Description
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a sweet, savory, and tender dish made with juicy chicken thighs simmered in a flavorful honey garlic sauce. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, this easy slow cooker recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or effortless meal prep.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried basil (or 1 tbsp fresh, chopped)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Thickening & Garnish
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional for thickening)
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Chopped green onions for garnish
To Serve
- Cooked rice or steamed vegetables
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker, arranging them evenly for consistent cooking.
- Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, dried or fresh basil, and black pepper until well combined.
- Cook the Chicken: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cover with the lid. Cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours, or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender enough to shred.
- Shred or Keep Whole: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks or leave the pieces whole according to your preference.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) into the slow cooker. Then cook on high for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Combine and Serve: Return the shredded or whole chicken to the slow cooker and toss to coat with the thickened sauce. Serve the honey garlic chicken hot over cooked rice or steamed vegetables, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Notes
- Swap ketchup for chili sauce if you prefer extra heat.
- Use chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner version.
- Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day.