There’s something magical about slow cooker recipes — the aroma, the simplicity, and the melt-in-your-mouth flavors. And Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a perfect example.
This dish is tender, flavorful, and sticky-sweet, with a rich honey-garlic glaze that tastes just like your favorite takeout — but healthier and faster to make. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving comfort food, this slow cooker recipe is a winner.
It’s easy, versatile, and can be served over rice, noodles, or vegetables — making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
- Hands-off cooking: Prep in 5 minutes and let your slow cooker do the work.
- Takeout flavor at home: Sweet, savory, and packed with garlic.
- Family-friendly: Mild yet flavorful, loved by kids and adults.
- Meal prep-friendly: Makes excellent leftovers for lunches.
- Versatile: Serve over rice, noodles, or in wraps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
Optional Add-ins:
- Sliced bell peppers
- Broccoli florets (add last 30 minutes of cooking)
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Easy Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Equipment
- 6-quart slow cooker
- mixing bowl
- whisk
- instant-read thermometer
- saucepan optional for reducing sauce
- forks for shredding chicken
- measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons chili paste (sambal oelek, sriracha, or hot sauce of choice)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- prepared brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice, for serving
- toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
- chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Place the chicken in the bottom of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, tomato paste, chili paste, garlic, and rice vinegar. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until chicken reaches 165°F. Flip the chicken once halfway through if available.
- Remove the chicken to a plate and let cool slightly. Whisk the cornstarch into the slow cooker liquid, cover, and cook on HIGH for 15–30 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Alternatively, transfer the cooking liquid to a saucepan and simmer over medium heat for 5–10 minutes until thickened.
- Shred the chicken using two forks and return it to the slow cooker. Add the thickened sauce back in and stir to coat.
- Serve over rice or quinoa, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, ketchup, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
Step 2: Add to Slow Cooker
Place chicken in the crockpot and pour the sauce over the top, making sure each piece is coated.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on Low for 4–5 hours or High for 2–3 hours, until chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Remove the chicken and place it on a serving plate. Mix cornstarch with water and stir into the crockpot sauce. Cook on High for 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Step 5: Serve
Return chicken to the sauce, toss to coat, and serve hot. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Perfect over steamed rice or noodles.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Chicken thighs are juicier than breasts for slow cooking.
- Adjust sweetness: Use less honey for a milder glaze.
- Add veggies last: Keeps them crisp and colorful.
- Freeze leftovers: Great for make-ahead meals.
- Rest the chicken before serving: Helps retain juices and flavor.
Serving Ideas
- Classic rice bowls: Spoon the chicken and sauce over jasmine or brown rice.
- Noodle bowls: Toss with lo mein or rice noodles for an Asian-inspired dinner.
- Veggie bowls: Pair with steamed broccoli, snap peas, or roasted vegetables.
- Wraps or lettuce cups: A lighter and fun alternative.
- Meal prep boxes: Perfect for lunches with rice and vegetables.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
Store: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze fully cooked chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet or microwave until hot.
Variations
- Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken: Add sriracha or chili garlic sauce for heat.
- Orange Honey Garlic Chicken: Add 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice to the sauce for tangy sweetness.
- Garlic Lover’s Version: Double the garlic for a stronger flavor punch.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 28 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes! Add an extra 30–60 minutes to cooking time on Low and ensure chicken reaches 165°F.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
Can I prep the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! Combine the sauce ingredients in advance and store in the fridge until ready to cook.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a perfect example of why crockpot recipes are so beloved — effortless, flavorful, and adaptable. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a go-to for busy weeknights, family dinners, and meal prep.
Sticky, garlicky, and delicious — it’s slow-cooker magic you can enjoy anytime.