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Easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs: Best 5-Ingredient Dinner

crockpot honey garlic chicken thighs - featured image

This Easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe is a simple, 5-ingredient dinner that requires just 5 minutes of prep. The chicken comes out incredibly tender, coated in a sticky, glossy sauce made from honey, soy sauce, garlic, and a secret touch of tomato paste. Perfect for busy nights, this family-approved meal is comfort food at its easiest.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 68 thighs)
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • Cooked white rice or brown rice (for serving, optional)
  • Sesame seeds and sliced green onions (for garnish, optional)
  • Steamed broccoli or green beans (for serving, optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Trim excess fat if desired. Place the thighs in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker in a single layer.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, and tomato paste until smooth.
  3. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken thighs. Gently turn the chicken to coat.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and shreds easily with a fork.
  5. Optional: For a caramelized finish, transfer the cooked chicken to a baking sheet lined with foil, spoon some sauce over the top, and broil on high for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Spoon remaining sauce from the crockpot over the top. Serve over steamed rice with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.

Notes

For best results, use chicken thighs instead of breasts to ensure juiciness. Don’t skip the tomato paste—it adds depth. If the sauce is too thin, leave the lid off for the last 30 minutes or simmer on the stove. Leftovers taste even better the next day. To make gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot honey garlic chicken, slow cooker chicken thighs, 5-ingredient dinner, easy chicken recipe, honey garlic chicken