Description

Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs is a comforting and flavorful dish that features tender, juicy chicken thighs simmered in a perfectly balanced sweet and garlicky sauce. This easy slow cooker recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, requiring minimal prep and delivering a rich sauce made from pantry staples that melts in your mouth and satisfies the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 to 6 chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless, skin-on or skinless)

Sauce

1/3 cup honey
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp brown sugar
1/4 cup water or chicken broth
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Optional Garnishes and Variations

Toasted sesame oil and sesame seeds
Fresh chopped parsley or sliced green onions
Extra red pepper flakes or sriracha for heat
Vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas

Instructions

Prepare the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and water or chicken broth. Whisk thoroughly until the sugar dissolves and the ingredients blend into a smooth, glossy sauce.
Arrange the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs evenly in the bottom of your slow cooker. If using skin-on thighs, arrange the skin side facing up to help keep it moist while cooking.
Pour the Sauce: Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken thighs, making sure each piece is nicely coated with flavors.
Slow Cook: Cover and set your slow cooker to low heat for 4 to 6 hours, or on high for about 2 to 3 hours. The chicken will become melt-in-your-mouth tender as it soaks up the sauce.
Optional Finish: If you want a thicker sauce or slightly caramelized texture, transfer the chicken and sauce to a skillet after slow cooking and simmer on medium heat for a few minutes until the sauce reduces and coats the chicken beautifully.

Notes

Choose bone-in, skin-on thighs for juicier and more flavorful results.
Optional: brown the chicken in a hot pan before slow cooking for richer flavor.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
Taste the sauce before cooking and adjust honey or brown sugar to your sweetness preference.
Add fresh herbs like parsley or green onions before serving for a bright finish.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen up to 3 months.
Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours (low) or 2 to 3 hours (high)
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
Calories: 320
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 0.5g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 95mg

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