Creating delicious meals during busy days can be a challenge, but this Easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe makes it possible to enjoy a flavorful dish without spending hours in the kitchen. Using your crockpot, you can cook chicken thighs to tender perfection while letting the sweet and savory honey garlic sauce do all the work. This dish is ideal for quick weeknight dinners or those laid-back days when you prefer to let your slow cooker handle the heavy lifting.
Why cook this at home
Making this honey garlic chicken at home allows for complete control over flavors, ingredients, and serving sizes. It’s budget-friendly, especially when using chicken thighs, which are often more economical than other cuts. You can set the crockpot and forget about it while you tackle other tasks. Plus, the combination of honey and garlic creates a well-balanced sauce that pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, or veggies.
Preparing Easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe for Busy Summer Meals
- Whisk the honey garlic sauce ingredients together.
- Place the chicken thighs in the crockpot.
- Pour sauce over the chicken without stirring.
- Cook on low until done.
- Thicken the sauce before returning the chicken.
- Toss to coat in the sauce and serve.
Gather these items
- 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup honey (raw or organic recommended)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tbsp)
- 1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tsp water (for slurry)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Be sure to choose high-quality honey for the best flavor. If you prefer to control the sodium content, low sodium soy sauce can keep this dish on the healthier side.
How to prepare it
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, water, and red pepper flakes until the honey dissolves completely.
- Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in a single layer in the crockpot. If necessary, stack gently.
- Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken without stirring.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours. Check at around 4 hours for doneness. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Carefully remove the chicken and set aside, leaving the sauce in the crockpot.
- Mix cornstarch with 2 tsp water in a small bowl to create a slurry, then stir this into the sauce.
- Turn the crockpot to high and cook uncovered for 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
What to serve it with
This honey garlic chicken pairs nicely with steamed rice, quinoa, or sautéed greens. You can also offer it with a simple salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. Drizzle some of the thickened sauce over your sides to tie the meal together.
How to store and freeze
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring freshness. You can freeze the chicken and sauce in the same container for up to 3 months. When reheating, ensure it reaches at least 165°F. Remember to adhere to the 2-hour rule for safety; avoid leaving cooked food at room temperature for longer than that.
Tips for best results
- Marinate the chicken in the sauce for a few hours before cooking for extra flavor.
- Thicken the sauce to your liking; feel free to adjust the cornstarch.
- Experiment with the addition of chopped scallions or sesame seeds when serving for added texture and flavor.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add some sliced jalapeños to the sauce.
Ways to change it up
Consider swapping honey for agave nectar or maple syrup for different sweetness. You can also adjust the garlic for those who prefer a milder taste. For a citrus twist, add some orange zest or juice to the sauce. To make it spicier, introduce Sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the mix.
Common questions
What is the recommended cook time?
Cooking the chicken on low for 4 to 5 hours is ideal, but always check for doneness at 4 hours.
Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless thighs can be used, but adjust the cooking time down to about 3 to 4 hours on low.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative.
This Easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe is a fantastic way to create a comforting meal with minimal effort. As you explore this dish, let your creativity flow. You might find that navigating the kitchen to prepare this recipe brings a sense of satisfaction, and don’t hesitate to share your results. Enjoy your culinary adventure!
PrintEasy Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
A quick and flavorful crockpot recipe for honey garlic chicken thighs, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Ingredients
- 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup honey (raw or organic recommended)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tbsp)
- 1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tsp water (for slurry)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Whisk the honey garlic sauce ingredients together.
- Place the chicken thighs in the crockpot.
- Pour sauce over the chicken without stirring.
- Cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, checking for doneness at 4 hours.
- Remove the chicken, leaving the sauce in the crockpot.
- Mix cornstarch with 2 tsp water to create a slurry, then stir into the sauce.
- Turn the crockpot to high and cook uncovered for 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Notes
For best flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for a few hours before cooking. Adjust the cornstarch for sauce thickness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
