There’s something undeniably comforting about Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs. Tender, juicy chicken simmered in a luscious honey garlic sauce that’s sweet, savory, and just the right amount of garlicky. This recipe is a total game-changer for busy weeknights or when you want a no-fuss meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s made with simple ingredients and requires minimal prep — just toss, set, and forget. Whether you’re serving it over rice, noodles, or even alongside steamed veggies, this dish promises to become your new favorite go-to.

Why I Love This Recipe

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs is the ultimate hands-off dinner that delivers big on flavor. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, infusing the chicken with a rich honey-garlic sauce that’s both sticky and irresistibly delicious. What’s more, using boneless, skinless chicken thighs keeps the meat tender and juicy without drying out, which can sometimes happen with chicken breasts. This dish is perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd, and leftovers taste even better the next day. It’s a wonderful balance of sweet and savory, with a hint of warmth from fresh ginger and garlic. Plus, it requires just one pot, making cleanup a breeze!

What’s in the Bowl

2 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless: The star of the dish, these thighs stay tender and juicy.
1/2 cup honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create that sticky glaze.
1/4 cup soy sauce: Brings savory, umami flavor to balance the honey’s sweetness.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with a bold, aromatic kick.
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated: Adds warmth and a subtle zing.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: For a gentle hint of spice.
1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to a perfect glaze.
2 tablespoons water: Mixed with cornstarch to create a slurry for thickening.
1 tablespoon sesame oil: Adds a nutty depth and authentic Asian flair.
2 green onions, chopped: Fresh garnish for color and mild onion flavor.
Sesame seeds: Toasted for crunch and visual appeal.

Cook’s Kit

Slow cooker: Essential for low-and-slow cooking that makes the chicken tender.
Mixing bowl: To whisk together the sauce ingredients.
Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient amounts.
Knife and cutting board: For mincing garlic, grating ginger, and chopping green onions.
Small bowl: To mix the cornstarch slurry.
Spoon or spatula: To stir and serve the finished dish.

Cooking Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs: The Process

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, and sesame oil until well combined. This sauce is the flavor powerhouse of the dish, blending sweet, savory, and aromatic notes that will soak into the chicken during cooking.

Step 2: Arrange Chicken in Slow Cooker

Place the 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker. Spread them out evenly to ensure even cooking. Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated well.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The chicken should be tender and fully cooked through. The slow cooker will gently infuse the chicken with the sweet and savory sauce, creating that signature sticky glaze.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked, remove the thighs and set them aside on a serving plate. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the slow cooker and stir well. Turn the slow cooker to high and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Return the chicken thighs to the slow cooker, tossing them in the thickened sauce to coat evenly. Plate the chicken and garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Serve over steamed rice, noodles, or alongside your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.

Low-Carb/Keto Alternatives

Replace honey with a low-carb sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener to reduce sugar content.
Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free, lower-carb option.
Serve the chicken over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice to keep it keto-friendly.
Skip the cornstarch and thicken the sauce with xanthan gum if needed.

Avoid These Mistakes

Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry; without it, the sauce will be too thin and won’t cling to the chicken.
Avoid overcooking the chicken thighs, which can make them dry despite their fattiness—stick to the recommended slow cooker times.
Make sure to evenly coat the chicken with the sauce before cooking to ensure every bite is flavorful.
Resist the temptation to open the slow cooker lid frequently, as it releases heat and lengthens cooking time.

Best Ways to Store

After cooking, allow the chicken to cool to room temperature before storing. Transfer the chicken and sauce into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth and glossy.

Similar Recipes

Slow Cooker Chili – A hearty and flavorful slow cooker meal packed with spices and beans.
Honey Garlic Shrimp Broccoli Rice Bowls – Another quick and tasty honey garlic dish with shrimp and vibrant veggies.

Save & Share

If you love these Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs, don’t forget to save this recipe for later and share it with friends and family. It’s the perfect dish to add to your weekly rotation, and I guarantee it will wow anyone lucky enough to try it. Whether you post your photos on social media or make it for a cozy night in, this simple slow cooker recipe will not disappoint!

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are truly a staple for busy cooks who want big flavor with minimal effort. With juicy, tender chicken and a perfectly sticky sauce, it’s an easy recipe that feels like a special occasion every time. Give it a try tonight and enjoy the delicious simplicity of slow cooking at its best.

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