This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is the kind of recipe that makes busy weeknights feel like a victory. Just a handful of ingredients, your trusty slow cooker, and you’ve got tender, flavorful chicken that practically cooks itself.
I still remember the first time I made honey garlic chicken in my slow cooker. It was one of those frantic Tuesday evenings when I had three hungry kids and about fifteen minutes before baseball practice. I tossed everything in that crock pot, crossed my fingers, and headed out the door. When we got home hours later, the whole house smelled like a restaurant, and my youngest actually asked if we were having company. That’s when I knew this recipe was a keeper. The sweet and savory sauce clings to every piece of chicken, and the best part? You’re not stuck at the stove. Your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you handle everything else life throws at you. Time to get that slow cooker working for you!
What Makes This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken So Special
I’ve been making this dish for years, and it’s become one of those recipes I turn to when I need something reliable that everyone will eat. The combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates a sauce that’s both comforting and crave-worthy.
- Minimal prep work means you can have this started in under 10 minutes on even the busiest mornings
- Uses everyday pantry ingredients like honey, soy sauce, and garlic that you likely already have on hand
- Incredibly forgiving recipe that delivers tender, juicy results whether you use chicken thighs or breasts
- Perfect for meal prep since it stores beautifully and reheats without losing flavor or texture
- Family-friendly flavor that appeals to kids and adults alike with its balanced sweet and savory profile
- Fills your home with an amazing aroma that’ll have everyone asking when dinner’s ready
Ingredient Spotlight
Boneless skinless chicken thighs are my first choice for this recipe because they stay incredibly tender and juicy even after hours in the slow cooker, though chicken breasts work well if that’s what you prefer.
Honey provides natural sweetness and helps create that glossy, restaurant-style sauce that coats every piece of chicken beautifully.
Soy sauce brings the savory depth and umami flavor that balances the sweetness. I always choose low-sodium to control the salt level.
Garlic is the aromatic backbone of this dish, and I recommend using fresh minced garlic rather than jarred for the richest, most vibrant flavor.
Ketchup might seem like an unusual addition, but it adds body to the sauce and a subtle tang that rounds out the flavors perfectly.
Ginger is optional but adds a warm, aromatic complexity that takes the sauce from good to absolutely irresistible.
Rice vinegar cuts through the richness with a gentle acidity that brightens the entire dish and prevents it from tasting too heavy.
Cornstarch mixed with water creates a simple slurry that transforms the cooking liquid into a thick, clingy sauce if you prefer a more substantial coating.
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Step 1. I always start by lightly seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides. This simple step builds flavor right into the meat itself.
Step 2. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, grated ginger, vinegar, and red pepper flakes until everything is well combined and smooth.
Step 3. Place your seasoned chicken pieces in the slow cooker in a single layer if possible, then pour that beautiful sauce over top, making sure each piece gets coated.
Step 4. Betty’s tip: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours. Chicken thighs can handle the longer cooking time, while breasts are done on the shorter end.
Step 5. I’ve learned that checking for doneness with a meat thermometer (165°F internal temperature) takes the guesswork out completely.
Step 6. For a thicker sauce that really clings to the chicken, remove the chicken pieces and transfer the sauce to a small saucepan on your stovetop.
Step 7. Mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, then whisk it into the simmering sauce and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it reaches your desired thickness.
Step 8. Return the chicken to the slow cooker or arrange it on a serving platter, then pour that gorgeous thickened sauce over top and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a polished presentation.
Keeping This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Fresh
I typically store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. The chicken actually gets better the next day as it continues to absorb the flavors from the sauce. Make sure to store the chicken and sauce together so the meat doesn’t dry out.
For longer storage, this recipe freezes beautifully for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers. Betty’s freezing method works well because the sauce protects the chicken from freezer burn and keeps everything moist. I like to portion it into individual servings before freezing so I can thaw just what I need for quick lunches or dinners.
For the best texture, I reheat this gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium-low heat. If the sauce has thickened up too much in the fridge, just add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it back up. The microwave works fine for quick reheating, but the stovetop gives you more control and helps the chicken retain its tender texture.
Perfect Partners for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
- Steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice soaks up every bit of that sweet and savory sauce, making it the perfect base for this dish. For another delicious rice option, try my One Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Rice.
- Stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, and bell peppers add color, crunch, and nutrition while complementing the Asian-inspired flavors.
- Egg noodles or lo mein provide a hearty, comforting foundation that turns this into a complete one-bowl meal.
- Crispy coleslaw offers a refreshing crunch and tangy contrast that cuts through the richness of the honey garlic sauce.
- Roasted broccoli or green beans bring a slightly charred, earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweet chicken. If you love garlic butter combinations, you’ll also enjoy my Garlic Butter Chicken with Broccoli.
- Cauliflower rice works perfectly if you’re looking for a lighter, low-carb option that still absorbs all that delicious sauce.
FAQs
I recommend chicken breasts as a great alternative, though they cook faster than thighs, so check them at the 2-hour mark on high or 3 to 4 hours on low to prevent them from drying out.
To prevent the dish from becoming too sweet, reduce the honey to 3 to 4 tablespoons and add an extra tablespoon of soy sauce or rice vinegar to balance the flavors.
Many home cooks find success with adding heartier vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas during the last hour of cooking so they don’t turn mushy.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Lightly season the chicken thighs or breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, grated ginger, vinegar, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
- Place the chicken in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).
- (Optional) For a thicker sauce, remove the chicken and transfer the sauce to a saucepan. Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce. Simmer over medium heat until it thickens, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the slow cooker or pour the thickened sauce over the chicken. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
