Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Name: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 10 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts; 1/2 cup honey; 1/2 cup soy sauce (use low sodium if preferred); 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup ketchup; 2 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar; 2 tbsp cornstarch; 2 tbsp water (for slurry); Green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish); Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a flavorful, tender, and juicy dish that practically cooks itself. This recipe combines sweet honey, savory soy sauce, garlic, and tender chicken, all slow-cooked to perfection. It’s the perfect hands-off meal for busy weeknights, and it pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or vegetables.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a dream come true for anyone who loves maximum flavor with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the hard work while you go about your day. The result is irresistibly tender chicken infused with the rich, sticky-sweet flavor of honey and garlic. It’s a kid-friendly and freezer-friendly meal that’s perfect for meal prep or family dinners. Plus, it only requires simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chicken thighs or breasts
honey
soy sauce
garlic cloves
ketchup
rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
cornstarch
water
green onions (optional for garnish)
sesame seeds (optional for garnish)

Directions

Place the chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker.
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, ketchup, and vinegar until well combined.
Pour the sauce over the chicken.
Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside. Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl to make a slurry.
Stir the slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker, then return the chicken to the pot. Let it cook for another 15-20 minutes on high until the sauce thickens.
Shred or leave the chicken whole as preferred, and stir to coat in the sauce.
Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 6 to 7 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high
Total time: Approximately 6.5 to 7.5 hours

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a squirt of sriracha for heat.
Citrusy Twist: Add a splash of orange juice or a bit of orange zest for a citrus note.
Vegetable Boost: Add sliced bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli during the last hour of cooking.
Low Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce to cut back on saltiness.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover honey garlic chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To freeze, let the chicken cool completely and store it in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much during storage.

FAQs

What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal because they stay moist and tender, but chicken breasts can also be used.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken overnight or freeze it in advance. Just pop it into the slow cooker when you’re ready.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be made gluten-free by using tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely. Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra chicken and sauce.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stir it into the sauce during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.

Can I cook this on the stovetop or in the oven?

Yes, but the texture and depth of flavor may vary. For stovetop, simmer gently for 25–30 minutes; for oven, bake covered at 350°F for about 40 minutes.

What should I serve with honey garlic chicken?

Rice, noodles, steamed vegetables, or a side salad all pair wonderfully with this dish.

Can I use frozen chicken?

For food safety, it’s best to thaw the chicken before placing it in the slow cooker.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes, it’s sweet, mild, and flavorful—most kids enjoy it!

What’s the best way to shred the chicken?

Use two forks to pull the chicken apart right in the slow cooker, or remove it briefly to shred on a plate and then return it to the sauce.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a delicious, hands-off dinner that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s the perfect comfort food that pleases the whole family. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked on how easy and satisfying it is.

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

Servings and timing

Variations

Storage/Reheating

FAQs