Cozy Honey Garlic Crockpot Chicken Thighs: Easy 4-Ingredient Dinner
This honey garlic crockpot chicken thighs recipe is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it dinner. With just 4 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep, you get impossibly tender chicken in a sweet and savory sauce that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours on high OR 5-6 hours on low
- Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes to 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 6–8 thighs)
- 1/2 cup honey (mild honey like clover or orange blossom)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Trim off any excess fat or skin. Place the thighs in a single layer in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- In a small bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken thighs.
- Cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Do not lift the lid during cooking.
- Check for doneness: the chicken is done when it’s fork-tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Optional: Using tongs, transfer the chicken to a plate and tent with foil. Pour the cooking liquid into a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Whisk together the cornstarch and cold water, then slowly pour into the simmering sauce, whisking constantly. Cook for 1-2 minutes until thickened. Return the chicken to the sauce and toss gently to coat.
- Transfer the chicken to a serving platter or individual plates. Spoon extra sauce over the top. Garnish with parsley, green onions, and sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
For a lower-sugar version, use 1/3 cup honey plus 2 tablespoons maple syrup. For a soy-free option, use coconut aminos. If using regular soy sauce, reduce to 1/3 cup. To prevent burning, stick to the low setting and ensure chicken is submerged in sauce. The sauce will thicken as it cools.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 2 t
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 32
- Sodium: 980
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Protein: 32
Keywords: honey garlic chicken, crockpot chicken, slow cooker chicken, easy dinner, 4-ingredient recipe, chicken thighs, comfort food