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Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken features tender, juicy chicken thighs simmered in a sweet and savory glaze. It is an effortless, crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner that requires minimal prep.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 3 tablespoons cold water
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced for garnish
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds for garnish
  • Cooked white or brown rice for serving

Equipment

  • 6-quart slow cooker
  • Whisk
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Tongs
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Arrange the chicken thighs in an even layer at the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, olive oil, minced garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
  3. Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours (or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours) until the chicken is tender and registers 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  5. Using tongs, transfer the chicken from the slow cooker to a cutting board, leaving the sauce in the pot. Shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch and cold water together to make a smooth slurry. Pour the slurry into the slow cooker liquid and whisk well to combine.
  7. Cover and cook the sauce on HIGH for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened.
  8. Return the chicken to the slow cooker and toss to coat thoroughly in the thickened honey garlic sauce.
  9. Serve hot over cooked rice, garnished with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.

Notes

For a thicker glaze, you can transfer the slow cooker liquid to a saucepan on the stovetop, whisk in the cornstarch slurry, and simmer over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes before tossing with the chicken. If substituting chicken breasts, reduce the cook time to 3 to 4 hours on LOW to prevent the meat from drying out.