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Easy Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

Easy Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

These easy honey garlic slow cooker chicken thighs are tender, juicy, and coated in a rich, sweet-savory glaze. Perfect for busy weeknights with minimal prep and maximum flavor.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Calories: 340
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 6 pieces bone-in chicken thighs about 3 lbs
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil for searing
Honey Garlic Sauce
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce low sodium preferred
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil optional
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger grated, optional
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
Thickening Slurry
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp cold water
Garnish
  • 3 stalks green onions sliced
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Skillet
  • Saucepan

Method
 

  1. Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt and pepper.
  2. Whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, tomato paste, vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
  3. Optional: Sear chicken in a hot skillet with olive oil until browned, then transfer to slow cooker.
  4. Arrange chicken in slow cooker and pour sauce over the top.
  5. Cook on HIGH for 3.5 to 4 hours or LOW for 6 to 7 hours until tender and cooked through.
  6. Remove chicken and transfer cooking liquid to a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat.
  7. Mix cornstarch and water to form a slurry, then stir into sauce and cook until thickened.
  8. Return chicken to sauce or spoon glaze over chicken. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

Searing the chicken adds extra flavor but can be skipped for convenience. For crispy skin, broil the cooked chicken for a few minutes before serving.