Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
A comforting, weeknight-friendly dish that delivers tender chicken glazed in a glossy honey garlic sauce. This easy slow-cooker recipe comes together with pantry staples and requires minimal hands-on time, making it perfect for busy days while still feeling special enough for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 0.5 cup honey
- 1 quarter soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon ketchup (optional for depth)
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for slurry, optional)
- 1 tablespoon water (for slurry, optional)
Instructions
- Lightly pat the chicken thighs dry and season with a pinch of salt and pepper to help the skin release moisture as it cooks.
- Whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, vinegar, ketchup (if using), and ginger in a small bowl until well combined.
- Place the chicken into the slow cooker. Pour the honey-garlic mixture over the top, turning the thighs to coat them evenly.
- Cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and the flavors have melded. If you prefer a thicker glaze, you can make a quick slurry.
- To thicken the sauce, mix the cornstarch with water to make a smooth slurry. Stir into the slow cooker in the last 15 minutes of cooking, then cover and continue to cook until glossy and slightly reduced.
- If you used bone-in thighs, consider removing the skin before serving for a lighter option. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and garnish with finely chopped scallions or sesame seeds if you like.
- Serve the chicken with steamed rice, quinoa, or a bright greens side, and drizzle additional sauce over the rice to soak up every bit of flavor.