Print

Cozy Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

slow cooker honey garlic chicken - featured image

A warm, tender chicken dish simmered in a luscious honey garlic sauce, perfect for easy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. This slow cooker recipe requires minimal prep and delivers a sweet, savory glaze that pleases both kids and adults.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/3 cup honey (113 grams)
  • 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce (60 ml)
  • 4 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (30 ml)
  • 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth (120 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (5 ml)
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch (6 grams)
  • 2 teaspoons water (10 ml)
  • Optional garnish: chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and pat dry with paper towels. (5 minutes)
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, chicken broth, and sesame oil until smooth. (3 minutes)
  3. Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker in a single layer if possible. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken, coating each piece. (2 minutes)
  4. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, cook on high for 2-3 hours for a quicker option. (4-5 hours)
  5. About 15 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker and turn heat to high. Let the sauce thicken, stirring occasionally, until glossy and coating the chicken. (15 minutes)
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired. (2 minutes)

Notes

Pat chicken dry before cooking to help sauce stick better. Use fresh garlic for best flavor. Mix cornstarch with cold water before adding to avoid lumps. Resist opening the slow cooker lid frequently to maintain steady heat. If sauce is too runny after thickening, cook uncovered a few extra minutes. For a spicy variation, add crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, honey garlic chicken, easy dinner, comfort food, crockpot recipe, chicken thighs, honey garlic sauce