Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is sweet, savory, and full of flavor. Easy to prepare and perfect for busy days or family dinners! The tender chicken soaks up the rich, sweet, and savory sauce, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 4

Total Time 4 10

Servings: 4 portions

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Asian

Calories: 285

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/3 cup honey
1/3 cup soy sauce low sodium preferred
1/4 cup ketchup
3 cloves garlic minced
1 teaspoon grated ginger optional
1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional for heat
1 tablespoon cornstarch optional for thickening
2 tablespoons water for cornstarch slurry
sesame seeds for garnish
green onions chopped, for garnish

Equipment

Slow cooker (4-6 quart)
Small mixing bowl
whisk
Small saucepan (optional for thickening)

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.

Notes

Boneless skinless chicken thighs stay more tender and juicy than breasts. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness. For meal prep, this recipe doubles easily in a large slow cooker. Add vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or snap peas during the last hour of cooking for a complete one-pot meal.