Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a true time-saver—you can toss everything into your slow cooker and walk away. The combination of honey, garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of vinegar creates a sticky, flavorful glaze that’s both kid-friendly and crave-worthy. Plus, it’s easy to customize, reheats beautifully, and fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

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 (optional for tang and depth)
• Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• Onion, chopped
• Cornstarch (for thickening the sauce)
• Water
• Optional garnish: green onions, sesame seeds

Directions

1. Place chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, ketchup (if using), and chopped onion.
3. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
5. Remove the chicken and shred or slice it.
6. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir it into the sauce in the slow cooker.
7. Return the chicken to the slow cooker, stir to coat, and cook on high for 10–15 more minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
8. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds or green onions if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4–6 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 6–7 hours (on low) or 3–4 hours (on high)
Total time: 6 hours 10 minutes (on low)

Variations

• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chili paste for heat.
• Vegetable addition: Add broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers in the last hour of cooking.
• Make it gluten-free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
• Use chicken wings or drumsticks: Adjust cooking time for bone-in cuts.
• Add ginger: A teaspoon of fresh grated ginger adds warmth and depth.

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 medium-low heat until warmed through.
To freeze, allow the chicken to cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken in the slow cooker?

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

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work well, though thighs tend to stay more moist and flavorful.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Use a cornstarch slurry and let the sauce simmer in the slow cooker for 10–15 minutes after adding it.

Is ketchup necessary?

No, it’s optional. It adds tang and depth, but the sauce is still delicious without it.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, just make sure not to overcrowd the slow cooker and extend the cooking time slightly if needed.

What should I serve this with?

It’s great over white rice, brown rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.

Can I cook this on the stovetop?

Yes, simmer the sauce and chicken together in a large skillet or Dutch oven for about 30–40 minutes.

Will the honey burn in the slow cooker?

No, the slow cooking temperature prevents the honey from burning, and it blends smoothly into the sauce.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, add firmer vegetables like carrots or bell peppers in the last hour of cooking so they don’t get mushy.

Can I meal prep with this recipe?

Absolutely. It reheats well and can be portioned for lunches throughout the week.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a comforting, fuss-free dish that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s perfect for busy families, meal preppers, or anyone looking for an easy weeknight dinner. With its sweet and savory sauce and tender, juicy chicken, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your slow cooker lineup.

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

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Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a sweet, savory, and ultra-tender dish made with juicy chicken slow-cooked in a flavorful honey garlic sauce. It’s perfect for easy weeknight dinners and pairs well with rice, noodles, or veggies.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup ketchup (optional)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
• Optional garnish: green onions, sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Place chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, ketchup (if using), and chopped onion.
3. Pour sauce mixture over the chicken.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until chicken is cooked and tender.
5. Remove chicken and shred or slice.
6. Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl to make a slurry.
7. Stir slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker and return the chicken to the pot.
8. Cook on high for an additional 10–15 minutes, until sauce thickens.
9. Serve hot, garnished with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

• Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for a spicy version.
• Stir in vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers during the last hour.
• Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.
• Chicken wings or drumsticks can be substituted; adjust cook time accordingly.
• Fresh grated ginger adds a flavorful boost to the sauce.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/5 of recipe
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 21g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 42g
• Cholesterol: 135mg