Honey-Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Recipe
Here is a tender, flavorful recipe for Honey-Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs no-fuss, set-it-and-forget-it meal that’s perfect for busy days. The chicken becomes juicy and infused with a sweet and savory glaze that’s irresistible!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4–6 hours (on low)
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
2 to 2.5 pounds (900g-1.1kg) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 6-8 pieces)
½ cup honey
½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
¼ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce (optional, for extra depth)
2 teaspoons sesame oil (optional)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil or Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon cornstarch +2 tablespoons cold water (for thickening, optional)
Chopped green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
Make the sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, hoisin sauce (if using), sesame oil, garlic, basil, and pepper until well combined.
Add chicken to the slow cooker:
Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker in a single layer. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken.
Cook:
Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until chicken is tender and fully cooked (internal temp: 165°F/74°C).
Optional-thicken the sauce.
Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to form a slurry. Stir into the sauce in the slow cooker and cook on high for 10-15 minutes until thickened. Return chicken to the pot and coat with the sauce.
Serve:
Serve the chicken thighs over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles. Drizzle with extra sauce and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Tips
Add vegetables like carrots or bell peppers in the last 1-2 hours for a complete one-pot meal.
Use bone-in, skinless chicken thighs for an even richer flavor (add 30 more minutes to cook time).
For a spicier version, add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce.