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Cozy Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs: Easy Dinner in 30 Min

crockpot honey garlic chicken thighs - featured image

This cozy crockpot honey garlic chicken thighs recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. With just 10 minutes of prep, the slow cooker does all the work, delivering tender, fall-apart chicken in a sweet and savory sticky glaze.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 6–8 thighs)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ⅓ cup honey
  • ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
  • 1 tablespoon cold water (for cornstarch slurry)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions (for garnish)
  • Cooked rice or steamed vegetables (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs in a single layer for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Transfer to the slow cooker.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, tomato paste, rice vinegar, and grated ginger (if using) until smooth.
  4. Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and shreds easily.
  5. Optional: Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and cold water to form a slurry. Pour the slurry into the slow cooker with the sauce, stir, and cook on HIGH uncovered for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
  6. Return the chicken to the slow cooker and coat with the thickened sauce. Garnish with parsley or green onions. Serve over rice or steamed vegetables.

Notes

Searing the chicken adds depth of flavor. For a thicker sauce, use the cornstarch slurry. Leftovers taste even better the next day. Freezes well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot honey garlic chicken, slow cooker chicken thighs, easy chicken dinner, honey garlic chicken, cozy chicken recipe