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Best Kid-Approved Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe

crockpot honey garlic chicken thighs - featured image

This kid-approved crockpot honey garlic chicken thighs recipe is a weeknight hero that requires only five minutes of prep. The chicken comes out tender and coated in a sweet-savory glaze, making it a family favorite that even picky eaters love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/3 cup (110g) honey
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) ketchup
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced (or 2 teaspoons pre-minced)
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) sesame oil (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon (8g) cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water (for slurry)
  • 3–4 green onions, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and trim excess fat. Place them in the crockpot in a single layer.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Taste and adjust if needed.
  3. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken. Cover and cook on low for 5 hours or high for 3 hours, until the chicken shreds easily with a fork.
  4. Carefully remove the chicken to a plate using tongs. Pour the liquid from the crockpot into a small saucepan. In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water until smooth. Whisk the slurry into the sauce and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened, stirring constantly.
  5. Return the chicken to the crockpot or a serving dish. Pour the thickened sauce over the top and toss gently to coat. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce. For a spicier version, add 1 teaspoon sriracha or red pepper flakes. The sauce can be doubled for extra. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days and freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot honey garlic chicken, slow cooker chicken thighs, kid-friendly chicken, easy weeknight dinner, honey garlic chicken