Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
If you’re searching for a recipe that’s simple, comforting, and packed with flavor, these Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are about to become your new favorite. With the irresistible combination of sweet honey and savory garlic, this slow cooker dish delivers fall-off-the-bone tender chicken coated in a sticky glaze that’s both rich and satisfying. Best of all, it’s a true “set it and forget it” recipe perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or cozy weekends at home.
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes.
Step 2: Add Chicken to the Slow Cooker
Place chicken thighs in your slow cooker, skin side up. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Remove the chicken and transfer it to a serving platter. Pour the remaining sauce into a small saucepan. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and bring to a boil, stirring until thickened (about 2–3 minutes).
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Pour the thickened sauce over the chicken thighs and sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve warm over rice, noodles, or your favorite grain.
Why This Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe Works
- Effortless cooking: Toss it in the slow cooker and let it do the work.
- Family-friendly: Sweet enough for kids, savory enough for adults.
- Budget-friendly: Made with simple pantry staples.
- Versatile: Great over rice, noodles, or shredded into wraps and salads.
- Meal-prep approved: Stores well in the fridge and freezer.
Tips for Perfect Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
- Use bone-in thighs for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Don’t skip the sauce-thickening step—that glossy glaze is the magic!
- Add heat with more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
- For even deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce overnight before cooking.
- Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds for freshness and crunch.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic over steamed jasmine rice
- With quinoa or brown rice for a healthier twist
- Over noodles for a takeout-style dinner
- Shredded in lettuce wraps, tacos, or even sandwiches
Conclusion
These Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs prove that incredible flavor doesn’t have to mean hours in the kitchen. With just 10 minutes of prep and a slow cooker doing the rest, you’ll end up with a family-approved meal that’s tender, saucy, and unforgettable. Try it once, and it just might earn a permanent spot in your weekly dinner rotation.
