Imagine coming home to the mouthwatering aroma of chicken thighs slow-cooking in a savory garlic soy honey glaze. Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs take less than 10 minutes of prep time and deliver tender, succulent chicken bathed in a delicious garlic soy honey glaze at dinnertime. When you need a fuss-free dinner, this easy crockpot meal is perfect.
I love feeding my family delicious meals without spending all afternoon in the kitchen. Slow cooker recipes are always a winner at my house.
This dish is all about tender chicken thighs in the crockpot, bathing in an aromatic blend of honey, soy sauce, and garlic. It's an effortless meal that delivers succulent meat and a sauce so good you'll want to drizzle it over everything!
Cooking chicken thighs in a slow cooker allows the meat to absorb all the incredible flavors while remaining juicy and tender. The honey garlic sauce gives it a sweet and savory balance that's irresistible.
Let's delve into the world of crockpot chicken thigh recipes and get cooking!
Ingredients Needed to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs in Your Slow Cooker
- Chicken: I make this slow cooker chicken thigh recipe with bone-in chicken, but you could make this with chicken breasts as well. If you want to make this with boneless chicken, reduce the cooking time or plan on having shredded chicken.
- Seasonings: A simple blend of salt and pepper is all you need for seasoning.
- Butter: I recommend unsalted butter for this recipe, but you could use salted if that is what you have.
- Oil: Use a high heat oil for searing the chicken. Avocado is my go-to because it has neutral flavor but you could use coconut or another cooking oil.
- Honey: The sweetness of the honey contrasts nicely with the soy sauce and adds an extra layer of flavor.
- Soy Sauce: Use gluten-free tamari to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor to the glaze.
- Whole Grain Mustard: A little bit of mustard adds complexity and helps to thicken the sauce.
- Garlic: Use fresh garlic for best flavor, but you could use garlic powder in a pinch.
Step by Step
For the full recipe with measurements, see the recipe card at the end of the post.
Using a Cornstarch Slurry to Make a Sauce
Making a cornstarch slurry for gravy is quite simple.
Typically, you'll want to use 1 tablespoon of cornstarch for every cup of liquid you're trying to thicken.
In a separate bowl or cup, combine the cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water. So if you've used 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, you'll also use 1 tablespoon of cold water.
Stir the mixture together until it forms a smooth paste. This is your "slurry."
Slowly pour the slurry into your simmering sauce while continuously stirring.
Continue to cook and stir until the gravy has thickened to your liking. This usually takes around 5 minutes on high.
Tips & Tricks
- Searing is key: For a richer flavor and better texture, sear the chicken thighs in a hot pan before adding them to the slow cooker. It gives them a beautiful golden-brown color and locks in the flavors.
- Don't overcook: Although it's tempting to leave this recipe for honey garlic chicken thighs cooking all day, overcooking can lead to dry, stringy meat.
- Know your slow cooker: In my experience, slow cookers vary quite a bit - some run hot and fast, while others cook more gently. I have found that my Crockpot cooks a bit faster than my Ninja PossibleCooker.
- Add veggies: Slow cooker chicken thighs pair beautifully with vegetables. Try adding carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers for a complete meal in one pot.
- Rest before serving: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute. This will make your chicken even more tender and juicy.
Serving Suggestions
- Skillet Potatoes: Golden, crispy, and tender, these skillet potatoes offer a delightful contrast to the soft, juicy chicken.
- Balsamic Green Beans: Tossed in a tangy balsamic glaze, they bring a touch of brightness that cuts through the richness of the chicken.
- Broccoli Apple Salad: This refreshing salad is a symphony of textures and flavors - crunchy broccoli, crisp apples, and a sweet-tangy dressing.
- Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad: Creamy, smoky, and packed with flavor, this pasta salad is a hit at any table. The bacon adds a savory crunch that pairs perfectly with the tender chicken.
FAQs
Is it better to cook chicken thighs in the slow cooker on high or low?
For the best results, set your slow cooker to low and cook for 4-6 hours.
Cooking on high works when you are short on time, but the meat is typically not as tender.
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless garlic chicken in the slow cooker, but reduce the cooking time to 2-3 hours on low or 1-2 hours on high. The meat is more prone to drying out, so check for doneness early.
Can I put raw chicken in slow cooker?
Yes, it's perfectly safe to put raw chicken in the slow cooker. However, for more flavor and a better texture, it's best to sear the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker.
Storage
Store leftover honey garlic chicken thighs from the crock pot in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat and cook until warmed through. Or microwave 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes. After you slow cook honey garlic chicken thighs, let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and heat in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10-15 minutes. You can also reheat in the microwave or air fryer.
Tools
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- Slow Cooker: Use a multi-cooker like a Ninja Possible Cooker or Instant Pot Dutch Oven, or a traditional CrockPot.
- Skillet
- Bowl
- Whisk
More Slow Cooker Recipes to Try
- Get ready to fall in love with our Crockpot Baked Ziti - it's a comforting classic made even easier with the slow cooker.
- Next up, our Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes are a nostalgic favorite with a twist, delivering hearty flavors that'll take you back to your childhood.
- If you're a fan of pizza and pasta, you're in for a treat with our Crockpot Pizza Casserole - it's the best of both worlds!
- Finally, don't miss out on our Crockpot Ranch Chicken. It's tender, flavorful, and pairs perfectly with just about any side dish. So simple, yet so satisfying!
- Crockpot BBQ Chicken is an easy to make family favorite.
Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 pounds bone in chicken thighs
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup butter divided
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- ¼ cup Honey
- ¼ cup Soy sauce
- ¼ cup Chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Whole grain mustard
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken thighs, skin side down, and cook for 5 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Transfer to the slow cooker, skin side up.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, broth, mustard, and garlic.
- Pour over the chicken. Dice the remaining butter and sprinkle on top.
- Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or high for 3 hours. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken is 165° F before serving.
Amber
Soooo delicious, easy instructions. I'm saving this one!
Wendy Polisi
I am so glad you enjoyed it!
Richard Barrieau
I haven't tried it yet but I will if I can somehow copy it to my phone thank you
Wendy Polisi
You can click the print recipe button at the top and then you'll have an ad-free version to screenshot.
Kathryn
Would I could this the same amount of time for 1 lb of chicken? I’m thinking of cutting the recipe in half.
Wendy Polisi
I would reduce the cooking time on low for about an hour, or high for 30 minutes. Make sure you use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked all the way through.