Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs are tender, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare. This recipe combines juicy boneless skinless chicken thighs with a rich honey garlic sauce that is both sweet and savory. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish requires minimal prep, cooks gently in the slow cooker, and delivers restaurant-quality flavor with everyday ingredients.
The sauce, made from honey, soy sauce, garlic, and fresh ginger, infuses the chicken with a complex blend of sweetness, umami, and subtle heat. Optional ingredients like crushed red pepper flakes, scallions, sesame seeds, and rice can enhance the dish, making it a complete meal that pleases the entire family.
Ingredients for Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Sauce:
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For serving (optional):
- Chopped scallions
- Sesame seeds
- Rice
These ingredients combine to create a sweet, savory, and aromatic sauce that perfectly complements the tender chicken.
Instructions to Make Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker in an even layer. This ensures that each piece cooks uniformly and absorbs the flavors of the sauce.
Make the Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, ketchup, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, grated ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes until smooth. Pour the sauce over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Slow Cook
Cook on high for 3.5 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. The chicken will become incredibly tender while the sauce thickens and intensifies in flavor during the slow cooking process.
Thicken the Sauce
Mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water in a small bowl. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker and stir. Continue cooking on high for another 15 minutes to activate the cornstarch and thicken the sauce.
Serve
You can serve the chicken thighs whole or shred them directly in the slow cooker using two forks. Serve over rice and sprinkle with chopped scallions and sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
Tips for Perfect Honey Garlic Chicken
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for tender, juicy results.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less honey according to taste.
- The sauce can be made spicier by increasing crushed red pepper flakes.
- Serve immediately for the best texture; shredded chicken can absorb the sauce quickly.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container for 2-3 days and can be reheated gently in a skillet or microwave.
Serving Suggestions
This slow cooker chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Add a side of stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers for a complete and balanced meal. The combination of sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and fragrant garlic and ginger creates a meal that is both comforting and indulgent.
Nutrition Information for Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
- Calories: 426 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 148 mg
- Sodium: 711 mg
- Potassium: 401 mg
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 19 g
- Vitamin A: 192 IU
- Vitamin C: 2 mg
- Calcium: 23 mg
- Iron: 2 mg
This dish provides a well-balanced meal, rich in protein and flavor, with moderate carbohydrate content and a touch of natural sweetness from honey.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs is the perfect combination of convenience and flavor. The slow cooker allows the chicken to absorb the sauce fully, creating a tender, flavorful dish with minimal effort. Its versatility allows it to be paired with rice, noodles, or vegetables. The honey garlic sauce provides the ideal balance of sweetness, saltiness, and subtle spice, making it a crowd-pleaser for both family dinners and casual entertaining.
