Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs: Set & Forget!
Set it and forget it! These honey garlic slow cooker chicken thighs are sweet, savory, and fall-apart tender — the perfect easy weeknight dinner.
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.