Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs delivers tender, fall-apart meat bathed in a sweet-savory sauce, perfect for effortless weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
• Hands-off cooking means minimal prep and cleanup
• Slow cooker infuses deep flavor and yields ultra-tender chicken
• Sweet honey and tangy garlic-ginger sauce appeals to all ages
• Ready over rice or steamed greens for a comforting, balanced meal
Ingredients
- 800 g (1 lb 12 oz) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch) mixed with 3 tbsp water
- 2 spring onions (scallions), finely sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- steamed jasmine rice, to serve
- steamed greens, to serve
SAUCE
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) tamari or all-purpose soy sauce
- ⅓ cup (115 g) runny honey
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp rice wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp freshly grated garlic
- 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
Directions
1. Prepare the sauce by whisking together tamari (or soy sauce), honey, ketchup, rice wine vinegar, garlic, ginger and sesame oil in a small bowl until smooth.
2. Lightly pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then arrange them in the base of your slow cooker in a single layer.
3. Pour the honey-garlic sauce evenly over the chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is coated.
4. Cover and cook on Low for 4 hours (or on High for 2 hours), until the chicken is fully cooked and very tender.
5. In the final 15 minutes of cooking, remove the lid and stir gently to redistribute sauce.
6. Transfer chicken thighs to a large plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
7. Stir the cornflour slurry (2 tbsp cornflour mixed with 3 tbsp water) into the sauce in the slow cooker.
8. Increase heat to High and cook, uncovered, for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened to a glossy glaze.
9. Return the chicken thighs to the thickened sauce and turn to coat thoroughly. Let rest for 2 minutes.
10. Serve chicken over steamed jasmine rice and greens. Sprinkle with sliced spring onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Pro Tips and Variations
• For extra depth, add a pinch of chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
• Swap chicken thighs for breasts, but reduce cooking time by 30 minutes on Low.
• Stir in baby corn or sliced bell peppers in the last hour for added veggies.
• Use cornstarch slurry to achieve desired sauce thickness—start with less and adjust.
• Marinate chicken in sauce for 30 minutes before cooking for an even deeper flavor infusion.
Serving Suggestions
• Pile chicken and sauce over fluffy steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice.
• Serve alongside garlicky stir-fried bok choy or broccoli for extra greens.
• Spoon chicken into warmed tortillas or bao buns for an Asian-inspired wrap.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro or mint leaves for a bright herbal note.
Storage/Reheating
• To store: Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• To freeze: Place cooled chicken and sauce in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
• To reheat: Thaw if frozen, then warm gently in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Microwave covered on medium power for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway.
Notes
• Sauce consistency will thicken as it cools—reheat gently to loosen.
• Leftover sauce makes a great marinade or stir-fry base.
• Chicken may be shredded before returning to the glaze for a pulled-style dish.
FAQs
Can I use low-sodium soy sauce instead of tamari?
Yes—low-sodium soy sauce works well. Taste and adjust honey or vinegar to balance.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
Simmer the sauce and chicken in a covered pot on low for 1–1½ hours, or bake at 180 °C (350 °F) for 45 minutes, covered.
How do I prevent the sauce from burning?
Stir in the cornflour slurry only after cooking and keep an eye during thickening—stir frequently.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a foolproof recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a richly flavored, tender dish. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, it’s sure to become a new family favorite.
