Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

By Chef MayaJune 8, 2025

My go-to chicken thigh crock pot recipes! This Honey Garlic version is sticky, sweet & utterly delicious. Prep in 10 mins, then let the slow cooker do the work! Get the recipe. ... Slow Cooker Favorites

Table of Contents

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Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook: Are You Craving a Killer Dinner Without the Kitchen Chaos?

Honestly, who isn't? forget slaving over a hot stove. these chicken thigh crock pot recipes are a total game changer.

I'm talking juicy, fall-apart-tender chicken in a sticky-sweet honey garlic glaze. think takeout quality but way healthier and cheaper. oh my gosh, i can't wait to share!

Brief Overview: From Takeout Fakeout to Weeknight Win

This honey garlic chicken crock pot recipe is like a love letter to chinese-american cuisine. the magic of this honey garlic chicken crock pot slow cooker crockpot recipes lies in the slow cooking.

It's super easy, taking only 10 minutes of prep and then your slow cooker does the rest! we're talking about 4 servings of pure comfort food, perfect for a family dinner.

Main Benefits: Good Food, Good Mood

What makes this honey garlic chicken crock pot so special? well, besides the incredible flavor, chicken thighs are packed with protein and essential nutrients.

It’s perfect for a busy weeknight when you want something delicious and relatively healthy. this recipe is a tasty twist on old fashioned home cooked meals that's secretly good for you.

Chicken Thighs: The Undisputed Hero

I'm telling you, chicken thigh recipes are where it’s at. seriously, ditch the dry chicken breast and embrace the juicy goodness of boneless chicken thigh recipes .

They stay unbelievably moist in the crock pot, soaking up all that delicious honey garlic soy sauce chicken crock pot flavour.

Trust me, you won't regret it.

Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs presentation

The Magic of Honey Garlic: A Flavor Explosion

That sauce though! it's the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy. the honey adds sweetness, the garlic gives it a kick, and the soy sauce brings the umami.

A little rice vinegar adds some zing. honestly, it's addictive.

Crock Pot Simplicity: Set it and Forget it

The beauty of simple chicken thigh crockpot recipes is the ease of use. just toss everything in the slow cooker, set it, and forget it.

This recipe fits perfectly in a 7qt crockpot recipes . it's ideal for those days when you're running around like a headless chicken and need a no-fuss dinner waiting for you.

This is one of the best crock pot dinners out there!

Now, let's dive into the ingredients, shall we? This is where the magic really begins. You know?

Alright, let’s talk grub! Specifically, how to nail these chicken thigh crock pot recipes . Honestly, it's easier than putting on your socks. We’re diving into the good stuff.

Ingredients & Equipment: The Foundation of Flavor Town

Before we get started, let’s talk about what you’ll need. it's not rocket science! just a few simple ingredients. getting the right stuff is key for those slow cook honey garlic chicken vibes.

Main Ingredients

Chicken Thighs: 8 boneless, skinless ones (about 1.5 lbs / 680g ).
Honey: 1/2 cup (120ml) .
Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup (60ml) (low sodium is your friend!).
Ketchup: 1/4 cup (60ml) – yes, ketchup!
Garlic: 4 cloves, minced. Finely!
Rice Vinegar: 1 tablespoon (15ml) .
Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml) .
Ground Ginger: 1 teaspoon (5ml) .
Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (1ml) (optional, for a kick).
Sesame Seeds: 1 tablespoon (15ml) (for garnish, optional ).
Green Onions: 2 tablespoons (30ml) , chopped (scallions, for garnish, optional ).

For chicken thigh crock pot , quality matters. get those thighs plump and pink. not grey and sad-looking. for a good honey garlic chicken crock pot healthy recipe, you need decent starting ingredients.

Seasoning Notes: Unlock the Flavor!

This is where the magic happens. The Honey Garlic Soy Sauce Chicken Crock Pot needs a good balance.

The garlic and ginger combo is non-negotiable. adds that zing and warmth. don’t skip it!. a dash of red pepper flakes can ramp up the heat.

If you're sensitive, leave it out. you know?

Out of rice vinegar? Apple cider vinegar works in a pinch. But rice vinegar gives it that authentic touch! If you're short of ideas, just search for garlic chicken recipes on google.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Stupid!

Crock Pot (Slow Cooker): 5-6 quart. 7qt crockpot recipes will work, but adjust amounts.
Measuring Cups & Spoons: Obvs.
Small Bowl: For mixing the sauce.
Whisk or Fork: For whisking said sauce.
Garlic Press: Makes mincing garlic a breeze. If you have one.

Honestly, that’s it. No fancy gadgets needed here! If you don't have a crock pot, you can even adapt this for the oven. Consider it a fridge to oven meals hack.

Alright, let's get down to business! i'm gonna tell you about the easiest , most delicious weeknight dinner that'll have everyone licking their plates clean.

I'm talking about crock pot honey garlic chicken thighs . oh my gosh, get ready for something amazing.

Cooking Method: Unleashing the Magic of the Crock Pot

Forget slaving over a hot stove. with the crock pot , it's all about the "set it and forget it" life.

Plus, it makes chicken thighs incredibly tender. seriously, who doesn't love coming home to a house filled with the aroma of something amazing? speaking of which this recipe is a real crowd-pleaser and i will tell you the best chicken thigh crock pot recipes ever!

Prep Steps: Get Your Mise en Place On!

First things first: essential mise en place . That's fancy chef talk for "get your stuff together before you start cooking." Honestly, it just means chop your garlic and measure your ingredients.

Mince 4 cloves of garlic.
Measure out 1/2 cup of honey , 1/4 cup of soy sauce , and 1/4 cup of ketchup .
Grab 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar , 1 tablespoon of sesame oil , and 1 teaspoon of ground ginger .
And if you're feeling spicy, a pinch of red pepper flakes. This will help so the slow cook honey garlic chicken .

For time-saving organization tips , I like to measure all my sauce ingredients into one bowl. Bam! Done.

Step-by-Step Process: From Fridge to Feast

In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Place 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs in your crock pot.
Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken thighs.
Cover and cook on low for 4- 6 hours or on high for 2- 3 hours .
Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) .
Shred the chicken for a pulled chicken moment.

See visual cues for doneness in the chicken and if you want to try some boneless skinless chicken thighs recipes crock pot .

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Crock Pot Game

Want that extra oomph ? try searing the chicken thighs in a pan before they hit the crock pot. it’s an extra step, sure, but the flavour payoff is huge .

Seriously, you should consider these simple chicken thigh crockpot recipes .

Sear those chicken thigh recipes crockpot before they are crocked!
Want a thicker sauce? Mix 1 tbsp of cornstarch with 2 tbsp of cold water, pour it in during the last 20 minutes on high.
For honey garlic chicken crock pot healthy , use low-sodium soy sauce.

Common mistakes to avoid? lifting the lid constantly! it lets the heat out and extends the cooking time. so, resist! and you can always freeze the leftovers for a quick fridge to oven meals option! seriously, honey garlic chicken crock pot is amazing.

Alright, let's dive deeper into those crock pot honey garlic chicken thighs! this isn’t just a recipe; it's a lifesaver on busy weeknights.

I mean, who doesn't love simple chicken thigh crock pot recipes ? plus, it gives you that takeout feel without actually ordering takeout.

You know? let’s talk about making this dish the absolute best it can be.

Recipe Notes: Making it Your Own

Honestly, sometimes the best part of cooking is tweaking a recipe until it’s perfect for you. this honey garlic chicken crock pot healthy version is no exception.

I’m just sharing this as a base, ok?

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Presentation matters, even when it’s just for you. think about plating this honey garlic chicken crock pot slow cooker crockpot recipes over a bed of fluffy rice.

A sprinkle of sesame seeds and some chopped green onions? chef's kiss! for sides, steamed broccoli or a simple salad works wonders.

A cool glass of riesling or even a light beer pairs surprisingly well. seriously, slow cook honey garlic chicken deserves a bit of fanfare.

Storage Tips: Keeping the Goodness Going

Got leftovers? lucky you! store the honey garlic chicken crock pot in an airtight container in the fridge. it'll be good for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating is a breeze – just microwave it or warm it up in a pan. freezing? you can do it! just make sure it's cooled down completely first.

Then you'll have the ability to make fridge to oven meals . thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. pro tip: add a splash of water or broth when reheating to keep it moist.

Variations: Mix It Up!

Feeling adventurous? let's talk variations! for a gluten-free version, swap regular soy sauce for tamari. for a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce.

If you're watching your carbs, serve it over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. looking for animal based crockpot meals ? this one ticks the boxes.

Want to see something even better, let's talk about slow cooker spicy chicken thighs .

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite

Okay, i'm no nutritionist, but here’s the gist: these chicken thighs recipes crockpot are packed with protein, thanks to the chicken.

The honey gives you a little energy boost. chicken thighs also have more fat than chicken breast. using low-sodium soy sauce will help keep the sodium in check.

It's a decent, balanced meal that’s also incredibly tasty. this is very easy to make chicken thighs potatoes crockpot .

So there you have it! some extra notes to make this chicken thigh recipes oven dish your new favourite. don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own.

Cooking should be fun, not stressful! seriously, try this recipe. you won't regret it. trust me. what's even better it is considered one of the old fashioned home cooked meals you can make! boneless skinless chicken thighs recipes crock pot crock pot dinners is what makes it easy for anyone.

Delicious Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken: Secret Sauce Revealed

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken thighs in these chicken thigh crock pot recipes?

While it's generally best to use thawed chicken for even cooking and better texture, you can cook frozen chicken thighs in the crock pot. However, you'll need to increase the cooking time by at least 1-2 hours and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Bear in mind that the texture might be slightly different. It's safer to thaw them first in the fridge overnight, though; think of it as playing it safe on the culinary pitch!

How do I prevent my crock pot honey garlic chicken thighs from drying out?

Chicken thighs are naturally more forgiving than chicken breasts due to their higher fat content, making them ideal for slow cooking. Still, you can prevent dryness by avoiding overcooking. Stick to the recommended cooking times – 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. If you're worried, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer after the minimum cooking time; better safe than sorry, right?

My honey garlic sauce is too thin! How can I thicken it?

No worries, this is an easy fix! The best way to thicken the sauce is to remove the chicken from the crock pot, then whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Pour this into the crock pot, turn the heat to high, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Return the chicken to the pot, and Bob's your uncle – thickened sauce!

Can I adapt this chicken thigh crock pot recipes to be gluten-free?

Absolutely! The key ingredient to swap is the soy sauce. Simply replace it with tamari, which is a gluten-free alternative that provides a similar savory flavor. Double-check all your other ingredients too, just to be safe, but tamari is usually the only culprit in a recipe like this. Enjoy your gluten-free feast!

What's the best way to store leftover crock pot honey garlic chicken thighs?

Leftovers are a treat! Allow the chicken to cool slightly, then transfer it to an airtight container along with some of the sauce. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can easily reheat it in the microwave, on the stovetop, or even back in the crock pot on low heat. Just be sure it reaches a safe internal temperature before serving.

Are there any nutritional considerations for this crock pot honey garlic chicken recipe?

This dish offers a good source of protein and some essential nutrients. However, it can be relatively high in sugar (from the honey) and sodium (from the soy sauce). Using low-sodium soy sauce and being mindful of portion sizes can help manage the sodium content. Serve with plenty of vegetables to balance out the meal; a well-rounded plate is always a winning strategy!