Easy Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken: Sweet, Savory, & Simple Weeknight Dinner Recipe
Introduction
This Easy Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, ideal for busy weeknights. With minimal prep and a delicious homemade sauce, it offers a satisfying meal that’s both comforting and simple to make.

Ingredients
- 6 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (see notes for boneless options)
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
- ⅓ cup ketchup (opt for low-sugar if preferred)
- ⅓ cup honey
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp cold water
- ½ tbsp sesame seeds, for garnish
- 1 green onion, sliced, for garnish
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, ketchup, honey, and minced garlic until thoroughly combined.
- Step 2: Lightly spray the inside of your crockpot insert with nonstick cooking spray. Arrange the chicken thighs in an even layer at the bottom of the crockpot.
- Step 3: Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken, tossing gently to ensure each thigh is well coated.
- Step 4: Cover the crockpot and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours, or on LOW for 4-5 hours, until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Step 5: Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the crockpot and set it aside on a plate.
- Step 6: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a smooth slurry.
- Step 7: Stir the cornstarch slurry into the sauce remaining in the crockpot. Cover and cook for another 15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Step 8: Return the cooked chicken to the crockpot, tossing it gently to coat thoroughly with the rich, thickened honey garlic sauce.
- Step 9: Garnish generously with fresh sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For boneless chicken thighs, reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent overcooking.
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce if you prefer a spicy kick.
- Serve over steamed rice or with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Storage
Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well, but reduce the cooking time to avoid drying out the meat. Start checking for doneness around 1.5 to 2 hours on HIGH or 3 to 4 hours on LOW.
Is it possible to make this recipe in an instant pot?
Absolutely. Use the sauté function to brown the chicken first, then pressure cook on high for about 10 minutes with the sauce. Thicken the sauce afterward using the cornstarch slurry as described.
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Easy Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken: Sweet, Savory, & Simple Weeknight Dinner Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes (high) or 5 hours 15 minutes (low)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Easy Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is a sweet and savory dish perfect for a simple weeknight dinner. Tender chicken thighs are slow-cooked in a flavorful mix of honey, garlic, soy sauce, and ketchup, then finished with a thickened glossy sauce and garnished with sesame seeds and green onions for a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 6 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (see notes for boneless options)
Sauce
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
- ⅓ cup ketchup (opt for low-sugar if preferred)
- ⅓ cup honey
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
Thickener
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp cold water
Garnish
- ½ tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 green onion, sliced
Other
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, ketchup, honey, and minced garlic until thoroughly combined.
- Prepare Crockpot: Lightly spray the inside of your crockpot insert with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Add Chicken: Arrange the chicken thighs in an even layer at the bottom of the crockpot.
- Combine: Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken, tossing gently to ensure each thigh is well coated.
- Cook Chicken: Cover the crockpot and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or on LOW for 4-5 hours, until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and meat is tender.
- Remove Chicken: Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the crockpot and set aside on a plate.
- Make Slurry: In a small separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a smooth slurry.
- Thicken Sauce: Stir the cornstarch slurry into the sauce remaining in the crockpot. Cover and cook for another 15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Recoat Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the crockpot, tossing it gently to coat thoroughly with the rich, thickened honey garlic sauce.
- Garnish & Serve: Garnish generously with fresh sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving immediately.
Notes
- For a leaner option, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used.
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Adjust honey amount to control sweetness based on preference.
- This recipe can be prepared on low or high heat in the crockpot depending on your time availability.
- Serve with steamed rice or vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours on high or 5 hours on low plus 15 minutes thickening
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Keywords: crock pot chicken, honey garlic chicken, slow cooker dinner, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, healthy chicken recipe

