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Easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs: 4-Ingredient Dinner

crockpot honey garlic chicken thighs - featured image

This easy crockpot honey garlic chicken thighs recipe uses just four simple ingredients to create a sticky, sweet-savory glaze that coats tender, fall-apart chicken. Perfect for busy weeknights, it requires only five minutes of prep and delivers a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup (170g) honey
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) low-sodium soy sauce
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
  • Sliced green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, and minced garlic until well combined.
  2. Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of a 4-6 quart slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer as much as possible. Pat the thighs dry with a paper towel first.
  3. Pour the honey garlic mixture evenly over the chicken thighs. Use tongs to gently turn each thigh over, ensuring they are all coated in the sauce.
  4. Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork. Optionally, baste the chicken with the sauce halfway through.
  5. Once the chicken is cooked, use tongs to transfer the thighs to a plate. Pour the remaining sauce from the crockpot into a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.
  6. Return the chicken thighs to the crockpot (or a serving dish) and pour the thickened sauce over them. Toss gently to coat each piece.
  7. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired. Serve immediately over steamed rice, quinoa, or with roasted vegetables.

Notes

For a thicker sauce without a stovetop, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. To double the sauce, double the honey, soy sauce, and garlic; cooking time remains the same. For a spicier version, add 1-2 teaspoons sriracha or gochujang to the sauce. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot honey garlic chicken, slow cooker chicken thighs, 4-ingredient dinner, easy chicken recipe, honey garlic chicken