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Easy Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Recipe for Tender Juicy Dinner

honey garlic slow cooker chicken thighs - featured image

A simple and flavorful slow cooker recipe for juicy chicken thighs glazed with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. Perfect for busy days, this dish delivers tender, melt-in-your-mouth chicken with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 46 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (boneless optional)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) honey
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon (8 g) cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) cold water
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Optional garnish: chopped green onions or sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Prepare the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth until smooth. (5 minutes)
  2. Optional sear for crispiness: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken thighs skin-side down for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. This step is optional. (7 minutes)
  3. Arrange chicken in slow cooker: Place the thighs skin-side up inside the slow cooker. Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken. (2 minutes)
  4. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). (4-5 hours)
  5. Thicken the sauce: Transfer chicken to a serving dish. Pour sauce into a saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Mix cornstarch with cold water and whisk into the sauce. Stir constantly until thickened, about 2 minutes. Pour glaze over chicken. (10 minutes)
  6. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions or sesame seeds on top and serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Notes

Searing chicken before slow cooking is optional but recommended for crispy skin and added flavor. Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for juiciness. Adjust sweetness and tang by tasting sauce before thickening. If sauce is too watery near the end, remove lid for last 30 minutes to reduce. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat gently with added water or broth to loosen glaze.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic chicken, slow cooker chicken, crockpot chicken thighs, easy dinner, juicy chicken, honey garlic sauce, slow cooker recipe