Slow Cooker Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe for Easy Dinners

If you’re looking for a comforting, hands-off dinner that bursts with flavor, this slow cooker sticky honey chicken is exactly what you need. The tender chicken smothered in a luscious honey glaze will quickly become a family favorite.

this Recipe

Slow cooking this sticky honey chicken lets the flavors meld perfectly while you go about your day. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare and how delicious it turns out every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless slow cooker method lets you set it and forget it.
• Perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors in a sticky honey glaze.
• Tender, juicy chicken thighs that melt in your mouth.
• Great for meal prep or busy weeknight dinners.
• Minimal ingredients, big taste.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your sticky honey chicken in the slow cooker.

• 2.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp cold water
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Sesame seeds for garnish
• Chopped green onions for garnish

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours on low
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Calories: Approximately 320 per serving

How to Make Slow Cooker Sticky Honey Chicken

1. Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
3. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken thighs, making sure each piece is coated.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
5. About 15 minutes before serving, remove the chicken and transfer the sauce to a small saucepan.
6. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and cold water until smooth, then stir into the sauce.
7. Heat the sauce over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens to a sticky glaze, about 3-5 minutes.
8. Return the chicken to the slow cooker and coat with the thickened sauce.
9. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions alongside steamed rice or your favorite veggies.

Tips for the Best Results

• Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the juiciest texture and best flavor absorption.
• If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the honey to 1/3 cup.
• For a thicker sauce, let it simmer a few extra minutes before coating the chicken.
• Add crushed red pepper flakes gradually to control heat level to your taste.
• Make sure to whisk cornstarch with cold water to avoid lumps when thickening the sauce.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will deepen after sitting overnight, making it even better the next day.

To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave until heated through. If the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of water to loosen it up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken thighs stay more tender and juicy during slow cooking. Chicken breasts may dry out, so reduce cook time slightly if using breasts.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be made gluten-free by using tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative instead of regular soy sauce.

Can I cook this on high in the slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook it on high for about 2 to 2.5 hours, but low and slow cooking yields more tender chicken and deeper flavors.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the sauce and chicken the night before, then refrigerate. Put everything in the slow cooker in the morning for a ready-to-eat dinner.