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Best Easy Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

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Tender, juicy chicken thighs coated in a sticky, sweet-and-savory honey garlic sauce, made effortlessly in the slow cooker. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/3 cup (110g) honey
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) ketchup
  • 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon (15g) fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon (8g) cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional garnish: sliced green onions, sesame seeds, extra honey

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Transfer to the slow cooker.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Pour over the chicken in the slow cooker.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until chicken is fork-tender.
  5. Remove chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water until smooth. Pour into the slow cooker with the juices, stirring well. Turn heat to HIGH and simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens to a glossy, syrupy consistency.
  6. Return chicken to the slow cooker and spoon thickened sauce over the top. Let sit for 5 minutes. Serve over steamed rice, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

Searing the chicken is crucial for depth of flavor. For a spicier version, add 1-2 teaspoons sriracha or red pepper flakes. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days and freeze well for up to 3 months. The sauce thickens more on day two.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker honey garlic chicken, honey garlic chicken thighs, easy chicken recipe, slow cooker chicken, sticky chicken thighs

Find it online: https://piperplate.com/best-easy-slow-cooker-honey-garlic-chicken-thighs/