Go Back
- 4-6 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated - 1 tablespoon sesame oil The main ingredients create a perfect balance of sweet and savory. The chicken thighs stay juicy and tender, while the honey and soy sauce blend together for a rich sauce. Garlic and ginger add depth, making each bite flavorful. The sesame oil gives a nice nutty finish. - 1 teaspoon sriracha (for added spice) - 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for sauce thickening) - 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish) - Sesame seeds (for a delightful crunch) You can add sriracha if you like heat. Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce for a smooth texture. Sliced green onions and sesame seeds make a beautiful garnish. They add color and a nice crunch to the dish, enhancing both taste and presentation. Season the chicken thighs well. Use salt and pepper on both sides. This step is key to making the chicken tasty. You want every bite to have flavor. When the chicken is seasoned, it will soak up the sauce better. This small act makes a big difference in taste. In a medium bowl, mix the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Add sesame oil for a rich flavor. If you like heat, include sriracha. Whisk everything until smooth. This sauce will coat the chicken and bring out its best flavors. Layer the seasoned chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Place them flat for even cooking. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken. Make sure every piece gets coated. Cover the slow cooker. For low heat, cook for 4-6 hours. If you choose high heat, cook for 2-3 hours. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F and is very tender. About 30 minutes before the chicken is done, make a cornstarch slurry. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a small amount of water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker. This will thicken the sauce and make it velvety. It also adds a nice gloss to the dish. When the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker. Place it on a serving plate. Drizzle the sweet honey garlic sauce over the chicken. For a pretty finish, sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top. This adds crunch and color to your dish. To ensure the chicken is tender and cooked through, season the thighs well. Use salt and pepper on both sides. This step is vital for flavor. Cook the chicken in the slow cooker for 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. I recommend using a meat thermometer for accuracy. It takes the guesswork out of cooking. For a great meal, serve the chicken over steamed rice or fluffy quinoa. Both options soak up the tasty sauce well. Add a side of steamed broccoli or colorful bell peppers. These sides add nutrition and make your plate pop. For plating, drizzle the honey garlic sauce over the chicken. Then, sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. This makes the dish look and taste amazing. You can customize this dish by adding herbs or spices. Fresh cilantro or basil can add a nice touch. If you want it sweeter, increase the honey. For more heat, add extra sriracha. Experimenting with flavors is fun and can lead to new favorites. Adjusting sweetness and spiciness can make the dish perfect for your taste buds. {{image_4}} You can easily swap ingredients to fit your needs. For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. It works just as well and keeps the flavor intact. If you prefer a different protein, chicken breasts can replace the thighs. Just remember, breasts cook faster, so check them at around 2-3 hours on high heat. Want to give your dish an Asian twist? Try adding a splash of rice vinegar or some chopped green onions into the sauce. You can also switch up the sweeteners. Maple syrup or agave nectar can replace honey. Each one offers a unique flavor that can change the dish’s vibe. If you want a faster method, use an Instant Pot. Set it to the poultry setting for about 10-15 minutes. The chicken will turn out juicy and tender. You can also bake this dish in the oven. Just preheat your oven to 375°F and bake for about 35-40 minutes. Make sure to check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F. To store your leftover honey garlic chicken thighs, let them cool first. Place the chicken in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. When you are ready to eat, check for any off smells. This ensures safety and taste. If you want to keep the chicken longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap each thigh tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped thighs in a freezer bag. Try to remove as much air as you can. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze the chicken for up to three months. This way, you can enjoy this dish later. When it’s time to reheat, do it gently. You want to keep the chicken moist. The best way is to use the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the chicken in a baking dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes. Check that it’s heated through, reaching 165°F inside. You can also use the microwave, but be careful not to dry it out. Enjoy your delicious meal! You can store the chicken in the fridge for up to four days. Place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Be sure to let it cool before sealing. This helps maintain the best flavor and texture. Yes, you can use boneless thighs. They will cook faster, so check them after about 3 hours on low. Boneless thighs can be just as tasty, but they may lack some depth of flavor that bone-in thighs provide. Yes, you can prepare the chicken a day ahead. Just season and place it in the slow cooker. Store the uncooked chicken in the fridge overnight. Cook it the next day for a quick meal. Reheat any leftovers in the slow cooker or microwave. This dish pairs well with steamed rice or quinoa. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers. A fresh salad can add a nice crunch and balance to the meal. To add heat, include more sriracha in the sauce. You can also sprinkle in red pepper flakes for an extra kick. If you love spice, consider adding fresh chopped chili peppers when serving for a fresh and fiery flavor. This article covered how to make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs. We explored ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for great results. Remember to adjust flavors to your liking and don’t hesitate to try new sides. You can also explore variations like using different proteins or cooking methods. With the right storage tips, you can enjoy this dish later. Try it out, and make it your own!

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Enjoy a deliciously easy meal with this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe! Packed with savory flavors and tender chicken, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a meal that's sure to impress your family. Click through to discover the full recipe and learn how to create a mouthwatering sauce that pairs beautifully with rice or quinoa. Don't miss out on this tasty dinner idea!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

4-6 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs

1/2 cup honey

1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon sriracha (optional, for a spicy twist)

1 tablespoon cornstarch (for a velvety sauce)

2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

Sesame seeds (for a delightful crunch)

Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken thighs generously with salt and freshly cracked pepper on both sides. This seasoning is essential to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

    Mix the Sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and sriracha (if you decide to add a kick). Whisk the ingredients together until they form a smooth, cohesive sauce.

      Layer in the Slow Cooker: Carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs into the slow cooker, laying them flat in a single layer. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is generously coated with the sauce mixture.

        Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set the heat to low. Allow the chicken to cook slowly for 4-6 hours, or choose high heat for 2-3 hours, until the chicken becomes tender and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).

          Thicken the Sauce: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, create a cornstarch slurry by mixing the cornstarch with a small amount of water until smooth. Stir this slurry gently into the slow cooker, ensuring it's evenly distributed in the sauce. This will help to thicken and enrich the sauce as it continues to cook.

            Finish and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through, carefully remove the thighs from the slow cooker and place them on a serving plate. Drizzle the luscious honey garlic sauce over the chicken thighs for a tantalizing finish.

              Garnish: To elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise, sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the chicken before serving.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 6 hours | Servings: 4-6

                  - Presentation Tips: To create an inviting meal, serve the chicken on a comforting bed of steamed rice or fluffy quinoa to soak up the flavorful sauce. Add a side of steamed broccoli or vibrant rainbow bell peppers for a colorful and nutritious touch that enhances your plate!