Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs: Set & Forget!

The quest for a weeknight dinner that’s both delicious and demands minimal effort often feels like searching for the Holy Grail, but what if I told you the answer was right here: Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs: Set it & Forget It!? Imagine coming home after a long day to the intoxicating aroma of savory chicken, knowing dinner is ready and waiting, requiring absolutely no further intervention. This recipe is a game-changer for busy families and anyone who appreciates flavorful, fuss-free cooking.

Why Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Are a Weeknight Winner

Slow cookers are a modern marvel, allowing you to transform simple ingredients into culinary masterpieces with minimal hands-on time. This recipe, in particular, is a standout for several reasons:

• Ease of Preparation: Seriously, it’s incredibly easy. Just toss the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do its thing.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of honey and garlic creates a sweet and savory glaze that is irresistible.
• Tender and Juicy Chicken: Slow cooking ensures that the chicken thighs are incredibly tender and moist, falling off the bone.
• Minimal Cleanup: One-pot cooking means fewer dishes to wash. Hallelujah!
• Budget-Friendly: Chicken thighs are generally more affordable than chicken breasts, making this a cost-effective meal.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. The leftovers are delicious and can be used in various ways.

The Secret to the Best Honey Garlic Sauce

The honey garlic sauce is the star of this dish. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients and why they work so well together:

• Honey: Adds sweetness and helps to create a beautiful glaze. Use a good quality honey for the best flavor.
• Garlic: Provides a pungent and savory flavor that complements the sweetness of the honey. Freshly minced garlic is always preferred.
• Soy Sauce: Adds umami and saltiness to balance the sweetness and acidity. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the salt level.
• Rice Vinegar: Provides a touch of acidity that brightens the flavor of the sauce. Apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute.
• Ginger (Optional): Adds a warm and slightly spicy note. Freshly grated ginger is ideal.
• Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): Adds a touch of heat.

Tips for Perfecting Your Honey Garlic Sauce

• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of honey.
• Don’t Overcook the Garlic: If you’re searing the chicken before slow cooking, be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
• Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Recipe

Ready to get cooking? Here’s a detailed recipe to guide you through the process:

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium)
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening sauce)
• 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening sauce)
• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
• Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps them to brown better if you choose to sear them (optional).
2. Sear the Chicken (Optional): For added flavor and texture, sear the chicken thighs in a skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side. This step is optional but recommended.
3. Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sesame oil, ginger (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using).
4. Combine: Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken, ensuring that all the pieces are coated.
5. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and very tender.
6. Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you want a thicker sauce, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker and stir. Cook until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
7. Shred (Optional): For a different texture, shred the chicken with two forks after cooking.
8. Serve: Serve the honey garlic chicken over rice, noodles, or vegetables. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Results

Here are some additional tips to ensure your Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs are a success:

• Don’t Overcrowd the Slow Cooker: Overcrowding can prevent the chicken from cooking evenly. If necessary, cook in batches.
• Adjust Cooking Time: Cooking times can vary depending on your slow cooker. Check the chicken for doneness after the minimum cooking time and adjust accordingly.
• Use Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: While bone-in, skin-on thighs can be used, boneless, skinless thighs are more convenient and cook more quickly.
• Don’t Lift the Lid Too Often: Lifting the lid releases heat and can prolong the cooking time.
• Let the Chicken Rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.

Serving Suggestions: What to Serve with Honey Garlic Chicken

Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:

• Rice: White rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice are all excellent choices.
• Noodles: Lo mein noodles, udon noodles, or rice noodles are a great way to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, asparagus, or bok choy are healthy and flavorful accompaniments.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken.
• Quinoa: A healthy and protein-packed alternative to rice.
• Mashed Potatoes: A classic comfort food that complements the sweet and savory flavors.

Variations and Adaptations

This recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences and dietary needs. Here are a few variations to try:

• Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for extra heat.
• Honey Garlic Chicken with Vegetables: Add your favorite vegetables to the slow cooker along with the chicken. Broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers work well.
• Honey Garlic Chicken Lettuce Wraps: Shred the chicken and serve it in lettuce cups with shredded carrots, cucumbers, and a drizzle of sesame oil.
• Gluten-Free Honey Garlic Chicken: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make the recipe gluten-free.
• Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry: Cook the chicken in the slow cooker, then shred it and stir-fry it with vegetables and the sauce.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Leftover Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through, or reheat in a skillet over medium heat. You can also reheat it in the slow cooker on low heat.

Why Chicken Thighs?

While chicken breasts are a popular choice, chicken thighs offer several advantages in slow cooker recipes:

• More Flavor: Chicken thighs are naturally more flavorful than chicken breasts due to their higher fat content.
• More Tender: They are less likely to dry out during slow cooking.
• More Affordable: Chicken thighs are typically less expensive than chicken breasts.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the simplest recipes, things can sometimes go awry. Here are some solutions to common issues:

• Chicken is Dry: Make sure you’re using enough sauce and that you’re not overcooking the chicken. Slow cookers can vary in temperature, so check for doneness after the minimum cooking time.
• Sauce is Too Thin: Thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry as described in the recipe.
• Sauce is Too Sweet: Reduce the amount of honey in the sauce.
• Chicken is Not Cooked Through: Cook the chicken for a longer period of time, checking for doneness with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

The Versatility of Slow Cooker Cooking

The beauty of slow cooker cooking lies in its versatility. You can adapt this recipe to suit your taste preferences and use it as a base for other dishes. Once you master this Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs recipe, you’ll be inspired to explore other slow cooker creations.

Conclusion: A Simple Solution for Delicious Dinners

Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs: Set it & Forget It! is more than just a recipe; it’s a solution to the age-old problem of what to make for dinner when time is short and energy is low. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, a meal prep champion, and a testament to the power of simple ingredients combined with the magic of slow cooking. So, ditch the takeout menu, dust off your slow cooker, and prepare to be amazed by the ease and deliciousness of this recipe. Your taste buds (and your sanity) will thank you.

Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs: Set & Forget!

Amelia Chen-Morrison

Set it and forget it! These honey garlic slow cooker chicken thighs are sweet, savory, and fall-apart tender — the perfect easy weeknight dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Asian-inspired

Servings 6 servings

Calories 390 kcal

Equipment

• Slow cooker
• skillet (optional) for searing
• Mixing bowl for sauce
• measuring spoons & cups
• forks for shredding

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 0.5 cup honey
• 0.25 cup soy sauce (low-sodium)
• 0.25 cup rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp grated ginger (optional)
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 2 tbsp cold water (optional, for thickening slurry)
• sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
• chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

 

• Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Optionally sear for 2–3 minutes per side for extra flavor.
• In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, sesame oil, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
• Place chicken in the slow cooker and pour sauce over. Coat chicken evenly.
• Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until chicken is tender.
• To thicken: In final 30 minutes, stir in cornstarch slurry (mix cornstarch + cold water) and cook until thickened.
• Optional: shred the chicken with two forks for a pulled texture.
• Serve hot over rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Notes

Reduce the honey if you prefer less sweetness. Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for heat. Optional cornstarch slurry can thicken the sauce in the final 30 minutes.

Keyword easy crockpot chicken, honey garlic chicken, set and forget, slow cooker chicken thighs