If you’re searching for a comforting, flavor-packed dinner that practically cooks itself, Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is exactly what your weeknight routine needs. This irresistible dish features tender chicken simmered in a luscious blend of honey, soy, ketchup, and garlic, resulting in a sweet and savory sauce that everyone will want to drizzle over everything on their plate. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it recipe that feels like a warm hug after a long day, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, everyone will ask for seconds of this crowd-pleasing favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken comes from simple ingredients that each work together to build unmistakable flavor. No fancy grocery trips required—just pantry staples and a few fresh touches for eye-catching color and balanced texture.
- Chicken thighs or breasts: Choose boneless, skinless thighs for juiciness and rich flavor, or breasts for a leaner option—both become beautifully tender in the slow cooker.
- Honey: Adds a natural sweetness and glossy finish to the sauce, perfectly complementing the savory notes.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Infuses a gentle savoriness while keeping the dish from becoming overly salty—opt for low-sodium for better balance.
- Ketchup: Unexpected but essential, ketchup adds tang and thickness, giving the sauce its signature color and shine.
- Garlic: The star aromatic, freshly minced garlic brings bold, irresistible flavor that ties the whole dish together.
- Dried basil: Adds a subtle herbal lift, enhancing the savory background of the sauce.
- Black pepper: Just a touch for gentle heat and depth—coarse ground works especially well.
- Cornstarch (optional): Thickens the sauce for extra cling and richness if you want a glossy, “takeout-style” texture.
- Water: Mixes with cornstarch to create a quick thickening slurry—simple but effective.
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds: Optional, but highly recommended—they add crunch, color, and a fresh pop of flavor right before serving.
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by nestling your chicken thighs or breasts into the bottom of the slow cooker. There’s no need to pre-cook or brown the chicken—the gentle heat of the slow cooker will ensure your meat stays juicy and tender, absorbing all the lovely flavors of the sauce as it cooks.
Step 2: Whisk the Sauce Together
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, dried basil, and black pepper until well combined. This mixture is the heart and soul of Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken, blending sweet, savory, and aromatic notes for an absolutely mouthwatering sauce.
Step 3: Sauce Meets Chicken
Pour the glossy honey garlic sauce all over the chicken in the slow cooker, coating every piece thoroughly. This lets the chicken slowly marinate as it cooks, soaking up all the goodness and ensuring big flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Set and Forget
Pop the lid on and let your slow cooker work its magic. Cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 2.5 to 3 hours, until the chicken is perfectly tender and easy to shred with a fork. Peek in near the end—your kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker, glossier sauce (like classic takeout), simply remove the chicken and whisk together cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Stir this slurry into the sauce, switch your slow cooker to high, and let it simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes. The sauce will thicken beautifully; then return the chicken to coat it fully.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Before serving your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken, sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a touch of brightness and crunch. This final flourish brings the dish to life and makes it look irresistible.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Garnishes
Bright green onions and toasty sesame seeds are not just pretty—they add fresh flavor and crunch with almost no effort. Don’t skip them! Feel free to add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a hit of heat or a few cilantro leaves for herbal freshness.
Side Dishes
This saucy chicken begs to be served over fluffy steamed rice or a tangle of noodles that soak up every drop. For lighter options, spoon it over steamed broccoli, snap peas, or a bed of cauliflower rice. It pairs wonderfully with a simple cucumber salad or some crispy roasted veggies on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Try piling your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken into lettuce wraps for a light, hands-on dinner, or shred the chicken and tuck it into bao buns for a fun, crowd-pleasing appetizer. It also makes a delicious topping for grain bowls or even tucked into wraps and sandwiches for lunch the next day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The sauce keeps the chicken moist, and the flavors develop even more over time, making leftovers something to look forward to.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully! Allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Freeze for up to 3 months—just be sure to label the date. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the chicken’s tenderness.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the chicken and sauce gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. Microwave reheating also works—just cover and use short bursts to keep the chicken juicy and prevent overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Both work well in this recipe. Thighs offer a bit more moisture and flavor, but chicken breasts will be just as delicious if you prefer leaner cuts. Be mindful not to overcook if you use breasts; they’re ready as soon as they’re fork-tender.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It sure can be! Simply use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce, and check your ketchup label just to be safe. Everything else is naturally gluten-free, so you’re all set for a friendly, flavorful dinner.
Can I add vegetables to make it a one-pot meal?
Definitely. Toss in sliced bell peppers or broccoli florets during the last hour of cooking so they stay vibrant and slightly crisp. Snow peas or thinly sliced carrots are great options, too—just avoid potatoes or dense veggies, as they take longer to cook.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
No problem! You can make this recipe in a Dutch oven or covered casserole dish in the oven at 325°F (about 160°C) for 1.5–2 hours, or gently simmer it on the stove over low heat until the chicken is tender and flavorful.
How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
The slow cooker’s gentle heat does wonders to keep chicken juicy, especially thighs. For breasts, cook on the low end of the suggested cooking time and check for doneness early. Always keep the lid on to lock in moisture and check a few minutes before you think it’s done.
Final Thoughts
I hope you give this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken a spot in your kitchen rotation—you won’t be disappointed! Each bite is brimming with sweet, savory, garlicky goodness, and it’s so simple you may just find yourself making it again and again. Gather your ingredients, let your slow cooker do the work, and enjoy an incredible, joyful dinner with the people you love.
Print
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Tender chicken cooked to perfection in a sticky honey garlic sauce, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, makes for a delicious meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Thickening Agent (Optional):
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Garnish:
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Mix the Sauce: Combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, basil, and black pepper in a bowl. Pour over the chicken.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 2.5–3 hours until chicken is tender.
- Thicken Sauce (Optional): Remove chicken. Mix cornstarch with water, stir into the sauce, and cook on high for 10–15 minutes.
- Finish: Return chicken to the sauce. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over rice, noodles, or vegetables.
Notes
- Chicken thighs add extra flavor and tenderness.
- Add bell peppers or broccoli for a complete meal.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *