I make honey garlic chicken thighs for busy weeks because it tastes like a cozy takeout night without leaving the house. I'd definitely consider this a lazy girl meal since you simply add boneless skinless chicken thighs to the pot and drizzle a 5 ingredient sauce over the top.
Things to Know Before Making Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
• You need to cover the bottom of the slow cooker: You need enough chicken to cover the bottom so it cooks evenly - very important! I was able to fit 6 chicken thighs in a 4 qt slow cooker. If you have a 6 qt slow cooker, you might want to double the recipe.
• Thighs stay juicier: You can use breasts, but thighs are naturally more tender since they're a higher fat content.
• Low and slow is best: Cook on Low for the juiciest results.
Using a Crock Pot is the easiest way to make dinner whether you want to cook one eat all week, or if your boyfriend or parents are coming over for dinner. I think you'll also love my Crock Pot Tuscan chicken, healthy slow cooker chicken and wild rice soup, and slow cooker chicken cacciatore.
Ingredients You'll Need
• Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Stay tender and soak up all the sauce.
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and glossy texture.
• Ketchup: Gives the sauce body and that classic takeout-style flavor.
• Low sodium soy sauce: Balances the sweetness and adds depth.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor.
• Fresh green onions: Sprinkle on top for color and freshness.
• Toasted sesame seeds: Cute finishing touch with a little crunch.
• Red pepper flakes: Adds a tiny bit of heat.
Scroll to the recipe card for exact measurements. You'll also need a 4 or 6 quart slow cooker.
How to Make Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Step 1: Make the sauce
Stir together the honey, ketchup, soy sauce, and minced garlic in a small bowl. Mix until smooth and set aside.
Step 2: Add chicken to the slow cooker
Place the boneless skinless chicken thighs on the bottom of your slow cooker. Make sure the bottom is fully covered for even cooking.
Step 3: Pour and cook
Pour the sauce over the chicken. Cook on High for 3 or more hours or on Low for 5 or more hours until the chicken reaches 165 F.
Step 4: Sauce and garnish
Remove the chicken to a serving dish. Spoon extra sauce over the top and finish with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Substitutions and Variations
• Swap chicken thighs for boneless skinless chicken breasts.
• Add a drizzle of hot honey for spicy-sweet vibes.
• Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning instead of sesame seeds.
What to Serve With Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Serve with rice, cauliflower rice, or sautéed veggies for a cozy, aesthetic dinner. A simple cucumber salad or steamed broccoli keeps it fresh and cute.
Storage and Freezing
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or a skillet with extra sauce. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes. Boneless skinless chicken breasts work great. Just make sure the bottom of the slow cooker is fully covered so they cook evenly.
Why is my honey garlic chicken watery?
Chicken naturally releases liquid. If you want a thicker sauce, simmer a small amount on the stovetop for a few minutes. It also thickens slightly upon standing.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, especially if using a 6 quart slow cooker. Just make sure the chicken stays in a full single layer at the bottom.
More Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes
- Crock Pot White Chicken Chili
- Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie
- Easy Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan
- Crock Pot Chicken Curry
- Slow Cooker Chicken Divan with Broccoli
- Crock Pot Chicken Bacon Ranch Soup Recipe
- Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup
- Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken (Soy Honey Garlic flavor)
- Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing
Easy Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken (Thighs or Breasts)
Ingredients
- 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs, fat trimmed
- ⅓ cup honey
- ½ cup ketchup
- ½ cup low sodium soy sauce
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tablespoon fresh green onions sliced
- ½ tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- pinch red pepper flakes
Instructions
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In a small bowl, combine the honey, ketchup, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Set aside.
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Place the boneless skinless chicken thighs on the bottom of your slow cooker. Yout want to make sure you're using enough chicken to cover the bottom of your slow cooker. We used a 4 qt slow cooker for this recipe.
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Pour the sauce over the chicken thighs. Cook on high for 3+ hours or low for 5+ hours, or until the chicken internal temperature reaches 165 F.
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Spoon the sauce over the chicken and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. Serve.
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Remove the chicken and put it on a serving dish. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and garnish with toasted sesame seeds (everything bagel seasoning works great too), a pinch of red pepepr flakes, and sliced green onions.
Recipe Notes
- When cooking chicken thighs or chicken breasts in a slow cooker, you need to fill the bottom of the pot. I used a 4 QT slow cooker, if you have a 6 QT I'd recommend doubling the recipe or at least 1.5x.
- Slow cookers can vary with how long the cooking time takes, for best results cook the chicken at Low temperature until the chicken thighs reach 165 F when tested with a digital meat thermometer.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts may also be used in this recipe.
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