Slow Cooker Citrus-Honey Chicken Thighs

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken thighs slow-cooked in a bright citrus and honey glaze that infuses every bite with sweet and tangy flavors. This general-inspired slow cooker ready in about 315 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, orange juice, lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 300 min Serves 4 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season 6 bone-in chicken thighs with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then brown them in the skillet for 3-4 minutes per side until golden. Transfer the thighs to the slow cooker.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 3 tbsp honey, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger until well combined.
  3. Step 3: Pour the citrus-honey sauce over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 5 hours or on high for 3 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Remove the chicken thighs and set aside. Pour the sauce from the slow cooker into a saucepan over medium heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Return the chicken to the sauce, spoon over the glaze, and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Citrus-Honey Chicken Thighs take to make?

Total time is about 315 minutes (15 min prep + 300 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow Cooker Citrus-Honey Chicken Thighs?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Citrus-Honey Chicken Thighs?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow Cooker Citrus-Honey Chicken Thighs for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow Cooker Citrus-Honey Chicken Thighs?

General slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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