
18 g
Saturated Fat
5 g
Sugar
24 g
Fiber
1 g
Sodium
850 mg
Nutrition will vary depending on the chicken cut, skin, and amount of sauce consumed.
Nut Information
Peanuts: None in the listed ingredients.
Tree nuts: None in the listed ingredients.
Dairy: Dairy-free when made with the ingredients listed.
Gluten: Soy sauce typically contains wheat; use certified gluten-free tamari or soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
Sesame: Contains sesame oil and sesame seeds, which are common allergens.
For people with food allergies, check all product labels and prevent cross-contamination. Sesame is a major food allergen in some countries.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a sealed, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave until steaming hot throughout, adding a splash of broth if the sauce is too thick.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes. Boneless chicken thighs work well and may cook faster, so check their temperature early to prevent them from drying out.
2. Can I use chicken breasts instead?
Yes. Chicken breasts can be used, but they are leaner and may dry out if overcooked. Check their temperature and remove them as soon as they reach 165°F (74°C).
3. Can I make this recipe without honey?
You can substitute maple syrup or brown sugar, although the flavor and consistency of the sauce will be slightly different.
4. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. Mix the sauce and refrigerate it separately from the chicken. Add everything to the slow cooker when ready to cook. Keep raw chicken refrigerated and handle it safely.
5. How do I make the sauce extra sticky?
Thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry, then simmer until glossy. Broiling the chicken briefly after cooking can also create caramelized edges.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are a delicious, easy meal with tender chicken and a sweet, savory, garlicky glaze. The slow cooker does most of the work, making this recipe ideal for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep. Serve it over fluffy rice with vegetables and drizzle plenty of the sticky honey garlic sauce on top.