Why Make This Recipe
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a fantastic dish that combines sweet and savory flavors. This recipe is great for busy days when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. Just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, and let it do the work for you! The chicken turns out tender and juicy, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
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)
For Thickening (optional):
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Directions:
- 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, garlic, ginger, vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
- Place the chicken in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- (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 2-3 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the slow cooker or pour the thickened sauce over the chicken. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Serve Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken over rice or noodles to soak up all the delicious sauce. It also pairs well with steamed vegetables, making for a balanced meal. Don’t forget to sprinkle extra sesame seeds and green onions on top for a fresh touch!
How to Store Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
To store leftover Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken, let it cool completely. Then, place it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to defrost it in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
- Feel free to add chopped vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for extra nutrition.
- If you want more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the sauce.
- Double the recipe if you’re serving a larger group or want extra leftovers.
Variation
You can substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for a different protein option. Adjust cooking times accordingly, especially if using shrimp, as it cooks faster than chicken.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just increase the cooking time by an hour.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce.
3. Can I use other sweeteners instead of honey?
Yes, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar as alternatives to honey if you prefer a different sweetness.

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free soy sauce)
Description
A delicious and tender honey garlic chicken made effortlessly in a slow cooker, perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 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)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)
- 2 tablespoons water (optional)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- 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, garlic, ginger, vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
- Place the chicken in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- (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 2-3 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the slow cooker or pour the thickened sauce over the chicken. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Notes
Serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal. To store, cool completely and refrigerate for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
