Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Crockpot
Some recipes remind you that home-cooked meals don’t need to be complicated to feel special. This Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Crockpot recipe is exactly that kind of dish—simple, comforting, and bursting with flavor. I first discovered it on a busy weekday when I wanted something tender, flavorful, and effortless. The slow cooker transforms humble chicken thighs into juicy, caramelized perfection bathed in a glossy honey-garlic sauce that’s both savory and sweet. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug after a long day, especially when paired with rice or roasted vegetables.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs in the Crockpot
Ingredients
- 2 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional for depth)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Serving suggestions:
Steamed jasmine rice, quinoa, or sautéed vegetables
Instructions
- Place chicken thighs in the bottom of your crockpot.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and pepper.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
- Remove chicken and pour sauce into a saucepan. Mix cornstarch and water, whisk into sauce, and simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened.
- Return sauce to chicken, toss to coat, and sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
Tips for Success
- Use thighs over breasts—they stay juicier and absorb more flavor.
- Brown the chicken first for a deeper, caramelized taste.
- Add chili flakes for a sweet-and-spicy variation.
- Double the sauce if serving over rice or noodles—it’s too good to waste!
- Freeze leftovers with sauce in airtight containers for easy future meals.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
This slow cooker recipe beautifully balances sweet honey, savory soy, and the bite of fresh garlic. As it cooks, the sauce reduces to a luscious glaze that clings to every piece of tender chicken. It’s naturally gluten-free (with tamari or coconut aminos), high-protein, and kid-friendly. The flavors deepen as it simmers, giving you restaurant-level satisfaction with zero fuss. Serve it over jasmine rice for a comforting dinner, or pair with steamed broccoli for a lighter meal.
Nutrition & Storage Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Calories (per serving) | 390 kcal |
| Protein | 34 g |
| Carbohydrates | 24 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Storage | Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months |
| Reheat | On stovetop or microwave until warm; add splash of water if thickened |
Easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Meal Prep
This dish reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep. Store cooked portions with rice or veggies in containers for quick weekday lunches. The sauce stays glossy and flavorful even after freezing, making it a reliable option for busy schedules.
Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs for Family Dinner
There’s something universally appealing about honey garlic flavor—it’s sweet enough for kids and savory enough for adults. Serve it family-style with roasted carrots, rice, or a crunchy Asian slaw. The glossy sauce makes it feel special, yet it’s budget-friendly and made entirely in one pot.
FAQs About Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, though thighs stay juicier. If using breasts, reduce cook time slightly to avoid drying out.
2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free or gluten-free?
Yes! Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
3. How can I thicken the sauce without cornstarch?
You can use arrowroot powder or simply simmer the sauce longer to reduce naturally.
4. What can I serve this with?
Perfect with rice, quinoa, stir-fried vegetables, or even noodles for an Asian-inspired bowl.
If you try this Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Crockpot recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment or tag me on Pinterest and Instagram so I can see your beautiful version.
Print
Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Crockpot
- Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Juicy chicken thighs slow-cooked in a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze.
Ingredients
2.5 lbs chicken thighs
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
3 tbsp vinegar
4 garlic cloves
1 tbsp ginger
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water
Sesame seeds
Green onions
Instructions
1. Place chicken in crockpot.
2. Whisk honey, soy, ketchup, vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and pepper.
3. Pour sauce over chicken.
4. Cook LOW 6 hrs or HIGH 3 hrs.
5. Thicken sauce with cornstarch.
6. Toss chicken in sauce and garnish.
Notes
Use thighs for best flavor.
Add chili flakes for spice.
Freeze leftovers up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 6 hrs
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 thigh with sauce
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Final Tip
For extra depth, finish with a drizzle of toasted sesame oil just before serving. It adds warmth and richness that takes the dish to the next level.
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