Get ready to fall in love with an effortless weeknight dinner that’s both mouthwatering and mind-blowingly simple: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken. This dish is a masterclass in balancing sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors with minimal effort—just set it and forget it! It’s the kind of meal that fills your home with an irresistible aroma and guarantees you’ll come back for seconds. Whether you’re serving it to family, friends, or simply treating yourself, the tender, saucy chicken is a true crowd-pleaser that will make everyone ask for the recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken lies in its straightforward ingredient list—each component plays a key part in building flavor, achieving the perfect texture, or adding a pop of color. Trust me, every spoonful is worth it thanks to these thoughtful ingredients!
- Chicken thighs: These ensure juicy, tender bites that hold up beautifully to slow cooking.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Adds a rich, savory backbone without overpowering saltiness.
- Honey: Infuses natural sweetness and a luscious glaze that coats every piece.
- Ketchup: A secret weapon for depth and tang, balancing the savory notes with subtle acidity.
- Rice vinegar: Lifts the whole dish with a gentle touch of acidity and keeps everything fresh-tasting.
- Sesame oil: A drizzle of nutty, aromatic flavor that makes the sauce irresistible.
- Garlic: Four cloves for big, bold, garlicky flavor—don’t skimp!
- Fresh grated ginger: Adds warmth and a fragrant, peppery edge to the sauce.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Gives a subtle kick if you like a little heat.
- Cornstarch: The secret to silky, thickened sauce that clings beautifully.
- Water: Just enough to activate the cornstarch and create that perfect glossy finish.
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds: The ultimate garnish for bursts of color and crunch.
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by placing your boneless, skinless chicken thighs right into the bottom of your slow cooker. No need to sear or fuss—just lay them out in an even layer so they’ll cook evenly and soak up all that flavorful sauce.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the low-sodium soy sauce, honey, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you’re wanting that gentle heat). Whisk everything together until the honey dissolves and the sauce is silky-smooth—this step builds that signature Honey Garlic flavor.
Step 3: Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic
Pour your sauce mixture over the chicken thighs, making sure every piece gets a lovely coating. Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. As it cooks, your kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma, and the chicken will become fall-apart tender.
Step 4: Shred and Thicken the Sauce
Once the chicken is melt-in-your-mouth tender, remove it from the slow cooker and shred with two forks. In a small bowl, stir together the cornstarch and water so you have a smooth slurry. Add this slurry to the sauce in your slow cooker, give it a good stir, then set the slow cooker to high for another 10 to 15 minutes. The sauce will thicken right up into a glossy, luscious glaze.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Return your shredded chicken to the now-thickened sauce, tossing gently so every bit is coated. All that’s left is to heap it onto plates and finish with a shower of chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Dig in—the Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is ready for its spotlight!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Garnishes
Finish your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken with plenty of chopped green onions and a generous dash of toasted sesame seeds. These garnishes don’t just look stunning—they add a fresh, crisp contrast and a delightful crunch to the dish, making those sweet-and-savory flavors sing.
Side Dishes
This chicken begs to be paired with fluffy steamed jasmine rice to soak up every bit of that sticky sauce. Or go with stir-fried vegetables like bok choy, snap peas, or broccoli to add crunch and a splash of vibrant color. For a lighter meal, toss the chicken over a simple cabbage slaw or serve in lettuce cups for a fresh twist.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling adventurous, pile the Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken onto toasted sandwich buns for the ultimate Asian-inspired sliders, or roll it into soft flour tortillas with crunchy coleslaw for quick chicken tacos. It even makes an epic rice bowl base—just add cucumber slices, shredded carrots, and a drizzle of extra sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To store leftover Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken, let it cool completely and transfer to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—making lunch and dinner a breeze for the rest of the week!
Freezing
This recipe is wonderfully freezer-friendly. Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe bag or container, squeezing out any excess air. It’ll keep beautifully in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and enjoy that homemade flavor even on your busiest days.
Reheating
For best results, reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring gently until warmed through. You can also microwave leftovers in short bursts, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water if the sauce needs loosening up—your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken will taste just as fabulous as day one!
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well in this recipe, but be mindful of cooking time—check for doneness a little earlier, as breasts can dry out faster than thighs. Either way, you’ll end up with a deliciously saucy chicken dish.
Is it possible to make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken spicier?
Definitely! Just add extra crushed red pepper flakes or even a squirt of sriracha to the sauce before slow cooking. The heat level is entirely in your hands, so tailor it to your taste.
Can I prepare the ingredients the night before?
Yes—you can assemble the sauce and prep the chicken the night before, storing everything in separate containers in the fridge. In the morning, just combine in the slow cooker and start cooking. This makes busy days extra easy!
What can I use if I don’t have rice vinegar?
If you’re out of rice vinegar, try using apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar as a substitute. These will give a similar brightness and tang to your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Simple! Swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, and double-check your ketchup is gluten-free. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy with confidence.
Final Thoughts
I can honestly say that Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is one of those magical recipes you’ll keep coming back to—delicious, low-effort, and endlessly versatile. Make it once, and you’re bound to fall for its sweet, garlicky charm. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and let it become a staple on your dinner table!
Print
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is a flavorful and easy dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken thighs are cooked in a sweet and savory sauce until they are juicy and delicious. Serve over rice or with vegetables for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Sauce:
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Thickening:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Garnish:
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds
Instructions
- Place the Chicken: Put the chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
- Mix Sauce: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Pour over chicken.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender.
- Shred Chicken: Remove chicken, shred it, and set aside.
- Thicken Sauce: Make a slurry with cornstarch and water. Stir into the sauce in the slow cooker and cook until thickened.
- Combine: Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stir to coat with sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- This dish goes well with rice or stir-fried vegetables.
- Chicken breasts can be used, adjust cooking time accordingly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
