Easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs (Best Recipe)
These crockpot honey garlic chicken thighs are impossibly tender with a sticky-sweet glaze that’s perfectly balanced. A 10-minute prep and set-it-and-forget-it method makes this the ultimate crowd-pleaser for dinner parties and potlucks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (on LOW) or 2.5 hours (on HIGH)
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (on LOW) or 2 hours 40 minutes (on HIGH)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 6–8 thighs)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup honey (runny, mild honey like clover or orange blossom)
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening)
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken thighs: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust honey or soy sauce to preference.
- Layer the chicken in the slow cooker: Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker in a single layer if possible. Overlapping slightly is fine.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken: Make sure every piece gets coated. Use a spoon or brush to spread the sauce evenly over the tops.
- Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and shreds easily with a fork.
- Optional: Thicken the sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, carefully remove the chicken to a plate. Whisk the cornstarch slurry into the sauce in the crockpot. Return the chicken to the pot, spoon the sauce over the top, and cook uncovered for 20-30 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve directly from the crockpot or transfer to a platter.
Notes
For deeper flavor, sear the chicken in a hot skillet for 2 minutes per side before adding to the crockpot. Cook on LOW for most tender results. If sauce is too thin, simmer on stovetop or use cornstarch slurry. For a party, cook on LOW for 4 hours then switch to warm setting for up to 2 hours. Double the sauce if feeding a crowd.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 c
- Calories: 345
- Sugar: 24
- Sodium: 680
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Protein: 28
Keywords: crockpot honey garlic chicken, slow cooker chicken thighs, honey garlic chicken, easy chicken recipe, party chicken, potluck chicken