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Slow Cooker Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs – Easy & Juicy

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This slow cooker sticky honey garlic chicken thighs recipe is my best attempt at recreating my aunt Carol’s comforting dish. The chicken comes out impossibly juicy, the sauce clings to every bite, and the whole thing tastes like someone spent hours fussing over it—even though you literally just dump everything in a pot and walk away.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (about 6–8 thighs)
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water
  • Sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • Chopped green onions (for garnish)
  • Cooked rice or quinoa (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Trim off any excess fat if desired. Place the thighs in the slow cooker in a single layer.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil (if using), ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  3. Pour the sauce over the chicken thighs, making sure each piece gets coated. Put the lid on and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours.
  4. Check for doneness: the chicken is done when it’s fork-tender and easily pulls apart. If using bone-in thighs, the meat should easily separate from the bone.
  5. Using tongs, carefully transfer the cooked chicken thighs to a plate or cutting board. Cover them loosely with foil to keep warm. Reserve the liquid in the slow cooker.
  6. Pour the liquid from the slow cooker into a small saucepan. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and cold water together until smooth. Slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering sauce. Keep whisking until it thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
  7. Return the chicken thighs to the slow cooker (or a serving dish) and pour the thickened sauce over them. Toss gently to coat each piece. Let them sit for a minute so the glaze sets.
  8. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve over steamed rice, quinoa, or with your favorite veggies.

Notes

Don’t skip the stovetop reduction for the best sticky glaze. Use bone-in, skinless thighs for best results. Start checking doneness at the 4-hour mark on LOW. Toast sesame seeds for extra flavor. Make extra sauce if desired. Do not lift the lid during cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, honey garlic chicken, sticky chicken, chicken thighs, easy dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/slow-cooker-sticky-honey-garlic-chicken-thighs-easy-and-juicy/