Honey-Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Recipe -

If you’re looking for an easy, flavorful dinner with almost no hands-on effort, these Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs are a perfect choice.

Juicy chicken thighs slowly simmer in a rich blend of honey, garlic, soy sauce, and ketchup, creating a sweet and savory glaze that becomes thick and glossy by the end of cooking.

Serve this comforting meal with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite vegetables for a satisfying family dinner.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
½ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
½ cup ketchup
⅓ cup raw or clover honey
3 garlic cloves, finely minced
Pinch of fine sea salt, or to taste
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon cold water

Instructions

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker

Lightly coat the inside of a 4-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray or a small amount of oil. Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer to ensure they cook evenly.

2. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, ketchup, honey, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

3. Add the Sauce

Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure each thigh is fully coated.

4. Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook using one of the following settings:

High: 2 to 3 hours
Low: About 4 hours

The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

5. Thicken the Glaze

In a small bowl, stir together the cornstarch and cold water until completely smooth. Pour the slurry into the slow cooker and gently stir it into the cooking liquid.

6. Finish Cooking

Cover and cook on High for another 15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken into a rich, glossy glaze.

7. Serve

Transfer the chicken thighs to serving plates and spoon plenty of the thickened honey garlic sauce over the top. Pair with steamed jasmine rice, roasted vegetables, or broccoli for a complete meal.

Chef’s Tips & Easy Variations

Fresh Garlic Delivers the Best Flavor

Freshly minced garlic creates a brighter, more aromatic taste than garlic powder or pre-minced jarred garlic.

Choose Reduced-Sodium Soy Sauce

Since slow cooking naturally concentrates flavors, reduced-sodium soy sauce helps prevent the finished sauce from becoming overly salty.

Add Some Heat

For a sweet-and-spicy version, stir in ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha before cooking.

Make an Extra-Thick Glaze

If you’d like a stickier, restaurant-style sauce, transfer the cooking liquid to a saucepan after removing the chicken. Add the cornstarch slurry and simmer over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes until thickened, then pour the glaze over the chicken before serving.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value*
Calories	471	—
Total Fat	20 g	26%
Saturated Fat	6 g	31%
Cholesterol	201 mg	67%
Sodium	1,701 mg	74%
Total Carbohydrates	36 g	13%
Dietary Fiber	1 g	3%
Total Sugars	30 g	—
Protein	41 g	81%
Vitamin C	2 mg	2%
Calcium	44 mg	3%
Iron	2 mg	14%
Potassium	635 mg	14%