Crock Pot Chicken Thighs with Garlic Honey Glaze
Effortless Weeknight Dinner Slow Cooker.
Tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken thighs slow-cooked in a sweet and savory garlic honey glaze. The perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal.
I remember the first time I made this. It was one of those chaotic Tuesdays. You know the kind. I threw everything in the crock pot in the morning, feeling a little skeptical, honestly. But when I walked in the door that evening, the smell was just... divine. The chicken was falling off the bone. It felt like a little kitchen miracle. Now, it’s our go-to for days when I know I won’t have the energy to cook but still want to sit down to a real, nourishing meal. It’s my little secret for a peaceful weeknight.
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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
- 012.5 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 021 teaspoon salt
- 031/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 041/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 051 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for searing)
For the Garlic Honey Glaze
- 011/2 cup honey
- 021/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 034 cloves garlic, minced
- 041 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 051 tablespoon sesame oil
- 061 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 071/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 082 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
- 1Cooking on LOW is highly recommended for the most tender, fall-off-the-bone results.
- 2The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth, not intense heat. Feel free to omit or add more to your liking.
- 3If your sauce isn't thickening, make sure it's at a steady simmer before adding the cornstarch slurry.
Tools You'll Need
- •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.