When it comes to easy crockpot chicken recipes, nothing beats these Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs. They’re sweet, savory, and melt-in-your-mouth tender, making them a go-to for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. If you’ve been searching for the best slow cooker chicken recipes or a delicious chicken crockpot recipe easy enough for beginners, you’ve found it.
This dish ticks all the boxes—it’s one of those perfect chicken thigh crockpot meals where you just dump everything in and let the crockpot slow cooker do its magic. Whether you’re looking for a flavorful chicken entree, trying out new chicken dump meals crock pot style, or simply craving a warm, satisfying dinner, this is one of the best comfort crockpot recipes you can make.
The combination of honey garlic sauce for chicken thighs is a winner. It’s sticky, flavorful, and pairs wonderfully with rice, noodles, or veggies. So, if you’re a fan of garlic chicken thighs, love a good honey chicken recipe, or are always on the lookout for easy crockpot honey garlic chicken thighs, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your rotation of crockpot chicken recipes.
Check out more recipes:
- Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
- Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe
- Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe
- Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Easy Crockpot Honey Chicken Wings
- Crockpot Honey Barbecue Chicken Recipe
- Easy Crockpot Honey Chicken Recipe
Let’s dive in and make these delicious honey garlic chicken thighs in crockpot, the perfect meal for any day of the week!
What You’ll Need
You won’t believe how easy the ingredient list is. You probably have most of these in your kitchen already!
- 6–8 chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless, whatever you like)
- 1/2 cup honey (the star of the show!)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (I use low-sodium so it’s not too salty)
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced (more if you’re a garlic lover like me)
- 2 tablespoons ketchup (it adds a nice tangy touch)
- 1 tablespoon vinegar (rice vinegar is great, but apple cider vinegar works too)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, but it adds a little something extra)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (to thicken the sauce)
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (because who doesn’t love a pretty plate?)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Get the Sauce Ready
Grab a bowl and whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ketchup, vinegar, and sesame oil (if you’re using it). The sauce smells amazing even before it’s cooked, so prepare for your kitchen to already feel cozy and inviting.
- Prep the Chicken
Lay your chicken thighs in the bottom of your crockpot. Don’t worry if they overlap a little—it all cooks evenly in the end. Pour that yummy sauce all over the chicken, making sure every piece gets coated. - Let the Crockpot Work Its Magic
Set your crockpot to low for 5–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours. If your house is anything like mine, the smell will have everyone asking, “What’s for dinner?” hours before it’s ready.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional but So Worth It)
About 20 minutes before serving, take the chicken out and whisk the cornstarch and water mixture into the sauce still in the crockpot. Turn the heat to high and let the sauce thicken up a bit. Then, pop the chicken back in so it soaks up that thick, glossy sauce. - Serve It Up
Sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions on top for a little extra flair. Serve these chicken thighs over rice, noodles, or even with some roasted veggies on the side. My kids love it with plain white rice because it soaks up all that delicious sauce.
Tips From My Kitchen
- Why Thighs Work Best: Chicken thighs are naturally juicier than breasts, so they don’t dry out even after hours in the crockpot.
- Add Some Heat: If you like a little spice, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squirt of sriracha.
- Make It Ahead: You can prep everything the night before and store it in the fridge. In the morning, just dump it all into the crockpot and go about your day.
Why We Love This Recipe
There’s something so comforting about slow-cooked meals. I love that this dish feels like you put a lot of effort into it, but in reality, it’s the crockpot doing all the hard work. Plus, it’s such a hit with my family—my oldest daughter calls it “sweet chicken,” and my youngest always asks for seconds.
Recipe Card: Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 6 –8 chicken thighs bone-in or boneless
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce low sodium
- 2 –3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil optional
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water optional, for thickening
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ketchup, vinegar, and sesame oil (if using).
Layer the Crockpot
- Place chicken thighs in the crockpot in a single layer. Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated.
Cook Low and Slow
- Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
- Remove the chicken and stir in the cornstarch slurry into the sauce in the crockpot. Turn to high and let the sauce thicken for about 20 minutes. Return chicken to the sauce.
Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve over rice, noodles, or alongside your favorite veggies.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce.
- Chicken thighs work best for this recipe as they stay juicy, but you can substitute chicken breasts if preferred.
FAQs: Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken in a zip-top bag the night before. In the morning, just dump it all into the crockpot and start cooking.
How do I store leftovers?
Let the chicken cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a bit of extra sauce.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, it freezes beautifully! Cook the chicken and let it cool before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Store it for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat when ready to eat.
How do I know if the chicken is fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) when checked with a meat thermometer. The chicken should be tender and easy to pull apart with a fork.
Can I make the sauce thicker without cornstarch?
Yes, you can reduce the sauce by simmering it in a saucepan on the stovetop until it thickens. Arrowroot powder or flour can also be used as alternatives to cornstarch.
If you’re looking for easy crockpot chicken recipes that are both delicious and simple, Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs is the perfect dish to try. This chicken recipe crockpot easy is a fantastic addition to your list of chicken thigh crockpot meals that requires minimal prep and delivers incredible flavor. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or as part of your chicken dump meals crock pot collection, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home.
Not only is this a flavorful chicken entree, but it’s also one of those comfort crockpot recipes that fills the house with the irresistible smell of garlic and honey chicken thighs. The honey garlic sauce for chicken thighs coats the meat perfectly, giving you that perfect balance of sweet and savory. Cooking chicken in the crockpot has never been easier, and this easy crockpot honey garlic chicken thighs recipe will have you loving your chicken cooker even more.
Whether you’re new to crockpot chicken recipes or a seasoned pro, this honey garlic chicken crock pot thighs easy recipes is a must-try! It’s an ideal choice for those busy days when you want a comforting, flavorful meal that practically cooks itself. Enjoy your slow cooker honey garlic chicken thighs with your favorite sides for the perfect meal, and make sure to keep this recipe on hand for those days when you need easy crockpot chicken that everyone will love.
So, the next time you’re in the mood for a simple, yet mouthwatering meal, turn to this honey garlic chicken thighs in crockpot recipe—it’s sure to impress!
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