Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

The first time I made Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken, I remember coming home to that warm, caramelized smell of garlic and honey filling the kitchen. It wasn’t fancy, but it felt like a small win after a long day—the kind of dinner that quietly says, you did enough today. Each bite was tender, sweet, and a little sticky, just the way slow-cooked food should be. Over the years, it’s become my go-to when I want comfort without chaos. If you’re craving something easy, flavorful, and family-approved, this is your recipe.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Ingredients You’ll Need
• How to Make Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
• Pro Tips from My Kitchen
• Frequently Asked Questions about Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
• Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Big Flavor, Small Effort: You only need a few pantry staples to create a sauce that tastes like it came straight from your favorite takeout spot. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting while you go about your day.
• Tender, Juicy Chicken Every Time: Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs guarantees moist, flavorful meat that falls apart with a fork. No dry chicken here, ever.
• The Sauce Is Everything: That glossy honey garlic sauce—sweet, tangy, and just a little sticky—clings to every bite. You’ll want to drizzle it over rice, noodles, or even dip bread into it.
• Perfect for Busy Weeknights: This recipe is pure “set it and forget it.” Toss the ingredients in your crockpot, hit start, and come back to a dinner that smells amazing and tastes even better.
• Family-Friendly Crowd Pleaser: Even picky eaters love this one. It’s simple, comforting, and full of that familiar honey-garlic flavor everyone adores.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs – tender and perfect for slow cooking

• 4 garlic cloves, minced – the heart of that bold savory flavor

• ⅓ cup honey – adds natural sweetness and a glossy finish

• ½ cup low sodium soy sauce – brings the balance with a salty, umami depth

• ½ cup ketchup – creates body and tang in the sauce

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano – subtle earthiness that rounds out the flavors

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped – for brightness and a touch of color

• ½ tablespoon toasted sesame seeds – optional but great for garnish

Pro tip: If you like a thicker sauce, keep cornstarch and cold water handy for a quick slurry near the end of cooking.

How to Make Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Mix the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, oregano, and parsley until smooth and well blended. This is your golden elixir—the base of that irresistible sticky glaze.

Step 2: Arrange the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the top, making sure every piece gets coated.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or HIGH for 3 hours. The chicken should be tender enough to pull apart easily with a fork.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce (Optional but Worth It)

About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water. Whisk this into the sauce and let it cook covered—the sauce will thicken into that restaurant-style glaze everyone loves.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the chicken to a serving dish, spoon the thickened sauce over the top, and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. Serve over rice or noodles and enjoy every sticky, flavorful bite.

Pro Tips from My Kitchen

Don’t Overcook the Chicken – Every slow cooker runs a little differently, so start checking your chicken at the 3-hour mark if cooking on HIGH. The goal is tender, not shredded-to-mush.

Thicken Smartly – If you want that glossy, clingy sauce, use the cornstarch slurry trick near the end of cooking. Give it time to simmer—it’ll turn silky and coat the chicken beautifully.

Choose the Right Cut – Chicken thighs are ideal here because they stay juicy during slow cooking. If you prefer chicken breasts, reduce the cooking time slightly to keep them from drying out.

Balance the Sweetness – If you find the sauce too sweet for your taste, add a small splash of rice vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. It brightens the flavor and balances the honey perfectly.

Leftover Magic – Shred leftover chicken and toss it with the sauce for sandwiches, wraps, or rice bowls. It reheats like a dream and makes weekday lunches feel special.

Frequently Asked Questions about Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs