Go Back
To create this tasty dish, gather these main ingredients: - 4 bone-in chicken thighs (skin removed for a healthier option) - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar - 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper - 1 cup chicken broth These ingredients work together to create a sweet and savory sauce that makes the chicken shine. The honey gives a nice sweetness, while the soy sauce adds depth. Garlic and ginger bring warmth and flavor. You can spice things up with these optional ingredients: - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a spicy twist) - 2 green onions, finely sliced (for garnish) - Sesame seeds (for garnish) Adding red pepper flakes gives a kick to the dish. Green onions and sesame seeds make for a beautiful presentation and extra flavor. For this recipe, you will need: - Slow cooker - Medium mixing bowl - Whisk - Small saucepan (optional for thickening the sauce) Using a slow cooker ensures that the chicken becomes tender and juicy. A mixing bowl and whisk help blend the sauce well. A saucepan is optional for those who want a thicker sauce. {{ingredient_image_2}} To make the honey garlic sauce, start with a medium bowl. Add 1/2 cup of honey to the bowl. Next, pour in 1/4 cup of low-sodium soy sauce. Then, add 4 cloves of finely minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger. Include 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon of cracked black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for some heat, if desired. Whisk these ingredients together until everything is well mixed. This sauce will give your chicken a rich, sweet, and savory flavor that is hard to resist. Now, take your slow cooker and place 4 bone-in chicken thighs at the bottom, skin-side up. Make sure they are arranged neatly. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is coated well. This step helps the flavors soak into the meat. After that, carefully pour 1 cup of chicken broth around the chicken. This creates a tasty sauce without losing the honey-garlic goodness on the chicken. With the ingredients layered, secure the lid on your slow cooker. You have two options for cooking time. If you choose low heat, set it to cook for 6 hours. For a quicker method, set it to high and cook for 3 hours. Either way, you will know the chicken is done when it becomes fork-tender and fully cooked. This slow cooking method helps to keep the chicken juicy and full of flavor. To get tender chicken thighs, use bone-in pieces. The bone adds flavor and keeps the meat juicy. Remove the skin for a healthier dish. Cooking on low heat for six hours is best. This slow method breaks down the fat and makes the meat fork-tender. Always check the chicken near the end. It should be juicy and easily pull away from the bone. If you want a thicker sauce, transfer the liquid to a saucepan after cooking. Heat it over medium until it simmers. Stir it often to prevent burning. Let it reduce by half. This makes the sauce rich and concentrated. Pour the thickened sauce over the chicken before serving. It adds a beautiful glaze that enhances the dish. Presentation matters when serving this dish. Slice green onions and sprinkle them on top for color. Add a few sesame seeds for an extra pop. This not only looks good but adds a nice crunch. Serve the chicken over fluffy jasmine rice or quinoa. Pair it with steamed broccoli or a fresh salad for balance. These simple touches elevate your meal and impress your guests. Pro Tips Marinate for More Flavor: For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in the honey garlic sauce for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight before cooking. Thicker Sauce Option: If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the cooking liquid in a saucepan after removing the chicken. This will intensify the flavors. Use Skin-On for Extra Crispiness: If you enjoy crispy skin, consider using skin-on chicken thighs and broil them for a few minutes after slow cooking. Flavor Variations: Experiment with different ingredients such as adding orange juice for a citrus twist or swapping honey for maple syrup for a unique flavor profile. {{image_4}} Want some heat? Add red pepper flakes! Just use 1/2 teaspoon for a spicy kick. This change makes the dish more exciting. The honey balances the heat well. If you like spice, try it! Add veggies for a one-pot meal. Carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas work great. Chop them into bite-sized pieces. Place them in the slow cooker with the chicken. The veggies soak up the tasty sauce. This makes your meal colorful and healthy! Serve the chicken over rice or quinoa. Both options soak up the delicious sauce. You can also add a side salad. A fresh salad adds crunch and brightness. For a complete meal, pair with steamed broccoli. It adds color and nutrients to your plate. Enjoy the flavors! After enjoying your slow cooker honey garlic chicken thighs, let any leftovers cool down. Place the chicken in an airtight container. Pour any leftover sauce over the top. This keeps the chicken moist. Store the container in the fridge for up to three days. Label it with the date to track freshness easily. To reheat your chicken, use the microwave or stovetop. For the microwave, place the chicken on a plate. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or wrap. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds. Stir the sauce if needed. For stovetop, warm the chicken in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of broth or water to keep it juicy. This method enhances the flavor and texture. If you want to save your honey garlic chicken thighs for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Label the bags with the date. You can freeze the chicken for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as described above for tasty results. Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They cook faster and are easier to eat. Make sure to adjust the cooking time. Boneless thighs need about 4 hours on low or 2 hours on high. Check the internal temperature for safety. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. If you don’t have one, check that the meat is no longer pink and juices run clear. The chicken should feel tender when you poke it with a fork. I love serving honey garlic chicken with fluffy rice or quinoa. These grains soak up the tasty sauce. Steamed broccoli or a fresh green salad also works well. They add color and balance to your meal. For a fun twist, try a side of roasted sweet potatoes. Each side enhances the dish's flavors. This guide covered everything you need for honey garlic chicken thighs. We discussed key ingredients, cooking steps, and useful tips. You can customize your dish with variations for added flavor. Don't forget proper storage methods for leftover meals. Enjoy experimenting with your recipes and impressing your family. With practice, you'll make delicious meals that everyone loves. Trust your skills, and happy cooking!

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

A delicious and easy slow cooker recipe featuring tender chicken thighs coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces bone-in chicken thighs (skin removed)
  • 0.5 cup honey
  • 0.25 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 0.5 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 pieces green onions, finely sliced (for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is well blended.
  • Line the bottom of your slow cooker with the bone-in chicken thighs, making sure they are placed skin-side up. Pour the honey garlic sauce generously over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated for maximum flavor.
  • Carefully pour the chicken broth around the chicken thighs; this will create a wonderfully flavored sauce without diluting the honey-garlic mixture on the chicken.
  • Secure the lid on the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 hours, or on high for 3 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender and cooked through.
  • Once the cooking time is complete, gently lift the chicken from the slow cooker and transfer it to a serving platter. This will help retain the juices in the slow cooker.
  • For a thicker sauce, consider transferring the sauce from the slow cooker to a small saucepan. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat and cook until reduced by half, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
  • Drizzle the thickened sauce generously over the chicken thighs before serving. Garnish with the sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an attractive finish.

Notes

For an appealing presentation, serve the chicken thighs over a fluffy bed of steamed jasmine rice or quinoa, paired with steamed broccoli or a vibrant fresh green salad.
Keyword chicken, honey garlic, slow cooker