Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is one of those easy crock pot dinners that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Tender chicken slowly cooks in a rich, glossy honey garlic sauce that is sweet, savory, and perfectly balanced with soy sauce and garlic. As it simmers all day, the sauce thickens and coats every piece of chicken in sticky, flavorful goodness. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you want a comforting dinner without much effort.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Honey Garlic Sauce
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For Thickening
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
For Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions or parsley
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper and place it in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, vinegar, sesame oil, oregano, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
Step 3: Combine
Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure it is well coated.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step 6: Serve
Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
Variations
- Use chicken drumsticks instead of thighs for a different texture
- Add sliced bell peppers or broccoli during the last hour
- Substitute maple syrup for honey for a deeper flavor
- Add fresh grated ginger for extra warmth
- Use pineapple chunks for a sweet tropical twist
Cooking Notes
- Chicken thighs stay juicier than breasts during long cooking
- Do not overcook to prevent dry chicken
- If sauce is too thick, add a splash of warm water
- Taste sauce before thickening and adjust sweetness or salt
- Fresh garlic gives the best flavor
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over steamed white rice
- Pair with brown rice or quinoa
- Spoon over noodles for a quick stir-fry style meal
- Serve with roasted vegetables
- Add a side of simple cucumber salad for freshness
Tips
- Trim excess fat from chicken thighs before cooking
- For shredded chicken, shred in the slow cooker and stir back into sauce
- Double the sauce if serving with extra rice
- Store leftovers up to 4 days in the fridge
- Reheat gently to maintain sauce consistency
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 4–5 hours
- Total Time: About 5 hours
Nutritional Info (Approx.)
- Calories: 390 per serving
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
It’s best to thaw first for even cooking.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, it reheats beautifully for meal prep.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, freeze up to 2 months in an airtight container.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is an easy, flavorful crock pot dinner that delivers sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness in every bite. It’s simple, family-friendly, and perfect for busy days.