These honey garlic chicken thighs are bursting with delicious flavor! With sticky edges and juicy meat, fresh garlic throughout and a rich glossy sauce on top. Serve them for weeknights, family dinners, meal prep, or anytime!
Honey + garlic is one of those flavor combos that can’t be beat. And every time I cook with the two I wonder why I don’t do it more often. This crock pot chicken recipe has been a reliable go-to for years, and it definitely deserves a regular spot on your menu.
Did you know that slow cooker meals are one of my favorite things to make? They’re simple and easy to prepare, extremely delicious, and always feel a bit special. Make a batch of these honey garlic chicken thighs and see what all the fuss is about. I promise you’ll love them as much as we do!
Ingredients in Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs in Crock Pot
This ingredient mix keeps things simple while building deep flavor over time.
How to make Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs in Crock Pot
This recipe builds flavor slowly, and every step plays a role.
1. Prepare the chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and black pepper on both sides. This step helps the chicken taste seasoned all the way through.
2. Make the sauce
In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil. Mix until smooth so the flavors distribute evenly during cooking.
3. Arrange in the crock pot
Place the chicken thighs in a single layer in the crock pot. Overlapping is fine, but keep them mostly flat so they cook evenly.
4. Add the sauce
Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken. Use a spoon to coat every piece so no part stays dry.
5. Slow cook
Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken should feel very tender and pull apart easily with a fork.
6. Thicken the sauce
If you want a thicker glaze, remove the chicken and whisk a cornstarch slurry into the sauce. Cook on high for 10 to 15 minutes until glossy and thick.
7. Finish the chicken
Return the chicken to the crock pot and spoon sauce over the top so every piece gets coated before serving.
How to serve Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs in Crock Pot
Serve this chicken over steamed rice so the sauce can soak in and add extra flavor.
Mashed potatoes, quinoa, or noodles also work well and turn the dish into a filling dinner.
For balance, pair it with roasted broccoli, green beans, or a crisp side salad. The sweet garlic sauce plays nicely with simple vegetables and mild sides.
Recipe Tips
- Use chicken thighs for best texture and flavor.
- Minced fresh garlic gives the strongest taste.
- Adjust honey and soy sauce to control sweetness.
- Let the sauce thicken before serving for best texture.
- Store leftovers in sauce to keep chicken moist.
Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs in Crock Pot
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes6
hoursIngredients
2 pounds chicken thighs
⅓ cup honey
¼ cup soy sauce
¼ cup ketchup
4 garlic cloves minced
2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water optional
Directions
- Prepare the chicken:
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and black pepper on both sides. This step helps the chicken taste seasoned all the way through. - Make the sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil. Mix until smooth so the flavors distribute evenly during cooking. - Arrange in the crock pot:
Place the chicken thighs in a single layer in the crock pot. Overlapping is fine, but keep them mostly flat so they cook evenly. - Add the sauce:
Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken. Use a spoon to coat every piece so no part stays dry. - Slow cook:
Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken should feel very tender and pull apart easily with a fork. - Thicken the sauce:
If you want a thicker glaze, remove the chicken and whisk a cornstarch slurry into the sauce. Cook on high for 10 to 15 minutes until glossy and thick. - Finish the chicken:
Return the chicken to the crock pot and spoon sauce over the top so every piece gets coated before serving.






