Print

Cozy Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs (Easy!)

slow cooker honey garlic chicken thighs - featured image
Print Recipe

This cozy slow cooker honey garlic chicken thighs recipe is proof that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create something truly special. It’s the kind of meal that fills your home with a warm, inviting aroma and your belly with deep satisfaction.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds chicken thighs (about 6–8 pieces), bone-in or boneless, skin removed if preferred
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • 3–4 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Trim excess fat if desired. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, chicken broth, tomato paste, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust sweetness or tanginess as needed.
  3. Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker in a single layer. Pour the sauce over the top, ensuring each piece is coated. Distribute garlic evenly.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until chicken is fork-tender.
  5. Using tongs, transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
  6. Pour the cooking liquid into a small saucepan. Skim off excess fat if desired. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  7. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened to a syrupy consistency.
  8. Return the chicken to the slow cooker (or a serving dish) and pour the thickened sauce over the top. Toss gently to coat. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  9. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve over steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

Don’t lift the lid during cooking. Bone-in thighs are more forgiving. For a thicker sauce without cornstarch, let the slow cooker cook uncovered for an extra 30 minutes. The sauce can be thickened directly in the slow cooker by setting to HIGH and leaving the lid off for 20-30 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, honey garlic chicken, chicken thighs, easy dinner, comfort food, Asian-inspired

Find it online: https://ovenmila.com/cozy-slow-cooker-honey-garlic-chicken-thighs-easy/