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Irresistible Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe Easy and Flavorful Meal

crockpot honey garlic chicken - featured image

A cozy and flavorful slow cooker chicken dish featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a sticky honey garlic sauce. Perfect for busy days and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (900g) chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on or boneless, skinless)
  • ½ cup (120ml) honey
  • ¼ cup (60ml) soy sauce (regular or low sodium)
  • 45 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) rice vinegar
  • ¼ cup (60ml) water
  • Ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
  • Optional: sesame seeds for garnish
  • Optional: chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

  1. Pat dry 2 pounds (900g) of chicken thighs with paper towels.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together ½ cup (120ml) honey, ¼ cup (60ml) soy sauce, 4-5 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons (30ml) rice vinegar, ¼ cup (60ml) water, and a pinch of ground black pepper until smooth.
  3. Place the chicken thighs in the crockpot in a single layer. Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the top, coating every piece.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until chicken is tender and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
  5. About 30 minutes before serving, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the crockpot and increase heat to high. Cook uncovered for 20-30 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy glaze.
  6. Turn the chicken to coat it well in the thickened sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Serve garnished with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. Great over steamed rice or noodles with steamed veggies on the side.

Notes

Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results. Do not overcook to avoid dryness; check at 4 hours if your slow cooker runs hot. Fresh minced garlic is essential for best flavor. Thickening the sauce with cornstarch slurry near the end gives a glossy, sticky finish. Turning chicken halfway through cooking is optional but recommended for even sauce coverage. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Maple syrup can replace honey for a refined sugar-free option. Add sriracha for a spicy twist if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot chicken, honey garlic chicken, slow cooker recipe, easy dinner, comfort food, chicken thighs, honey sauce