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Easy Honey Garlic Crockpot Chicken Thighs (Perfect 4-Ingredient Dinner)

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This easy honey garlic crockpot chicken thighs recipe uses just four simple ingredients for a sweet-savory, fall-apart tender dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. The sticky, glossy glaze is addictive, and the slow cooker does all the work.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 6–8 thighs, trimmed of excess fat)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/3 cup honey (runny honey preferred)
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha (optional, but recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (cornstarch slurry, optional but recommended)
  • Sesame seeds and sliced green onions, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken thighs: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Sprinkle both sides with a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper.
  2. Make the honey garlic sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, sriracha (if using), and rice vinegar until the honey is fully incorporated.
  3. Layer the chicken in the slow cooker: Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker in a single layer. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece gets coated.
  4. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the meat shreds easily with a fork.
  5. Thicken the sauce (optional but worth it): About 30 minutes before serving, carefully remove the chicken to a plate using tongs. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker and stir. Return the chicken to the pot, cover, and cook on HIGH for another 20-30 minutes until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze. Alternatively, pour the sauce into a small saucepan and simmer on the stovetop for 5 minutes to reduce it.
  6. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the top. Serve immediately over steamed rice, quinoa, or with a side of roasted vegetables.

Notes

Don’t open the lid too often during cooking. If the sauce seems thin at the end, use the cornstarch slurry to thicken it. For extra flavor, brown the chicken thighs in a hot skillet before adding to the slow cooker. Double the sauce if serving over rice. Fresh garlic is essential; do not substitute with garlic powder.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic chicken, crockpot chicken thighs, slow cooker chicken, easy chicken dinner, 4-ingredient dinner, honey garlic sauce, chicken thighs recipe

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