Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Tender fall-apart chicken thighs slow-cooked in a sticky, sweet-savory amber honey, soy, garlic, and ginger glaze over fluffy jasmine rice.
In a nutshell: This authentic asian-american slow cooker honey garlic chicken thighs comes together in just 4 hrs 10 mins using simple whole ingredients. The chef's secret is to Thighs remain succulent and juicy during slow cooking and absorb rich honey garlic flavors. Perfect for home cooks seeking a dependable, restaurant-quality finish with minimal effort.
Riding the +1,500% surge in slow cooker comfort dinners, these Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs deliver takeout-worthy indulgence with 10 minutes of prep! Juicy chicken thighs simmer in pure honey, low-sodium soy sauce, fresh garlic, and ginger until meltingly tender, glazed in a glossy reduction.
Key Equipment
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- 6-quart oval slow cooker (Crockpot)
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Saucepan (optional for quick reduction)
Chef's Pro-Tips
- Use boneless chicken thighs: Thighs remain succulent and juicy during slow cooking and absorb rich honey garlic flavors far better than chicken breasts.
- Thicken the sauce with cornstarch: Whisking a cornstarch slurry into the cooking liquid either on HIGH in the slow cooker or in a small saucepan creates a thick, clingy lacquer.
- Meal prep friendly: Portions reheat remarkably well over rice and steamed broccoli for healthy weekday lunches.
Ingredients
6
servings
-
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed of excess fat
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½ cup pure honey, or clover honey
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½ cup low-sodium soy sauce, balances sweet honey
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2 tbsp tomato paste or ketchup, adds savory umami body to sauce
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6 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced or grated
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1 tbsp fresh ginger, finely microplaned
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1 tbsp toasted sesame oil, for nutty aroma
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2 tbsp cornstarch, mixed with 2 tbsp cold water for slurry
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1 tbsp toasted white sesame seeds, for garnish
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3 whole scallions, thinly sliced on bias
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Layer Chicken in Slow Cooker
Lightly coat the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker with non-stick spray. Place boneless chicken thighs in a single layer in the bottom of the slow cooker basin.
Whisk Honey Garlic Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, low-sodium soy sauce, tomato paste, minced garlic, grated ginger, and toasted sesame oil until thoroughly blended.
Pour & Slow Cook
Pour honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken thighs. Cover with lid and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours (or on HIGH for 2.5 to 3 hours) until chicken is fork-tender and reaches 165°F internally.
Thicken Glossy Glaze
Transfer cooked chicken thighs to a warm platter. Whisk cornstarch slurry into the liquid remaining in the slow cooker. Turn heat to HIGH and leave uncovered for 12-15 minutes (or pour liquid into a small saucepan over medium heat for 4 minutes) until bubbling and thickened into a glossy amber sauce.
Garnish & Serve
Return chicken to the slow cooker and turn to coat completely in sticky glaze. Spoon generous glaze over chicken, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions, and serve hot over steamed jasmine rice and crisp broccoli!
Chef Clara's Kitchen Picks
Kitchen EssentialsAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet, 2-Pack
Warp-resistant aluminum for even browning, from sheet-pan dinners to cookies.
View on AmazonVictorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef's Knife
Razor-sharp Fibrox Pro blade that home chefs and pros both reach for.
View on AmazonTILUCK Stainless Measuring Cups & Spoons, 10-Pc
Stainless steel cups and spoons that measure precisely and last.
View on AmazonMercer Culinary Locking Tongs, 9" + 12"
Locking tongs in two handy sizes for the stovetop and the grill.
View on AmazonAmazon Basics Non-Stick Parchment Paper Roll
Non-stick paper for lining pans – easy release, easy cleanup.
View on AmazonWoodenhouse Teak Wooden Spoons, 10-Pc
Teak spoons gentle on cookware and built for daily stirring.
View on AmazonOXO Good Grips Silicone Whisk Set, 9" + 11"
Silicone whisks safe for nonstick pans, in two sizes.
View on AmazonUltra Cuisine Stainless Cooling Rack Set of 2
Stainless racks that fit half sheets – for cooling bakes and crisping roasts.
View on AmazonUmite Chef Stainless Mixing Bowls with Lids, 8-Pc
Nesting stainless bowls with airtight lids, from prep to storage.
View on AmazonHamilton Beach 6-Speed Electric Hand Mixer
Six speeds with a snap-on storage case for the beaters.
View on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Yes! Cook boneless chicken breasts on LOW for 3 to 3.5 hours (avoid overcooking so they stay juicy). Shred and toss in the thickened glaze.
No, it's a sweet and savory garlic glaze. Add 1 tablespoon of sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes if you enjoy spicy heat!
Yes! Pressure cook on HIGH for 12 minutes, natural release for 10 minutes, then sauté with cornstarch slurry for 3 minutes to thicken sauce.
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