Easy Honey Garlic Crockpot Chicken Thighs: Best 4-Ingredient Dinner
This Easy Honey Garlic Crockpot Chicken Thighs recipe is proof that the best dinners don’t come from complicated techniques or fancy ingredients. They come from being flexible, using what you have, and trusting the process.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes to 7 hours 5 minutes (low) or 3 hours 5 minutes to 4 hours 5 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 6–8 thighs)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Trim excess fat if desired. Place the thighs in a single layer in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken thighs.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and shreds easily with a fork.
- Optional: About 30 minutes before serving, whisk together 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water until smooth. Gently stir this slurry into the liquid in the slow cooker. Let it cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker, or leave the thighs whole if preferred. Toss the chicken in the sauce to coat evenly.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or with steamed vegetables.
Notes
Use low-sodium soy sauce to avoid excessive saltiness. For a thicker sauce, add a cornstarch slurry in the last 30 minutes. Chicken thighs can be left whole or shredded. This recipe is forgiving and can be adapted with optional add-ins like red pepper flakes or fresh ginger.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/6
- Calories: 345
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 680
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 24
- Protein: 32
Keywords: honey garlic chicken, crockpot chicken, slow cooker chicken, easy dinner, 4-ingredient dinner, chicken thighs, weeknight dinner