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Best Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs: Easy Crockpot Recipe

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Tender, fall-apart chicken thighs coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory honey garlic sauce, made effortlessly in the crockpot. This set-it-and-forget-it recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 6–8 thighs)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for searing)
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (for thickening)
  • Sesame seeds for garnish
  • Chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using) until well combined.
  3. Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the bottom of a 4-6 quart crockpot in a single layer. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2.5-3 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and shreds easily.
  5. About 30 minutes before serving, carefully remove the chicken to a plate using tongs. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water to make a slurry. Pour the slurry into the crockpot with the sauce and whisk to combine. Return the chicken to the pot, spoon some sauce over the top, and continue cooking uncovered on HIGH for 20-30 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  6. Remove the chicken from the crockpot. Spoon additional sauce over each piece. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Notes

For best results, don’t open the lid during cooking. Chicken thighs are preferred over breasts for tenderness. Frozen chicken can be used directly; add about 1 extra hour on LOW. The cornstarch slurry is key for a sticky sauce. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: sticky honey garlic chicken, crockpot chicken thighs, slow cooker chicken, honey garlic chicken, easy chicken recipe

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