Why This Recipe Feels Like a Hug
- It’s a true 'set it and forget it' meal. So simple.
- The chicken becomes unbelievably tender and juicy.
- That sweet and savory glaze is just... irresistible.
- Your home will smell absolutely amazing all day long.
- It uses simple pantry staples you probably already have.
- Perfect for those days you need comfort without the fuss.
My son, who can be so picky, asked for seconds and then thirds. He said, 'Mom, this is the best chicken ever.' I mean, that's it. That's the highest praise a home cook can get, right? It was so tender and the sauce was just perfect over a little rice.
Essential Ingredient Guide
- Chicken Thighs: I really prefer bone-in, skin-on thighs for this. The bone adds so much flavor and moisture as it cooks, and the skin helps keep the meat tender. You can use boneless, but you might need to reduce the cooking time a bit.
- Honey: Any classic liquid honey works beautifully here. It provides that signature sweetness that balances the savory soy sauce. It just melts into the sauce.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Using low-sodium is key, I think. It gives you that salty, umami depth without making the final glaze overly salty. If you need it to be gluten-free, tamari is a perfect substitute.
- Fresh Garlic & Ginger: Please use fresh if you can! The aroma and bright flavor you get from fresh minced garlic and grated ginger make a huge difference. It’s worth the tiny bit of extra effort.
Complete Cooking Process
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Getting Started:
- First, just take a moment. Grab your ingredients.
- Pat your chicken thighs dry. This is a small step but it helps the seasonings stick.
- Sprinkle them with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Don't be shy.
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Mixing the Magic Glaze:
- In a little bowl, whisk together all the glaze ingredients: the honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, vinegar, and a pinch of red pepper.
- Smell it. See? It already smells like it's going to be good.
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The Slow Cook:
- Lay the chicken in the slow cooker. Try not to overlap them too much.
- Pour that beautiful glaze right over the top. Make sure each piece gets some love.
- Put the lid on and walk away. Seriously. Let it do its thing on LOW for 5-6 hours.
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Finishing Touches:
- When the chicken is done, gently lift it out. It's going to want to fall apart.
- Pour the sauce into a pan, thicken it up with a cornstarch slurry, and let it bubble for a minute.
- Drizzle that thickened, glossy glaze all over the chicken. Serve warm and just enjoy.
A Few Common Questions
→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
You can, but I’d recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts and reducing the cook time to 3-4 hours on LOW. They dry out more easily than thighs, so keep a close eye on them.
→ Is it necessary to thicken the sauce at the end?
Honestly, it’s not required, but it really elevates the dish. The sauce from the crock pot is thin. Thickening it makes it a rich, beautiful glaze that clings to the chicken perfectly. It only takes a few extra minutes.
→ What should I serve with these chicken thighs?
Oh, so many things! It's wonderful over simple steamed rice to soak up the sauce. Roasted broccoli or green beans are lovely on the side. Even creamy mashed potatoes would be delicious.
→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, it’s a great make-ahead meal. You can store the cooked chicken and sauce in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Chef's Tips
Cooking on LOW is highly recommended for the most tender, fall-off-the-bone results.,The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth, not intense heat. Feel free to omit or add more to your liking.,If your sauce isn't thickening, make sure it's at a steady simmer before adding the cornstarch slurry.
Crock Pot Chicken Thighs with Garlic Honey Glaze
Juicy crock pot chicken thighs with garlic honey glaze recipe. Easy slow cooker chicken thighs are perfect for busy weeknights and flavorful comfort food.
Timing
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
4-6 hours
Total Time
4 hours 10 minutes
Recipe Details
Ingredients
For the Chicken Thighs
- 01 2.5 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 02 1 teaspoon salt
- 03 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 04 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 05 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for searing)
For the Garlic Honey Glaze
- 01 1/2 cup honey
- 02 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 03 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 04 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 05 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 06 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 07 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 08 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
Instructions
Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. Season them all over with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker in a single layer if possible.
Pour the garlic honey glaze evenly over the chicken thighs.
Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a serving platter. The meat will be very tender.
Pour the remaining liquid from the slow cooker into a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Whisk in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and continue to simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened into a beautiful glaze.
Pour the thickened glaze over the chicken thighs. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if you like, and serve immediately.
Notes & Tips
- 1 Cooking on LOW is highly recommended for the most tender, fall-off-the-bone results.
- 2 The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth, not intense heat. Feel free to omit or add more to your liking.
- 3 If your sauce isn't thickening, make sure it's at a steady simmer before adding the cornstarch slurry.
Tools You'll Need
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6-quart Slow Cooker (or similar size)
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Small mixing bowl
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Whisk
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Small saucepan
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Tongs
Must-Know Tips
- Don't overcrowd your slow cooker. Give the chicken some space to cook evenly.
- For extra flavor, you can quickly sear the chicken thighs in a hot pan before adding them to the crock pot.
- Every slow cooker is a little different. Check your chicken for doneness toward the lower end of the cooking time.
- Taste the sauce before you pour it over the chicken at the end. You might want to add a tiny bit more honey or a squeeze of lime.
Professional Secrets
- For crispier skin, place the cooked chicken thighs on a baking sheet and pop them under the broiler for 2-3 minutes before serving. Watch them closely!
- A splash of orange juice in the glaze adds a lovely, subtle citrus note that brightens everything up.
- Toast your sesame seeds before garnishing. It brings out their nutty flavor and makes a big difference.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after taking it out of the slow cooker; it helps the juices redistribute.
Recipe by
Sofia Marin“Dinner is where stories are shared and flavors shine. I craft comforting recipes perfect for family nights.” 🍷🍲
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