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Easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs: Best 4-Ingredient Meal

crockpot honey garlic chicken thighs - featured image

This easy crockpot honey garlic chicken thighs recipe uses just four ingredients and five minutes of prep for a sweet, savory, and sticky dinner that the whole family will love. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a set-it-and-forget-it meal that delivers deep, caramelized flavor every time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 68 thighs)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
  • 2 tablespoons cold water (for cornstarch slurry)
  • Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
  • Chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides lightly with salt and black pepper.
  2. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup honey, 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce, and 6 minced garlic cloves until smooth.
  3. Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker in a single layer. Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the top. Do not stir.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
  5. When the chicken is done, use tongs to transfer it to a plate. Leave the liquid in the crockpot.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water until smooth. Pour the slurry into the crockpot liquid and stir. Turn the crockpot to HIGH, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glaze-like consistency, stirring occasionally.
  7. Return the chicken to the crockpot and toss in the thickened sauce until coated. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.

Notes

For best results, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs and cook on low. Don’t lift the lid during cooking. The sauce will thicken as it sits; add a splash of water when reheating if needed. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot honey garlic chicken, slow cooker chicken thighs, 4-ingredient chicken, easy chicken dinner, honey garlic chicken, gluten-free chicken, dairy-free chicken