Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken: Sweet, Savory, and Effortless

If you’re looking for a sweet and savory chicken dish that’s completely hands-off, this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a game-changer. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even family gatherings, this dish delivers tender, juicy chicken coated in a sticky, flavorful honey-garlic sauce.

Unlike traditional stove-top recipes, the slow cooker allows the flavors to develop gradually, ensuring every bite is infused with a rich, sweet-savory balance. Pair with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or noodles for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

• Hands-off cooking: Set it and forget it.
• Tender chicken: Slow cooking locks in moisture for juicy, flavorful meat.
• Sweet & savory sauce: Honey, garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of ginger create the perfect glaze.
• Versatile serving options: Serve with rice, noodles, or even in wraps for a fun twist.

This recipe is ideal for anyone who wants delicious comfort food without the stress of constant monitoring.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (slurry for thickening, optional)
• 2 tbsp green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prep Chicken: Trim excess fat from chicken and place in slow cooker.
2. Make Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, ketchup, vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
3. Combine: Pour sauce over chicken in slow cooker, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until chicken is tender and fully cooked.
5. Optional Thickening: Remove chicken and stir cornstarch slurry into sauce. Cook 5–10 minutes on high to thicken. Return chicken to sauce.
6. Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve with rice, noodles, or vegetables.

Tips for Perfect Honey Garlic Chicken

• Chicken choice: Thighs stay juicier than breasts, but breasts work fine if monitored.
• Adjust sweetness: Reduce honey for less sweetness or add extra soy sauce for saltiness.
• Meal prep: Store in airtight container in fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently.
• Add vegetables: Bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots can be added for a one-pot meal.

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Tender chicken thighs cooked in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, perfect for easy weeknight dinners.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 minutes mins

Total Time 4 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, Comfort Food

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Chicken

• 1.5 lbs chicken thighs boneless, skinless

Sauce

• 0.25 cup honey
• 0.25 cup soy sauce
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp ginger grated
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional

Garnish

• 2 tbsp green onions chopped
• sesame seeds optional

Equipment

• Slow cooker/crockpot
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk

Method

 

1. Place chicken in slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, ketchup, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
3. Pour sauce over chicken, coating evenly.
4. Cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until chicken is tender.
5. Optional: Thicken sauce by mixing 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water and stir into sauce. Cook an additional 5–10 minutes on high.
6. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve with rice or noodles.

Notes

Great for meal prep. Store in fridge up to 3 days and reheat gently.

Variations

• Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken: Add sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce.
• Sticky Honey Garlic Wings: Use chicken wings instead of thighs.
• Honey Garlic Meatballs: Shape chicken mixture into meatballs and cook in sauce.
• Low-sugar option: Use sugar-free honey substitute or reduce honey by half.