Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together tenderness, sweetness, and a hint of umami. It’s the type of meal you turn to on busy weeknights when you want something scrumptious with minimal fuss. I remember making it for the first time on a rainy Sunday, and the aroma it filled our home with was simply irresistible. There’s just something inherently satisfying about pulling a beautifully cooked chicken out of the slow cooker, and this recipe truly delivers just that.

Why You’ll Love Making It

This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s not only quick and easy to prepare, but it also makes use of pantry staples, making it budget-friendly. Whether you’re looking to impress friends at a casual get-together or want to whip up a cozy family dinner, this Honey Garlic Chicken fits the bill perfectly. It cooks low and slow, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day.

"I made this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken for family night, and it was a huge hit! The sauce is incredible!" — A satisfied reader

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Making Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a breeze, and it doesn’t require extensive cooking skills. You’ll season the chicken, mix a sweet and savory sauce, then let the slow cooker do all the work. In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a tender, flavorful meal ready to serve!

What you’ll need

To make this dish, gather the following 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)

For Thickening (optional):

1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water

For Garnish:

Sesame seeds
Chopped green onions

Substitution Note: You can swap honey for maple syrup for a different sweetness, and if you’re avoiding soy, try coconut aminos.

Step-by-Step Directions

Lightly season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, (ginger and red pepper flakes if using), and vinegar.
Place the chicken in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the chicken, making sure all pieces are thoroughly coated.
Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender.
(Optional) For a thicker sauce, remove the chicken after cooking. Combine cornstarch with water to make a slurry, then add it to the sauce in a saucepan. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
Place the chicken back into the slow cooker or drizzle the thickened sauce over it.
Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.

Best Way to Serve

This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Pair it with fluffy rice or noodles to soak up the flavorful sauce. Adding steamed broccoli or a fresh salad on the side makes for a well-rounded meal. For a festive touch, serve with some warm, toasted sesame bread.

Storage Tips

To keep your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken fresh, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months; just reheating may require a bit of added liquid to maintain moisture. Always ensure chicken is heated to an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.

Tips and Tricks

Flavor Boost: Marinate the chicken in the sauce for a couple of hours before cooking for even deeper flavor.
Cooking Options: If you’re short on time, you can also cook this on high for 2-3 hours.
Sauce Customization: Experiment with adding pineapple juice for a tropical twist or a splash of lime for brightness.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to adapt this recipe to suit your taste! Try adding different vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas to the slow cooker. For a smoky flavor, include some diced bacon. If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce. There’s virtually no limit to how you can personalize this recipe!

Your Questions Answered

How long does this dish take to cook?
When cooked on low, the chicken takes about 4-5 hours. If you choose high heat, it will be ready in 2-3 hours.

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but it’s recommended to thaw the chicken first for even cooking.

What sides go well with this dish?
Steamed rice, quinoa, or a fresh garden salad are great complements to the rich flavors of this chicken.

With its sweet, savory profile and ease of preparation, this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is bound to become a family favorite! Whether you’re aiming for comfort food or are entertaining guests, this dish is a win-win.

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Total Time: 255 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten-Free Option

Description

A tender, sweet, and savory chicken dish made effortlessly in a slow cooker, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

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 with salt and pepper on both sides.
Whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and vinegar in a small bowl.
Place the chicken in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the chicken, making sure all pieces are thoroughly coated.
Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender.
(Optional) For a thicker sauce, remove the chicken after cooking. Combine cornstarch with water to make a slurry, then add it to the sauce in a saucepan. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
Place the chicken back into the slow cooker or drizzle the thickened sauce over it.
Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.

Notes

Marinate the chicken in the sauce for a couple of hours before cooking for deeper flavor. This dish pairs well with rice or noodles.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 240 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: slow cooker, chicken, honey garlic, easy dinner, comfort food, weeknight meal