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Savory Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe Easy Perfect Dinner

crockpot honey garlic chicken thighs - featured image

A forgiving and flavorful slow-cooked chicken thigh recipe with a thick honey garlic sauce, paired with nutty sesame broccoli for a perfect weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs / 900 g)
  • 1/3 cup honey (raw honey recommended)
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets (about 4 cups / 300 g)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for broccoli)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for broccoli)
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • 1 clove garlic, finely minced (optional, for broccoli)

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes until well combined.
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
  3. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the crockpot. Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the top. Do not stir.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours until chicken is fork-tender and sauce is thickened. Remove lid during last 30 minutes if too much liquid remains.
  5. About 15 minutes before chicken is done, heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic if using and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Add broccoli florets, toss with soy sauce, and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.
  7. Serve chicken and sauce over rice or noodles with sesame broccoli on the side.

Notes

Searing chicken before slow cooking is optional but adds flavor and texture. Avoid stirring the sauce during cooking to allow it to thicken properly. If sauce is too runny, remove chicken and simmer sauce on stovetop until thickened. Do not overcrowd crockpot to ensure even cooking. Broccoli can be steamed or roasted if skillet is unavailable. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot chicken, honey garlic chicken, slow cooker dinner, sesame broccoli, easy weeknight meal, honey garlic sauce, chicken thighs