Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
If there’s one dish I reach for whenever I want maximum flavor with minimal effort, it’s Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken. This Asian-inspired gem is all about melt-in-your-mouth chicken thighs bathed in a sticky-sweet, garlicky sauce that tastes like it’s been slow-simmered for hours—because it has! The combination of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger makes for an irresistible glaze, while your trusty slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe’s savory, slightly tangy, and sweet notes are guaranteed to win over every palate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this dish such a winner is how each simple ingredient plays a crucial part in the overall symphony of flavors. Even better, every item on this list is both essential and easy to find—nothing fussy, just pure, delicious comfort.
- Chicken thighs: Opt for boneless, skinless thighs as they deliver juiciness and absorb all that irresistible honey garlic flavor beautifully.
- Honey: Natural sweetness balances the savory elements and helps achieve that glossy, sticky finish.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Adds a rich, umami saltiness without overpowering the dish—low-sodium keeps it from getting too salty.
- Ketchup: Lends a pleasant tang and deepens the color of the sauce, making everything extra inviting.
- Rice vinegar: Offers a bit of bite and brightness, keeping flavors vibrant and layered.
- Garlic: Four cloves, minced, bring a punchy aroma and that signature honey garlic taste.
- Fresh ginger: A tablespoon of freshly grated ginger adds a warm, zesty kick that complements the garlic.
- Black pepper: Just enough for gentle heat and depth.
- Cornstarch slurry: Optional, but perfect for thickening the sauce if you love it extra glossy and clingy.
- Chopped green onions & sesame seeds: Optional garnishes—but well worth it for a little color and crunch.
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Step 1: Layer the Chicken
Begin by arranging your boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a single, even layer at the bottom of your slow cooker. Spreading them out ensures that each piece is evenly cooked and absorbs the maximum amount of sauce flavor—trust me, you want every bite to be packed with deliciousness.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, and black pepper. Give everything a good whisk until you have a smooth, unified sauce. This mixture is the heart and soul of Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken, and the moment you mix it, you’ll know you’re in for a treat!
Step 3: Pour Sauce Over Chicken
Carefully pour the sauce over the chicken thighs, ensuring that all the pieces are well coated. The liquid will start working its magic immediately, infusing the chicken with flavor as it cooks.
Step 4: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 5–6 hours, or on high for 3–4 hours, depending on your schedule. The chicken will turn unbelievably tender, soaking up every bit of that honey garlic goodness as it gently braises in the sauce. Your kitchen will start to smell absolutely amazing halfway through!
Step 5: Shred or Slice the Chicken
Once your chicken is cooked through and delightfully tender, carefully remove the thighs from the slow cooker. You can either shred the chicken with two forks for that pull-apart texture, or simply slice it if you prefer bigger pieces—totally up to you.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you love a thick and luscious sauce (who doesn’t?), now’s your moment! Whisk together the cornstarch with water to make a slurry and stir it into the remaining sauce in the slow cooker. Turn the heat to high and let it cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until your sauce reaches the perfect level of thickness.
Step 7: Return Chicken & Serve
Add the shredded or sliced chicken back into the thickened sauce and gently toss to make sure every morsel is thoroughly coated. Serve piping hot over rice, noodles, or a mound of steamed veggies, and get ready for some serious dinner-table applause.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a pretty finish! Sprinkle your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken with chopped green onions for a burst of freshness and a few sesame seeds for a pop of toasty flavor. These little extras make each serving look restaurant-worthy with zero fuss.
Side Dishes
This is one versatile main course. For ultimate comfort, nestle the chicken over fluffy steamed rice or a heap of tender noodles. Want to lighten things up? A side of steamed broccoli, bok choy, or roasted bell peppers not only balances the richness of the sauce, but also adds color and nutrition to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with your plating! For a fun family meal, try serving Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken in lettuce cups with extra veggies for a fresh crunch. You can also pile it into meal-prep bowls with a rainbow of roasted veggies and grains, or even use leftovers in a savory stuffed bao bun for a totally new take.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a true lifesaver on busy weeknights. Simply store cooled chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making your next-day lunch or dinner even more irresistible.
Freezing
This recipe freezes like a dream! Once cooled, portion the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, squeezing out as much air as possible. Label and date, then freeze for up to three months. When hunger strikes, just thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken on the stovetop over medium heat or zap individual portions in the microwave until piping hot. If the sauce thickens in the fridge or freezer, add a splash of water or chicken broth to bring it back to life.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work in a pinch, but keep in mind that thighs have more fat and moisture, so they stay extra juicy and flavorful during the long, slow simmer in the sauce.
Is this dish gluten-free?
The original recipe uses soy sauce, which usually contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, simply swap in tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce and enjoy worry-free.
Can I make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken spicy?
If you crave a bit of heat, stir in a teaspoon of sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or a pinch of red pepper flakes with the sauce ingredients. It’ll add a fiery kick that complements the sweetness of the honey.
What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
The easiest answer is the cornstarch slurry! Simply mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water, then stir it into the sauce and cook on high until it thickens up as desired.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can definitely double everything if you have a larger slow cooker or need to feed a crowd. Just make sure there’s enough space for good circulation and even cooking, and keep an eye on your cook time.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a staple in so many kitchens: it’s quick to prep, impossible to mess up, and always hits the spot. If you haven’t tried it yet, grab your slow cooker and give it a whirl—you’ll find yourself coming back to this crave-worthy, saucy chicken again and again!
Print
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a busy day. Tender chicken thighs are cooked in a flavorful sauce made with honey, soy sauce, and garlic, resulting in a savory Asian-inspired meal. Serve over rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Place the chicken in the slow cooker: Arrange the chicken thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and black pepper. Pour the sauce over the chicken.
- Cook the chicken: Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker, shred or slice it, then return it to the slow cooker.
- Thicken the sauce: If desired, whisk the cornstarch slurry into the sauce and cook on high for 10–15 minutes until thickened.
- Serve: Serve the chicken over rice, noodles, or vegetables. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- Chicken breasts can be substituted for thighs.
- Add steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours on low
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
