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Are you in search of a quick and flavorful dinner that requires minimal effort? Look no further than this Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs recipe! Tender, juicy chicken thighs are bathed in a luscious honey garlic sauce, creating an Easy Weeknight Dinner that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping for leftovers, this dish is a surefire hit.

Why You’ll Love These Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

These Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs are a go-to Easy Weeknight Dinner:

Effortless Prep: Just mix and let the slow cooker do the work.
Flavorful Sauce: Sweet honey, savory soy, and zesty garlic blend perfectly.
Versatile: Pairs with rice, noodles, or veggies for a complete meal.
Make-Ahead: Ideal for meal prep or freezing for later.
Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that kids and adults love.
I made this for a busy weeknight, and my family couldn’t get enough of the sticky, savory sauce.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs (serves 6):

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
⅓ cup honey
6 cloves garlic, minced
⅓ cup ketchup
½ tsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp chopped scallions (for garnish)
1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)

Ingredient Tips:

Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless for easy prep; thighs stay juicier than breasts.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium to control saltiness; tamari for gluten-free.
Honey: Pure honey for natural sweetness; avoid overly floral varieties.
Garlic: Freshly minced for bold flavor; avoid pre-minced for best results.
Ginger: Freshly grated for a warm, zesty kick.

Directions for Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

Let’s make these flavorful Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs!

Prepare Chicken

I place 2 lbs chicken thighs in the slow cooker, arranging them evenly for consistent cooking.

Mix Sauce

In a bowl, I whisk together ⅓ cup soy sauce, ⅓ cup honey, ⅓ cup ketchup, 6 minced garlic cloves, ½ tsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp grated ginger, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using) until smooth.

Cook Chicken

I pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. I cover and cook on high for 3.5 hours or low for 6–8 hours, letting the flavors meld.

Thicken Sauce

I mix 2 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water to form a slurry, stir it into the slow cooker, and cook on high for 15 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Shred and Serve

I shred the chicken with two forks, mix it with the sauce, and serve over rice, garnished with 2 tbsp chopped scallions and 1 tsp sesame seeds.

Nutrition

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3.5–8 hours (plus 15 minutes for sauce)
Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes–8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: ~320 kcal per serving
Macros per Serving: 28g carbs, 25g protein, 12g fat, 1g fiber

Variations for Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

Spicy Kick: Add ½ tsp sriracha or extra red pepper flakes for heat.
Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Veggie Boost: Stir in bell peppers or carrots during the last hour of cooking.
Sweeter Sauce: Increase honey to ½ cup for a stickier glaze.
Bone-In Thighs: Use bone-in thighs, increasing cook time by 1 hour on low.

Serving Ideas:

Serve over jasmine rice or noodles as an Easy Weeknight Dinner.
Pair with steamed broccoli, green beans, or a fresh salad.
Present on a platter with extra sauce drizzled for a restaurant-style look.

Storage

I store leftover Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, cooling to room temperature first. For freezing, I portion into freezer bags, where they last 2–3 months. I thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth, stirring to restore sauce consistency, or microwave in short intervals.

FAQs :

Can I use chicken breasts for Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs?
Yes, I use boneless breasts, but reduce cooking time by 30 minutes to prevent drying out this Easy Weeknight Dinner.

How do I adjust the spice in this dish?
I omit red pepper flakes for mild flavor or add sriracha for more heat, tasting before serving.

Can I make this Easy Weeknight Dinner ahead and freeze?
Yes, I freeze cooked chicken and sauce for up to 3 months, thawing and reheating with a bit of broth.

What sides pair with Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs?
I serve with rice, quinoa, or noodles, plus steamed veggies or a salad for balance.

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Conclusion

This Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. The slow cooking process ensures that the chicken turns out incredibly tender, while the honey garlic sauce provides a sweet and savory flavor profile that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy this delicious meal with a side of rice and a sprinkle of scallions and sesame seeds for the ultimate dining experience.