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Tender honey-garlic chicken thighs glazed in a glossy sauce and sprinkled with sesame seeds, served over white rice with green beans.

Honey-Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

Tender chicken thighs cooked in a sweet and savory honey-garlic sauce, perfect for a delicious and easy meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Asian
Servings 8 servings
Calories 274 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1.5 lb 1½ lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 0.5 cup ½ cup less-sodium soy sauce
  • 0.25 cup ¼ cup honey
  • 0.25 cup ¼ cup ketchup
  • 3 cloves 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp 1 tsp dried basil
  • 0.25-0.5 tsp ¼ to ½ tsp crushed red pepper (adjust to taste)

Optional Ingredients

  • Toasted sesame seeds (for topping)
  • Sliced green onions (for garnish)
  • Hot cooked basmati rice or quinoa (for serving)
  • Steamed green beans or broccoli (for serving)
  • Lime or lemon wedges (for a bright finish)

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker in an even layer (it’s okay if they overlap slightly).
  • If you have time, pat the chicken dry with paper towels—this helps the sauce cling a little better.
  • Decide your heat level: use ¼ tsp crushed red pepper for mild warmth, or ½ tsp for a noticeable kick.

Mixing / Assembling

  • In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, ketchup, minced garlic, dried basil, and crushed red pepper until smooth.
  • Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken thighs.
  • Gently move the chicken around so the sauce gets underneath and coats everything.

Cooking / Slow Cooking

  • Cover and cook on Low for 4 hours or High for 2 hours.
  • The chicken is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F.
  • If cooking on Low, start checking around the 3½-hour mark if your thighs are smaller.

Resting / Finishing

  • Let the chicken rest in the slow cooker (lid off) for 5 minutes—this helps the juices settle.
  • Spoon sauce over chicken before serving.
  • Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds (and green onions if you like).
  • Serve over hot basmati rice or quinoa, with vegetables on the side.

Notes

Thighs stay juicy and forgiving—avoid swapping to chicken breast unless you reduce cook time and watch closely. For flavor enhancement, add an extra clove of garlic, or finish with a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
Keyword Easy Chicken Recipe, Family-Friendly Dinner, Honey Garlic Chicken, Slow Cooker Chicken