Description
Tender and flavorful Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs simmered to perfection in a sweet and savory sauce made with honey, soy sauce, garlic, and apple cider vinegar. This easy one-pot recipe delivers juicy chicken with a rich glaze, perfect for a comforting family dinner. Optionally finished under the broiler for crispy skin.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnish
- Chopped parsley or thyme
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Then season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika to build the flavor base.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and apple cider vinegar until thoroughly combined, creating a balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes.
- Arrange Chicken in Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker for even cooking.
- Add Sauce and Cook: Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce over the chicken evenly. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Optional Broil for Crispy Skin: For a crispier finish, transfer the cooked chicken to a baking sheet. Place under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, watching closely, until the skin crisps and browns.
- Serve and Garnish: Drizzle some of the extra sauce from the slow cooker over the chicken. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or thyme for a burst of color and freshness before serving.
Notes
- Using bone-in, skin-on thighs ensures the chicken stays juicy during slow cooking.
- Broiling is optional but recommended to add texture and flavor contrast to the tender meat.
- Leftover sauce can be thickened by simmering on the stovetop and used as a dipping sauce or glaze.
- Adjust the amount of honey for less sweetness if desired.
- Serve with rice or steamed vegetables to complete the meal.
