Whenever I need an easy dinner that practically cooks itself, crockpot honey chicken thighs are one of my favorite go to recipes. This simple slow cooker meal comes together with just a handful of pantry ingredients and turns out tender every time.

The chicken slowly cooks in a rich honey garlic sauce that is sweet, savory, and perfect for spooning over rice. The sauce thickens slightly as it cooks and coats the chicken beautifully.

It has the kind of comforting flavor that reminds me of simple family dinners where everyone gathered around the table after a long day.

What You Need to Know

The honey garlic sauce cooks down into a glossy, sweet and savory coating for the chicken.
Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 days and reheat easily.
The sauce can be mixed ahead of time and stored in the fridge until you are ready to cook.
For a lighter dinner, serve the chicken with steamed vegetables or cauliflower rice.

Ingredients Overview

Boneless skinless chicken thighs: These stay juicy and flavorful during slow cooking and work perfectly for this recipe. Chicken breasts can also be used.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create the sticky glaze style sauce.
Ketchup: Gives the sauce body and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the honey.
Low sodium soy sauce: Brings a savory depth that complements the honey garlic flavors.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic gives the sauce bold flavor and classic honey garlic taste.
Green onions: Sliced green onions add freshness and a pop of color at the end.
Toasted sesame seeds: A simple garnish that adds texture and a traditional finishing touch.
Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch adds a mild warmth if you enjoy a little heat.

How to Make Garlic Honey Chicken Thighs

Step 1: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, ketchup, soy sauce, and minced garlic until the sauce is smooth and well combined.

Step 2: Arrange the chicken thighs in an even layer on the bottom of the slow cooker so the base is covered.

Step 3: Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken. Cover with the lid and cook on High for about 3 hours or on Low for about 5 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 4: Transfer the chicken to a serving plate and spoon the sauce from the slow cooker over the top. Finish with toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and a light sprinkle of red pepper flakes before serving.

Grandma’s Tips

For the best results, make sure the chicken covers the bottom of the slow cooker so it cooks evenly.
Slow cookers can vary in temperature, so checking the chicken with a meat thermometer helps ensure perfect results.

Modern Updates

Boneless chicken breasts can be substituted for the chicken thighs if preferred.
Everything bagel seasoning can be used in place of sesame seeds for a fun modern topping.

More Slow Cooker Recipes

FAQs

Can I cook honey garlic chicken thighs on low in the slow cooker?

Yes. Cooking the chicken on Low for about 5 hours works well and helps keep the meat tender and juicy. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Can this recipe be made with chicken breasts?

Yes. Boneless skinless chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs. They may cook a little faster, so check for doneness early.

How do I make the honey garlic sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken once cooked and simmer the sauce in a saucepan until it reduces slightly.

What sides go well with crockpot honey garlic chicken?

This dish pairs well with rice, noodles, roasted vegetables, green beans, or mashed potatoes since the sauce is perfect for spooning over sides.

Garlic Honey Chicken Thighs (Easy Crockpot Honey Chicken)

These crockpot honey chicken thighs cook slowly in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce that becomes rich, glossy, and full of flavor. This easy slow cooker dinner uses simple pantry ingredients and turns out tender every time. Serve the chicken with rice or vegetables and spoon the extra sauce over the top for a comforting, old fashioned style meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 4

Total Time 4 15

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

6 boneless skinless chicken thighs, fat trimmed
⅓ cup honey
½ cup ketchup
½ cup low sodium soy sauce
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons fresh green onions, sliced
½ tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Pinch of red pepper flakes

Method

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, ketchup, soy sauce, and minced garlic until the sauce is smooth and well blended.
Arrange the boneless skinless chicken thighs in an even layer along the bottom of the slow cooker.
Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated. Cover the slow cooker with the lid.
Cook on High for about 3 hours or on Low for about 5 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Carefully transfer the chicken thighs to a serving dish and spoon some of the sauce from the slow cooker over the top.
Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and a small pinch of red pepper flakes before serving.

Notes

Make sure the chicken thighs cover the bottom of the slow cooker so they cook evenly. If using a larger slow cooker, consider increasing the recipe amount.
Cooking time can vary depending on the slow cooker. For best results, cook on low until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F using a digital thermometer.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts may also be used in place of chicken thighs if preferred.
The sauce is delicious spooned over rice, noodles, or vegetables.
Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.

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Crockpot Honey Chicken Thighs