Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs: Easy Flavorful Dinner Recipe

If you’re like me, you’re always hunting for dinner recipes that check all the boxes: flavorful, easy, affordable, and family-approved. That’s exactly why I fell head over heels for these Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs. Juicy, tender, and drenched in a sweet-savory garlic sauce that clings to every bite, this is the kind of recipe that makes busy weeknights feel like a win.

It’s the ultimate dump-and-go slow cooker recipe with pantry staples you already have on hand. Plus, cleanup is a breeze, and the flavors are so bold, you’d swear it took hours of hands-on prep. Let me share the story behind this family favorite and why it’s now in heavy rotation in my kitchen.

The Story: From College Kitchen Mistakes to Slow Cooker Wins

My journey with chicken thighs has been, well…a little rocky. Back in my college days in Austin, I was a boneless, skinless chicken breast kind of girl. Thighs? I avoided them like the plague. They seemed tricky to cook, and I was convinced they’d turn out dry or rubbery.

Fast forward to my life now in Colorado, where cold nights and busy days demand cozy, low-effort dinners. One winter evening, with a fridge full of chicken thighs and no energy for oven-baking, I pulled out my Crockpot. I remembered seeing a honey garlic glaze online but didn’t have half the ingredients most recipes called for. So I improvised.

I whisked together soy sauce, honey, ketchup, garlic, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Tossed in some ginger and a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Threw it all over the chicken in the slow cooker and crossed my fingers.

Three and a half hours later, I opened the lid to pure magic.

That sweet and sticky sauce smelled incredible. The chicken thighs were so tender I could shred them with a fork right in the Crockpot. I spooned them over a bowl of steamed rice, sprinkled some scallions and sesame seeds on top, and served it up. Let’s just say…there were zero leftovers.

Now this recipe sits right alongside my Forgotten Chicken Recipe and Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli as a go-to in my weeknight rotation.

Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs: Easy Flavorful Dinner Recipe

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• Author: Sofia Child
• Total Time: 3 hours 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Juicy, flavorful Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs cooked low and slow in a sweet-savory sauce with garlic, soy, and honey. An easy family dinner perfect for busy weeknights.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce

1/3 cup honey

1/3 cup ketchup

6 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

2 tablespoons cornstarch

2 tablespoons cold water

For serving: chopped scallions, sesame seeds, cooked rice

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Instructions

1. Place chicken thighs in an even layer in your slow cooker.

2. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, ketchup, garlic, vinegar, ginger, and red pepper flakes.

3. Pour the sauce over the chicken.

4. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3.5 hours or LOW for 6–8 hours.

5. Mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry.

6. Pour the slurry into the slow cooker during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

7. Stir and cook on HIGH until sauce thickens.

8. Shred chicken if desired.

9. Serve over rice and garnish with scallions and sesame seeds.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

For extra heat, double the red pepper flakes.

Great for meal prep and next-day lunches.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: Asian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1.5 cups
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 120mg

Why This Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Recipe Works Every Time

There are three reasons this dish works so well:

1. The Chicken Thighs Stay Juicy:
   Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are forgiving. They won’t dry out like chicken breasts, especially when cooked low and slow.
2. The Sauce is Bold but Balanced:
   The combination of honey and soy sauce brings sweetness and saltiness. The ketchup adds body and subtle tomato flavor. Garlic and ginger build depth, while the vinegar and red pepper flakes provide that pop of brightness and heat.
3. It’s Truly Set-and-Forget Cooking:
   Aside from quickly whisking the sauce and dumping everything in, there’s minimal work. And when you stir in that cornstarch slurry at the end? You’ll get a thick, glossy sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken.

This recipe also scales easily for meal prep. Leftovers taste even better the next day. And if you’re feeding a crowd? Double the batch with no extra effort.

If you’re a fan of slow cooker dinners that deliver big flavor without stress, check out my Cheesy Steak Rice or these crowd-pleasing Tomato Egg and Beef Noodle Soup recipes next.

The Must-Have Ingredients for Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

When it comes to slow cooker meals, simplicity is key. That’s what makes this Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs recipe so approachable. Every ingredient here plays a vital role in building layers of flavor without overwhelming your pantry or your schedule.

Let’s break down exactly what you’ll need, with the precise measurements for perfect results every time.

Chicken Thighs vs. Other Cuts: What Works Best?

For this recipe, I always recommend using 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Why thighs? Because they stay juicy and flavorful during long cooking times. Even after hours in the slow cooker, they won’t dry out like chicken breasts often do.

If you only have bone-in thighs, that works too, just increase the cook time slightly to ensure they’re fully cooked. Want to experiment? Drumsticks also work beautifully with this sauce.

That said, if you really love chicken breasts, you can substitute them, but watch your timing to prevent dryness. For more on cooking with affordable chicken cuts, check out my Chuck Roast Guide for tips on working with different proteins in the slow cooker.

Another great protein-based slow cooker dinner option? My Keto Beef Stir Fry is always a winner when I’m in a beef mood.

Building the Perfect Honey Garlic Sauce

Here’s where the magic happens: the sauce. This blend of pantry staples comes together fast but tastes like it simmered for hours.

Here’s the full ingredient list with exact measurements:

You’ll also want scallions and sesame seeds for garnish, plus steamed rice if you’re serving it as a full meal.

If you’ve made my Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli, you already know how powerful this sauce combo can be when paired with protein.

Ingredient Swaps and Add-Ins

Feeling creative? Here are a few tweaks you can try:

• Maple Syrup: Swap honey for maple for a richer sweetness.
• Sriracha: Add a teaspoon for more heat.
• Pineapple Juice: Replace a few tablespoons of soy sauce for a tropical twist.

And if you’re ever in the mood for a different slow cooker chicken dish, my Forgotten Chicken Recipe is another foolproof favorite.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

Now that you’ve got your ingredients prepped, let’s walk through the cooking process. The beauty of this recipe? Minimal effort with maximum flavor payoff.

Layering, Mixing, and Cooking Times

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Thighs

Start by placing 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs in an even layer at the bottom of your Crockpot. There’s no need to sear them first, this is a true dump-and-go recipe.

Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the following sauce ingredients:

• 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/3 cup ketchup
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
• A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Stir everything until the honey dissolves and the sauce is well blended.

Step 3: Pour and Cook

Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken thighs in the Crockpot. Cover with the lid.

Set your slow cooker:

• Low: 6–8 hours
• High: 3.5 hours

Whichever setting you choose, you’re looking for the chicken to become fall-apart tender.

If you love other dump-and-go slow cooker recipes, definitely try my Chili Oil Chicken Wings or check out my easy Quick Beef Tacos for busy weeknights.

Thickening the Sauce: Cornstarch Slurry Tip

About 15 minutes before the cooking time is up, it’s time to thicken that gorgeous sauce.

Here’s how:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together:
   • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
   • 2 tablespoons cold water
2. Pour this slurry directly into the Crockpot.
3. Give everything a gentle stir.
4. Turn your slow cooker to High (if it isn’t already) and cook for another 15–20 minutes. This step activates the cornstarch and transforms the sauce into a thick, glossy glaze.

Shred or Keep Whole: Your Choice

Once done, you have two serving options:

• Leave the thighs whole for a classic presentation.
• Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks for a pulled, saucy texture that’s amazing over rice.

Both ways are delicious. Personally, I love shredding when I want the sauce to soak into every bite.

If you’ve ever made my Forgotten Chicken Recipe, you’ll know how easy it is to shred meat right inside the Crockpot.

Slow Cooker Cooking Time Tips

Here’s a quick timing guide to help you decide:

The most important thing? Make sure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.

Pro Tips and Serving Ideas for Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

You’ve got your tender, flavor-packed chicken ready, now let’s talk about how to serve and enjoy it.

Can You Use Frozen Chicken Thighs?

One of the top questions I get is: Can you put frozen chicken thighs in the slow cooker? The short answer: Yes. But with a few important tips.

When starting with frozen chicken thighs:

• Adjust the cooking time: Plan for at least 8 hours on Low or 4–5 hours on High.
• Food safety tip: Always ensure the chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature before serving.

For best flavor and texture, I personally prefer thawed chicken. But if you’re in a pinch, frozen works.

For another example of a flexible slow cooker recipe that handles protein well, check out my Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli.

How to Serve: Rice, Veggies, and Garnishes

Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. Here are some of my favorites:

• Over steamed white or brown rice: This lets the sauce soak right in.
• With quinoa or cauliflower rice: For a low-carb twist.
• Topped with scallions and sesame seeds: Adds freshness and a nice crunch.
• Side of stir-fried veggies: Broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy work great.
• With noodles: Egg noodles or even ramen make a fun variation.

This dish also makes a great lunch for the next day. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers something to look forward to.

If you love pairing protein with carbs, my Cheesy Steak Rice is another reader favorite. Or try my comforting Tomato Egg and Beef Noodle Soup for a cozy dinner alternative.

Conclusion: Big Flavor, Minimal Effort!

When life gets busy but you still want a homemade dinner packed with flavor, these Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs deliver. From the tender chicken to the sticky-sweet garlic sauce, this recipe is pure comfort food made easy.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something satisfying, this dish belongs in your rotation. Once you try it, I bet it’ll earn a permanent spot on your dinner table, right next to my other weeknight favorites like Forgotten Chicken and Quick Beef Tacos.

Happy slow cooking!

FAQs About Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs