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Easy Crockpot Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe

crockpot honey garlic chicken thighs - featured image
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Tender, fall-apart chicken thighs in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, made effortlessly in the crockpot. This dump-and-go recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and delivers sticky, glossy perfection every time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds chicken thighs (about 6–8 pieces), bone-in and skin-on
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ cup honey
  • ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup chicken broth, low sodium
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted (for garnish)
  • 2–3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Sear the chicken thighs in batches, skin-side down first, for 3-4 minutes per side until deep golden brown. Do not crowd the pan.
  4. Transfer the seared chicken to the crockpot, arranging in a single layer as much as possible.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, chicken broth, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour the mixture over the chicken.
  6. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. LOW setting is recommended for best texture.
  7. About 30 minutes before serving, carefully remove the chicken thighs from the crockpot and set aside on a plate.
  8. Skim off any excess fat from the surface of the sauce using a spoon or fat separator.
  9. Turn the crockpot to HIGH and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and becomes glossy.
  10. Return the chicken to the crockpot and spoon the thickened sauce over the top. Let warm through for about 5 minutes.
  11. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.

Notes

For best results, do not skip searing the chicken—it adds deep flavor. Let the sauce reduce naturally without cornstarch for a glossy finish. If using boneless, skinless thighs, reduce cooking time by about 1 hour. Leftovers taste even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot chicken, honey garlic chicken, sticky chicken thighs, slow cooker chicken, easy weeknight dinner, honey garlic sauce, chicken thigh recipe

Find it online: https://platebelle.com/easy-crockpot-sticky-honey-garlic-chicken-thighs-recipe/