This recipe is a lifesaver for hectic schedules. Just toss everything into your slow cooker, and hours later you’re rewarded with incredibly flavorful, fall-apart tender chicken. The honey garlic sauce is rich and sticky, pairing perfectly with rice, noodles, or vegetables. It’s also budget-friendly, kid-approved, and great for leftovers or meal prepping.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Honey
Soy sauce
Garlic (minced)
Ketchup
Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
Cornstarch (for thickening the sauce)
Water
Salt and pepper
Green onions and sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Place chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker.
In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, ketchup, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure it’s evenly coated.
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks.
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Stir it into the sauce in the slow cooker.
Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stir to coat in the thickened sauce, and cook for an additional 15–20 minutes.
Serve over rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 to 6 people. Prep time is approximately 10 minutes, and cook time is 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high. Total time ranges from 3 to 6.5 hours depending on the setting used.
Variations
Use chicken breasts for a leaner option, though thighs offer more moisture and flavor.
Add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli during the last hour of cooking.
Swap soy sauce for coconut aminos to make it gluten-free.
Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
Serve it in lettuce wraps or as a sandwich filling for a fun twist.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. This dish also freezes well—store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, but for food safety, it’s best to thaw chicken before placing it in the slow cooker to ensure even cooking.
Is this dish gluten-free?
It can be made gluten-free by using tamari or coconut aminos in place of regular soy sauce.
What’s the best cut of chicken to use?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for flavor and tenderness, but breasts work well too if you prefer a leaner option.
Can I cook it on high instead of low?
Yes, cook on high for 3 to 4 hours if you’re short on time.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Add a cornstarch slurry during the last 20 minutes of cooking to thicken the sauce to your desired consistency.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just ensure your slow cooker is large enough, and adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
What sides go well with Honey Garlic Chicken?
Rice, quinoa, steamed vegetables, or noodles are perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before and refrigerate it. In the morning, simply set it to cook.
How long does it last in the fridge?
Stored properly, it lasts up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Yes, add heartier vegetables like carrots or bell peppers about halfway through cooking so they don’t become too soft.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is the ultimate easy dinner recipe—sweet, savory, and perfectly tender. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, it’s a great go-to for busy weeknights or meal prepping. Serve it over your favorite grain or veggie for a complete, satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a sweet and savory dish featuring tender shredded chicken simmered in a flavorful honey garlic sauce. It’s a no-fuss, family-friendly recipe perfect for busy days and delicious served over rice, noodles, or vegetables.
Ingredients
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup soy sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)
Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Place chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker.
In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, ketchup, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated.
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks.
In a small bowl, stir together cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
Add the slurry to the sauce in the slow cooker and stir well.
Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stir to coat, and cook on high for an additional 15–20 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Serve hot over rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for more moisture and flavor; breasts for a leaner option.Add vegetables like carrots or bell peppers during the last hour of cooking.Use coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce.Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
