Flavor-Packed Juicy Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand quick, flavorful solutions that satisfy hunger without exhausting you.

Tender honey garlic slow cooker chicken thighs offer an effortless path to a delicious meal that will impress everyone at the table.

The combination of sweet honey and robust garlic creates a mouthwatering sauce that infuses each succulent bite with incredible depth.

Slow cooking ensures the chicken remains incredibly moist and falls apart with minimal effort.

These chicken thighs require minimal preparation, making them perfect for busy households seeking convenient yet delectable meals.

The rich, caramelized glaze promises a restaurant-quality experience right in your kitchen.

Prepare to be amazed by how such simple ingredients can transform into an extraordinary dinner that everyone will request again and again.

Tips for Juicy Chicken and Sticky Sauce

• Remove chicken skin before cooking for a healthier, lighter dish that absorbs more sauce flavor.
• Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution and maximum taste absorption across chicken thighs.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with cold water and stir into the cooking liquid during the last 30 minutes.
• Replace regular soy sauce with low-sodium soy sauce or tamari for a heart-friendly version without compromising flavor.
• Adjust red pepper flakes quantity based on your heat preference – reduce for mild, increase for a spicier kick.

Serve Chicken Thighs with Rice or Vegetables

• Starry Rice Companion: Serve these succulent chicken thighs over fluffy white or brown rice, allowing the rich honey garlic sauce to drizzle and infuse each grain with incredible flavor.
• Weekend Family Feast: Create a complete meal by pairing the chicken with roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or asparagus, which complement the sweet and savory sauce perfectly.
• Fresh and Zesty Side: Whip up a crisp green salad with cucumber and red onion slices, dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the tender, saucy chicken thighs.
• Quick Meal Transformation: Shred the leftover chicken and stuff into warm tortillas with coleslaw for delicious next-day tacos that maximize your original recipe's potential.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)

Total Time: 67 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 162 kcal

Servings: 6

What You’ll Need for Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

• Chicken Thighs: Bone-in thighs offer richer flavor and stay juicier during slow cooking, perfect for tender meat that falls right off the bone.

• Honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps create a gorgeous caramelized glaze for the chicken.
• Soy Sauce: Adds depth of umami flavor and helps tenderize the meat with its salty complexity.
• Garlic: Delivers robust aromatic notes that infuse the entire dish with incredible warmth and depth.
• Olive Oil: Helps bind sauce ingredients and contributes subtle fruity undertones.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Balances sweetness with tangy brightness and helps break down meat fibers.
• Ground Ginger: Introduces warm, slightly spicy undertone that complements the honey's sweetness.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for those wanting a gentle heat kick.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds bright color and fresh herbal note to finish the dish beautifully.

Tools That Make Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Simple

• Slow Cooker: Essential appliance for creating tender, flavorful chicken thighs with minimal effort.
• Whisk: Perfect for mixing honey garlic sauce ingredients smoothly and quickly.
• Small Bowl: Ideal for combining sauce ingredients before pouring over chicken.
• Measuring Spoons: Crucial for accurately measuring honey, soy sauce, and spices.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for mincing garlic and chopping fresh parsley for garnish.
• Serving Platter: Great for presenting the finished chicken thighs beautifully.

Cook Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs in the Crockpot

• Arrange Chicken Thighs

Place chicken thighs inside slow cooker, spreading them evenly across the bottom. Lightly sprinkle with salt and pepper for basic seasoning.

• Create Flavor Blend

Combine honey, soy sauce, garlic, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, and optional red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl. Whisk ingredients until smooth and well incorporated.

• Begin Slow Cooking

Pour sauce mixture over chicken thighs, ensuring each piece gets thoroughly coated. Cover slow cooker and set to low temperature for 4-6 hours or high temperature for 2-3 hours. Chicken is ready when meat becomes incredibly tender and easily separates with a fork.

• Finish and Present

Carefully transfer cooked chicken thighs to serving platter. Drizzle remaining sauce from slow cooker over the top. Sprinkle chopped parsley for fresh garnish. Pair with preferred side dishes for a delightful meal.

Store Chicken in Sauce for Tasty Leftovers

• Store leftover chicken thighs in airtight containers within two hours of cooking, keeping them chilled at 40°F or below to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Divide chicken into individual portions before refrigerating, allowing easy reheating and quick grab-and-go lunches throughout the week without compromising taste or texture.
• Warm refrigerated chicken in microwave or oven, adding a splash of reserved sauce to prevent dryness. Heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
• Freeze cooked chicken thighs in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-lock bags for up to three months. Label containers with date and contents, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn and maintain optimal flavor quality.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but they tend to dry out more quickly. Chicken thighs are more forgiving in the slow cooker and stay juicier due to their higher fat content.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild kick from red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust the heat by reducing or omitting them. If you want more spice, add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

• Do I need to brown the chicken before slow cooking?

No, you can place the raw chicken directly in the slow cooker. The long, slow cooking process will ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender without pre-browning.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Juicy Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Honey garlic slow cooker chicken thighs offer a mouthwatering fusion of sweet and savory flavors that elevate weeknight dinner. Juicy chicken becomes incredibly tender when bathed in a rich, aromatic sauce that beckons diners to savor each delicious bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 bone-in chicken thighs (skinless or boneless)
• ⅓ cup honey
• ⅓ cup soy sauce (low sodium)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsps ketchup
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
• 1 tsp ground ginger (optional)
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional)
• 2 tbsps water
• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Layer chicken thighs in a single arrangement within the slow cooker, seasoning generously with salt and pepper to establish a robust flavor foundation.
2. Sauce Creation: Blend honey, soy sauce, garlic, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, and optional crushed red pepper flakes into a seamless, glossy concoction using vigorous whisking techniques.
3. Cooking Process: Lavishly coat chicken pieces with the prepared sauce, ensuring comprehensive coverage. Secure lid and commence cooking at low temperature for 4-6 hours or high temperature for 2-3 hours until chicken becomes supremely tender and easily separates.
4. Serving: Transfer chicken to a serving platter, allowing residual sauce to glaze the meat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for visual appeal and an herbaceous accent. Pair with complementary side dishes that harmonize with the sauce’s sweet-savory profile.

Notes

Optimize Chicken Layering: Prevent overcrowding by arranging thighs in a single, non-overlapping layer to ensure even cooking and consistent sauce penetration.

Sauce Intensity Control: Adjust honey and soy sauce ratios to personalize sweetness and saltiness; start with less and taste-test before final application for balanced flavor profile.

Moisture Preservation Technique: Cover chicken completely with sauce and avoid lifting lid during cooking to retain moisture and prevent heat loss, ensuring tender, juicy meat.

Dietary Adaptation Strategy: Substitute honey with maple syrup for vegan option, use low-sodium soy sauce for reduced salt intake, or replace chicken thighs with tofu for plant-based alternative while maintaining similar cooking method and flavor essence.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 174
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 307 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 11 g
• Cholesterol: 63 mg