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Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Section: Dinner

This dish features bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs slowly cooked until tender and flavorful. The chicken is first seared to create a golden, crispy skin, then simmered in a balanced sauce of honey, garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and fresh ginger. Cooking low and slow allows the flavors to meld beautifully, producing moist meat with a rich, savory-sweet glaze. Green onions add fresh brightness when garnished before serving. Optional thickening with cornstarch creates a luscious sauce perfect for spooning over the meat.

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Sandra
Created By Sandra
Updated on Fri, 10 Oct 2025 18:57:52 GMT
A plate of chicken thighs with rice and garnish. Save
A plate of chicken thighs with rice and garnish. | howtogourmet.com

This tender and flavorful crockpot honey garlic chicken thighs recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes. It takes just minutes to prep and is ideal for a hands-off dinner that fills your home with irresistible aromas.

I first made this on a busy weeknight when I wanted something simple yet impressive. It quickly became my go-to for easy family dinners that feel special without the fuss.

Ingredients You Need

  • 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs: Choose fresh thighs with a nice pink color and firm texture for the best juicy outcome
  • 1/2 cup pure honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps create a sticky, caramelized sauce
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic minced: Adds aromatic pungency and warmth to the dish
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce: Balances the sweetness with savory umami notes
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar: Brings a mild tang that brightens the sauce
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated: Infuses a subtle peppery zest that complements the garlic
  • 2 green onions sliced: For a fresh, crunchy garnish that adds color and mild sharpness

Detailed Cooking Directions

Prep your ingredients:
Gather all your ingredients so you can move easily through the cooking process without interruptions. Mince garlic and grate ginger for the freshest flavor.
Sear the chicken thighs:
Place a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken thighs skin-side down for 5 to 7 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. This step builds a robust depth of flavor.
Mix the sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together honey soy sauce garlic rice vinegar and ginger until well combined. This silky sauce is the star that will coat your chicken beautifully.
Layer in the crockpot:
Arrange the seared chicken thighs in the slow cooker and pour the sauce evenly over them making sure each piece is well coated. This ensures every bite is infused with flavor.
Slow cook to perfection:
Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender and falls apart easily with a fork. These slow cooking times help the flavors meld deeply into the meat.
Garnish and serve:
Sprinkle sliced green onions on top for a pop of freshness and serve the chicken warm drizzled with extra sauce from the crockpot.
A bowl of chicken thighs with rice and herbs.
A bowl of chicken thighs with rice and herbs. | howtogourmet.com

Cooking this dish always fills my kitchen with such warm comforting aromas—it’s truly a soul-soothing recipe.

Smart Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave to keep the chicken moist and tender. Freeze portions individually for up to 2 months to enjoy easy meals any time by thawing overnight in the fridge.

Ingredient Variations

Try boneless skinless chicken thighs if you prefer an easier-to-eat option, though skin-on adds extra richness. Swap rice vinegar for apple cider vinegar if you want a fruitier tang. Add a pinch of red chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for a subtle spicy kick.

Perfect Pairing Ideas

Serve alongside steamed jasmine rice or fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious honey garlic sauce. A simple stir-fried vegetable medley with snap peas carrots and bell peppers complements the sweetness beautifully. A crisp Asian-inspired slaw with cabbage and a sesame dressing adds refreshing crunch to balance the rich flavors.

A plate of chicken thighs with rice and herbs.
A plate of chicken thighs with rice and herbs. | howtogourmet.com

This recipe is simple and satisfying, perfect for busy nights yet special enough for guests.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why sear the chicken thighs before slow cooking?

Searing the chicken develops a rich, golden crust and locks in juices, enhancing both texture and flavor before slow cooking.

→ Can boneless chicken thighs be used instead?

Yes, boneless thighs will work but may cook faster and could be less juicy. Adjust cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.

→ How can I thicken the sauce at the end?

Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes. This will create a thicker, glossy sauce.

→ What are good garnishes for this dish?

Sliced green onions add freshness and a mild onion flavor that complements the sweet and savory sauce beautifully.

→ Can I make this in a regular pot instead of a crockpot?

Yes, simmer on low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours, covered, until chicken is tender and sauce is well infused.

Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Tender chicken thighs cooked in sweet honey garlic sauce with a hint of ginger and soy.

Preparation Time
15 minutes
Time to Cook
420 minutes
Overall Time
435 minutes
Created By: Sandra

Type of Recipe: Dinner

Difficulty Rating: Simple for Beginners

Cuisine Style: American

Yield: 4 Number of Servings

Dietary Options: No Dairy

Ingredients Required

→ Protein

01 680 g bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

→ Sauce

02 120 ml pure honey
03 4 cloves garlic, minced
04 60 ml low-sodium soy sauce
05 30 ml rice vinegar
06 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated

→ Garnish

07 2 green onions, sliced

Detailed Directions

Instruction Step 01

Gather all ingredients and ensure garlic is minced, ginger grated, and green onions sliced.

Instruction Step 02

In a skillet over medium-high heat, sear chicken thighs skin-side down for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.

Instruction Step 03

Whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and grated ginger in a bowl.

Instruction Step 04

Place seared chicken thighs into the crockpot and pour the prepared sauce over them, ensuring thorough coating.

Instruction Step 05

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and easily shredded.

Instruction Step 06

Garnish with sliced green onions and drizzle with extra sauce before serving.

Helpful Advice

  1. Searing chicken before slow cooking enhances flavor and crispness. For thicker sauce, whisk 1 tbsp cornstarch with 30 ml cold water and stir into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Equipment Needed

  • Skillet
  • Crockpot or slow cooker
  • Mixing bowl

Allergen Info

Review ingredient labels for allergens and talk to a doctor if unsure.
  • Contains soy

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Use these nutrition facts as a guide only. Always check with a healthcare expert.
  • Calorie Count: 450
  • Fat Content: 20 grams
  • Carbohydrate Amount: 30 grams
  • Protein Content: 35 grams