Irresistible Garlic Chicken

As seen on: Delicious Main Course Recipes

This no-hassle slowcooker dish mixes chicken thighs with honey, garlic, soy sauce and ketchup for a tasty Asian-inspired meal anyone can make.
emilyscooks.com
Shared By Emily
Last revised on Thu, 01 May 2025 18:01:58 GMT
A white plate loaded with succulent, glossy chicken thighs smothered in rich sauce, topped with sesame seeds and fresh herbs. Save this
A white plate loaded with succulent, glossy chicken thighs smothered in rich sauce, topped with sesame seeds and fresh herbs. | emilyscooks.com

This slow cooker chicken has saved my busy weeknights too many times to count. Something magical happens as juicy chicken thighs mix with garlic and honey, creating this amazingly sticky coating you won't be able to resist. Once you give it a try, you'll make it again and again when dinner needs sorting.

Magic Happens in the Mixture

Let me talk about this incredible sauce that gets my family racing to the table. When honey and garlic come together, you get this perfect sweet-savory blend that's just unbeatable. The soy sauce works underneath, giving each bite serious depth. I love watching how the sauce coats every chicken piece - it's honestly food wizardry at its best.

My Love for Dark Meat Chicken

I've made this so many times now, and chicken thighs are definitely the way to go. They stay super moist and really drink up all the flavors during slow cooking. Whenever I bring this to the table, everyone loves how the meat just falls apart.

Make It Your Own Creation

What I really enjoy is hearing how you guys change up this dish. Sometimes when my friend with gluten issues visits, I swap in tamari for regular soy sauce. My husband can't get enough spice, so he throws red pepper flakes on his serving. This recipe doesn't mind adjustments - it turns out great no matter what you try.

Dinner Done in No Time

When mornings are hectic, I love how fast this all comes together. You just pour the sauce over your chicken, turn the slow cooker on, and get on with your day. By dinnertime, your whole house smells fantastic and food's ready to eat.

A close-up image of glazed chicken thighs garnished with sesame seeds and herbs in a dark sauce. Save this
A close-up image of glazed chicken thighs garnished with sesame seeds and herbs in a dark sauce. | emilyscooks.com

Lunch Boxes Totally Upgraded

This chicken changed my Sunday meal prep game completely. I just pack it with some rice and vegetables in containers and my lunches are good to go for days. The flavor actually gets better after sitting in the fridge for a bit.

Tricks I've Learned Along the Way

After making this tons of times, I've picked up a few tricks. Always make sure your chicken hits 165°F inside, and if you want that thick, clingy sauce my family loves, just stir in some cornstarch mixed with water at the end. These little changes make such a big impact.

Family Pleaser Every Week

This chicken has turned into our Tuesday tradition. Even my kids who normally avoid trying new foods ask for more of this. That sweet honey balanced with garlic wins them over every single time, especially when it's served over fluffy rice.

Smart Buying Saves Money

When chicken thighs go on sale, I always cook twice as much. We eat one batch right away and the other goes in the freezer. The sauce freezes wonderfully, and having a homemade meal ready to grab feels like such a lifesaver.

Quick Cleanup After Eating

Besides tasting amazing, I love how this recipe leaves barely anything to wash. Just one slow cooker pot means I can actually chill after dinner instead of scrubbing pans. Sometimes the easiest recipes bring the most happiness.

A bowl of glazed chicken thighs topped with sesame seeds and green onions in a rich sauce. Save this
A bowl of glazed chicken thighs topped with sesame seeds and green onions in a rich sauce. | emilyscooks.com

Switch Your Side Dishes

This chicken goes great with pretty much anything in my kitchen. Some nights we do mashed potatoes, other times it's quinoa or even zucchini noodles. That wonderful sauce makes any side taste special. It feels like a brand new meal each time.

Fussy Eaters Say Yes

Even my most particular child finished everything when I served this chicken. The honey makes it just sweet enough for kids to love while the garlic keeps grown-ups interested. It's become our perfect middle ground at dinnertime.

Fancy Enough for Visitors

When friends pop over unexpectedly, this is what I cook. The tender meat and shiny sauce look so fancy but take almost no work. Everyone always wants to know how I made it and can't believe it's so easy.

Busy Parent's Secret Weapon

On days full of back-to-back meetings, this dish saves our evening. Just ten minutes in the morning means coming home to food that tastes like I spent all day cooking. It's my number one trick as a working parent.

Better Than Restaurant Food

This homemade version beats anything you'd order out. I can watch what goes in, keeping salt levels reasonable and avoiding fake ingredients. It's way cheaper than delivery and tastes better too, according to my family.

A close-up of glazed chicken thighs garnished with sesame seeds and herbs in a dark sauce. Save this
A close-up of glazed chicken thighs garnished with sesame seeds and herbs in a dark sauce. | emilyscooks.com

Wallet-Friendly Comfort

With just a few kitchen basics and cheap chicken thighs, this meal is total comfort food that won't empty your wallet. I love serving something this tasty knowing it fits perfectly in our monthly food budget.

Tomorrow's Meal Today

The extras might taste even better than when first served. We love making them into lunch sandwiches with crunchy vegetables or wrapping the chicken in lettuce leaves. Every bite still has that amazing honey-garlic flavor.

Easy Party Favorite

This is my go-to when having people over. The slow cooker handles all the work while I actually hang out with my guests. They think I've been slaving away but really I've just been enjoying their company.

Weekly Planning Champion

This dish forms the backbone of my Sunday cooking routine. One batch gives us dinner plus planned extras that become quick lunches. Having this ready makes the whole week run smoother.

Everyone Asks How To Make It

Whenever I bring this to family gatherings or potlucks, people start asking for instructions. They can't believe something this tasty comes from such an easy method. It's become my signature dish that friends constantly beg me to make.

A white bowl filled with glazed chicken thighs topped with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Save this
A white bowl filled with glazed chicken thighs topped with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. | emilyscooks.com

Common Questions

→ Will chicken breasts work too?
Sure, you can swap in chicken breasts if you prefer. Just make sure the meat hits 165°F inside no matter what cut you pick.
→ How can I make the sauce thicker?
Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp cold water and pour this in about 30 minutes before you finish cooking for a thicker sauce.
→ Why isn't the cooking time exact?
Slowcookers heat up differently from brand to brand. Focus on getting the chicken to 165°F inside rather than watching the clock.
→ Is bone-in chicken okay to use?
Absolutely, bone-in or boneless both work fine. Just use enough to fill the bottom of your slowcooker.
→ How long can I keep leftovers?
You can put leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Don't worry if the sauce gets thicker when cold.

Simple Slowcooked Chicken

Juicy chicken thighs slowly simmered in a sticky sweet-savory honey garlic mixture - a quick 5-ingredient slowcooker dish.

Preparation Time
5 Minutes
Cooking Time
300 Minutes
Overall Time
305 Minutes
Shared By: Emily

Meal Type: Main Courses

Skill Level: Simple

Cuisine Style: Oriental

Makes: 6 Portions (6 thighs)

Special Diet: Dairy-Free

What You’ll Need

01 items 6 chicken thighs, no skin or bones.
02 items 4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped.
03 items 1/3 cup of natural honey.
04 items 1/2 cup reduced salt ketchup.
05 items 1/2 cup reduced salt soy sauce.
06 items 1/2 teaspoon oregano, dried form.
07 items 2 tablespoons parsley, freshly cut.
08 items 1/2 tablespoon sesame seeds, lightly toasted.

Steps To Make It

Step 01

Place your chicken thighs across the bottom of your slow cooker.

Step 02

Mix the chopped garlic, honey, ketchup, soy sauce, oregano and parsley together well.

Step 03

Drizzle your mixture over the chicken. Let it cook for 4-5 hours on LOW setting or 3-4 hours on HIGH until chicken hits 165°F.

Step 04

Want a thicker sauce? Toss in some cornstarch mixed with water about 30 minutes before finishing.

Step 05

Put chicken on plates, pour some tasty sauce on top and finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Extra Notes

  1. Works with chicken that has bones or without.
  2. Your pot might need different cooking times.
  3. Sauce too thin? Add some cornstarch mixed with water.

Essential Tools

  • A slow cooker or crockpot.
  • A bowl for mixing.

Allergen Info

Review ingredients carefully for allergens, and consult a healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Contains soy from the sauce.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Keep in mind, this data is an estimate and not a substitute for professional dietary advice.
  • Calories: 227
  • Fat Content: 3 grams
  • Total Carbs: 23 grams
  • Protein Content: 25 grams