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Easy Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs | Best Kid-Approved Dinner

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This easy slow cooker honey garlic chicken thighs recipe is the kind of meal you make when you need a win. It’s forgiving, affordable, and makes your whole house smell like you’ve been cooking all day when you really just tossed everything in a pot and walked away.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 6–8 thighs)
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (for thickening, optional)
  • Cooked rice or quinoa (for serving)
  • Steamed broccoli or green beans (for serving)
  • Sesame seeds and sliced green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Trim off any excess fat if desired. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, tomato paste, and grated ginger if using.
  3. Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker in a single layer as much as possible. Pour the sauce evenly over the top.
  4. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender.
  5. About 15 minutes before serving, use tongs to carefully remove the chicken to a cutting board. Shred with two forks or leave whole.
  6. Pour the liquid from the slow cooker into a small saucepan. Whisk together 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened. Stir in the rice vinegar at the end.
  7. Return the chicken to the slow cooker and pour the thickened sauce over the top. Toss gently to coat. Serve immediately over rice or quinoa, with steamed veggies on the side. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Notes

Don’t skip the rice vinegar at the end—it brightens the sauce. For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. For a lower-sugar option, reduce honey to 1/4 cup and add an extra tablespoon of tomato paste. The sauce thickens as it sits in the fridge; add a splash of water when reheating if needed.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://lolaspoon.com/easy-slow-cooker-honey-garlic-chicken-thighs-best-kid-approved-dinner/