I love how effortless and flavorful this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is. Tender chicken slow-cooked in a perfect blend of honey, soy sauce, and garlic creates a mouthwatering dish that’s ideal for busy days or comforting dinners. It’s sweet, savory, and has just the right balance of garlicky goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I keep coming back to this recipe because it’s incredibly simple but packed with flavor. The slow cooker does all the hard work, leaving me with juicy chicken and a rich, sticky sauce every time. Plus, it’s versatile—I can serve it over rice, noodles, or even with steamed veggies. Adding fresh ginger and onion amps up the depth, and it’s easy to tweak with extra spices if I want a little heat.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
4 boneless chicken thighs or breasts
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
1 small onion, sliced (optional)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated (optional)
1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
Sesame seeds & green onions for garnish
Directions
Place the chicken in the slow cooker.
In a bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, and if using, ginger and onion.
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken.
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Remove the chicken and either shred it or leave it whole, depending on preference.
To thicken the sauce, stir the cornstarch mixed with water into the sauce in the slow cooker. Cook on high for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Return the chicken to the thickened sauce and coat well.
Serve over rice or noodles and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves about 4 people. Cooking on low takes approximately 6-7 hours, while the high setting takes around 3-4 hours, making it perfect for either a slow day or quicker preparation.
Variations
I like to mix things up by adding vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers in the last 30 minutes to keep them crisp and fresh. If I want a spicy kick, I add chili flakes or sriracha directly to the sauce. For a different protein, I sometimes swap the chicken for pork or tofu, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. If the sauce has thickened too much, I add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. This dish also freezes well—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Related Recipes:
- Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken
- Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo
- Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta
FAQs
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
I use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce, and make sure the ketchup is gluten-free as well. This way, the recipe stays just as delicious without gluten.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! I’ve made it with both breasts and thighs. Breasts cook a bit faster and can dry out if overcooked, so I keep a close eye on cooking time when using breasts.
Can I prepare this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes, I sometimes cook it on the stove in a covered skillet over low heat for about 30-40 minutes, turning the chicken occasionally until fully cooked and tender.
How do I avoid the sauce becoming too sweet?
If I find the sauce too sweet for my taste, I reduce the honey slightly or add a splash of rice vinegar or lemon juice to balance the flavors.
What can I serve with this honey garlic chicken?
I love serving it with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or even egg noodles. Roasted or steamed vegetables also pair nicely for a complete meal.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is one of my go-to recipes when I want something comforting, easy, and delicious. The slow cooker lets the flavors meld perfectly while giving me tender chicken and a luscious sauce every time. Whether I’m meal prepping or making a weeknight dinner, this dish always hits the spot and is easy to customize to my mood or pantry.
📖 Recipe:
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Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 7 hours 10 minutes (low) / 3 hours 10 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes (high)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Tender chicken slow-cooked in a flavorful blend of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and optional ginger and onion, creating a sweet and savory dish with a rich, sticky sauce perfect for busy days or comforting dinners.
Ingredients
4 boneless chicken thighs or breasts
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, sliced (optional)
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated (optional)
1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
Sesame seeds & green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Place the chicken in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, and if using, ginger and onion.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Remove the chicken and either shred it or leave it whole, depending on preference.
- To thicken the sauce, stir the cornstarch mixed with water into the sauce in the slow cooker. Cook on high for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Return the chicken to the thickened sauce and coat well.
- Serve over rice or noodles and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
Can add vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers in the last 30 minutes to keep them crisp.
For a spicy version, add chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
Use gluten-free soy sauce and ketchup to make the recipe gluten-free.
Leftovers store in the fridge for up to 3 days and freeze well.
Adjust sweetness by reducing honey or adding a splash of rice vinegar or lemon juice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American/Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
