Easy and Delicious Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
Imagine coming home to the irresistible aroma of tender chicken simmering in a rich honey garlic sauce—your kitchen filled with the comforting scent that makes you excited for dinner. That’s what you get with this Easy and Delicious Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken. It’s a no-fuss recipe that brings together sweet and savory flavors in a way that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. This dish is all about convenience without sacrificing taste, making it a must-try for anyone who loves a good, home-cooked meal.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
- 8 Chicken Thighs (bone-in or boneless): These provide the hearty protein base for the dish. Bone-in thighs offer a richer flavor, while boneless thighs cook faster and are easier to serve.
- ½ Cup Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: This adds a salty, umami depth to the sauce without overpowering it with sodium, making the dish flavorful yet balanced.
- ⅓ Cup Ketchup: A tangy and slightly sweet element that helps thicken the sauce while adding a familiar, comforting flavor.
- ⅓ Cup Honey: The honey brings a natural sweetness that balances the savory and tangy components, giving the sauce its signature sticky, glossy finish.
- 6 Cloves Garlic (minced): Fresh minced garlic adds a robust, aromatic flavor that infuses the chicken and sauce with a savory, slightly spicy kick.
- 2 Tbsp Rice Vinegar: This mild vinegar adds a subtle acidity that cuts through the sweetness of the honey, balancing the overall flavor of the dish.
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil: A small amount of sesame oil provides a nutty, toasted flavor that enhances the Asian-inspired profile of the sauce.
- Cornstarch Slurry (1 Tbsp Cornstarch + 2 Tbsp Water): This mixture is used to thicken the sauce towards the end of cooking, ensuring it clings to the chicken thighs perfectly.
- ½ Tbsp Sesame Seeds (optional): These seeds add a slight crunch and a subtle nutty flavor, as well as a visually appealing garnish.
- 2 Green Onions (sliced)(optional): Freshly sliced green onions add a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that complements the rich, savory notes of the dish.
HOW TO PREPARE EASY SLOW COOKER CHICKEN?
Time needed: 3 hours and 15 minutes
- Prep the Chicken Thighs:
Begin by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the sauce cling better during cooking. - Mix the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine the low-sodium soy sauce, ketchup, honey, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir well until all ingredients are fully mixed, creating a smooth, fragrant sauce.
- Arrange the Chicken:
Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of your crockpot, arranging them in a single layer for even cooking. - Add the Sauce:
Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is well coated. - Cook:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Check the chicken temperature after two hours. Use an instant-read thermometer until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees f. Cook time will vary depending on if you use boneless or bone-in thighs. - Thicken the Sauce:
Prepare the cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Stir this mixture into the sauce in the crockpot to thicken it. - Garnish and Serve:
Once done, carefully remove the chicken thighs from the crockpot and place them on a serving platter. Spoon the thickened honey garlic sauce over the top. Garnish with sesame seeds, red chili flakes, and sliced green onions if desired.
Serve your Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs over rice or alongside your favorite steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy!
FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
It’s generally recommended to thaw chicken before adding it to the slow cooker to ensure even cooking and food safety.
Cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, depending on your slow cooker and the size of the chicken thighs. Also, cooking time will depend if you have boneless or bone-in chicken. Use an instant-read thermometer to be sure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees f.
Yes, you can add vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or broccoli, but add them halfway through the cooking time so they don’t become too soft.
Yes, you can simmer the ingredients on the stovetop or bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
WHAT SIDES ARE COMMONLY SERVED WITH CROCKPOT CHICKEN?
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Boneless Chicken Thighs are perfect with sides that soak up all that tasty sauce. Fluffy jasmine or basmati rice is a classic, soaking up the sweet and savory flavors perfectly. For something a bit richer, creamy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles hit the spot. A side of steamed or roasted veggies like broccoli, green beans, or carrots adds a nice, fresh crunch. To balance it all out, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette makes for a refreshing finish.
SLOW-COOKER CHICKEN RECIPE ADD-INS AND VARIATIONS:
- Chicken Breasts: Swap chicken thighs for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- Tamari or Coconut Aminos: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative.
- Maple Syrup: Replace honey with maple syrup for a different kind of natural sweetness.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Substitute rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a tangier flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add a tablespoon of Sriracha or red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
- Pineapple: Toss in some pineapple chunks for a sweet and tangy tropical variation.
HOW DO YOU STORE AND REHEAT LEFTOVER GARLIC HONEY-GLAZED CHICKEN?
To store leftover Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs, put them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can reheat it gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it moist, or use the microwave, covering it to avoid drying out. Make sure the chicken is heated to 165°F (74°C) before serving.
CAN LEFTOVER SLOW-COOKER CHICKEN BE FROZEN FOR LATER CONSUMPTION?
Yes, you can freeze leftover Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken. Let the chicken cool to room temperature, then place it in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, you can use a skillet with a little water or broth to keep it moist, or microwave it until it’s heated through. Just make sure it reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
LOOKING FOR MORE CROCKPOT RECIPES? TRY THESE!
How to Cook: Crock Pot Honey Garlic Pork Loin Roast: Where the pork loin bathes in a luscious honey garlic glaze, slow-cooking to succulent perfection.
Slow Cooker Vegan Black Bean Soup: This soul-satisfying soup is a testament to simplicity and flavor, as hearty black beans mingle with an array of vibrant vegetables and aromatic spices in the convenience of your slow cooker.
Slow Cooker Beer Braised Corn Beef: This Slow Cooker Beer Braised Corned Beef has a classic corned beef flavor that is made even better with beer! Paired with carrots, cabbage, and potatoes this is the perfect meal for any cold winter night.
Easy and Delicious Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
Equipment
- Crockpot/Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 8 Chicken Thighs (bone-in or boneless)
- ½ Cup Low-Sodium Soy Sauce
- ⅓ cup Ketchup
- ⅓ cup Honey
- 6 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 Tbsp Rice Vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
Cornstarch Slurry:
- 1 Tbsp Cornstarch
- 2 Tbsp Water
Garnish:
- ½ Tbsp Sesame Seeds (optional)
- 2 Green Onions (sliced)(optional)
- 1 Tsp Red Chili Flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken Thighs: Begin by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the sauce cling better during cooking.
- Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the low-sodium soy sauce, ketchup, honey, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir well until all ingredients are fully mixed, creating a smooth, fragrant sauce.
- Arrange the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of your crockpot, arranging them in a single layer for even cooking.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Check the chicken temperature after two hours. Use an instant-read thermometer until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees f. Cook time will vary depending on if you use boneless or bone-in thighs.
- Thicken the Sauce: Prepare the cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Stir this mixture into the sauce in the crockpot to thicken it.
- Garnish: Once done, carefully remove the chicken thighs from the crockpot and place them on a serving platter. Spoon the thickened honey garlic sauce over the top. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.
- Serve: Serve your Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs over rice or alongside your favorite steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy!