Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Update : April 7, 2026

Why Make This Recipe

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a simple and delicious meal that is perfect for busy days. The combination of sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and garlic creates a rich flavor that is sure to please anyone. Using a slow cooker makes preparation easy, as you simply set it and forget it while you attend to other tasks. This dish is also versatile and can be served with rice, veggies, or in a wrap, making it ideal 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

Garnish:

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 (if using), vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using).
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 green onions.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

This dish is best served over rice or quinoa to soak up the tasty sauce. You can also pair it with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. For a fun twist, try wrapping the chicken in tortillas with lettuce and other toppings for a delicious wrap.

How to Store Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

To store leftovers, place the chicken and sauce in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it in the microwave or on the stove until heated through. You can also freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tips to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for a couple of hours before cooking.
You can add vegetables like carrots or bell peppers to the slow cooker for a complete meal.
Adjust the sweetness and heat by adding more or less honey and red pepper flakes to suit your taste.

Variation

Feel free to switch up the protein! You can use chicken drumsticks or even firm tofu for a vegetarian version. The cooking times may vary slightly, so check for doneness accordingly.

FAQs

1. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe. Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to hold all the ingredients and adjust cooking time if needed.

2. Can I cook this on high heat?
Yes, cooking on high heat is possible. The chicken will typically cook in about 2-3 hours on the high setting.

3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce.