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Easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Best Dinner Recipe

crockpot honey garlic chicken thighs - featured image

Tender, fall-apart chicken thighs in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, made effortlessly in the slow cooker. This simple, pantry-friendly recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and is always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (about 900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/3 cup (113g) honey
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) low-sodium soy sauce
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • Sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)
  • Toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and trim any large pieces of excess fat. Place them in the bottom of your slow cooker in a single layer if possible.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, tomato paste, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken thighs.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  4. Using tongs, carefully transfer the cooked chicken thighs to a plate or cutting board. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
  5. Pour the liquid from the slow cooker into a small saucepan. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth to make a slurry.
  6. Bring the sauce in the saucepan to a simmer over medium heat. Slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry and continue whisking for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce thickens into a glossy, syrupy glaze.
  7. Return the chicken thighs to the slow cooker (or a serving dish). Pour the thickened glaze over the top and gently toss to coat each piece.
  8. Garnish with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately over steamed rice or with your favorite vegetables.

Notes

Don’t lift the lid during the first few hours of cooking to maintain heat. The cornstarch slurry is essential for a thick, glossy sauce; do not skip it. For best results, use chicken thighs instead of breasts to avoid dryness. Adjust sweetness by adding more honey or soy sauce to taste after thickening.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot honey garlic chicken, slow cooker chicken thighs, easy chicken dinner, honey garlic chicken, chicken thigh recipe, set it and forget it, weeknight dinner