Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is the kind of comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that fits perfectly into busy weeknights, relaxed weekends, and family dinners alike. This recipe delivers tender chicken coated in a glossy, sweet-and-savory sauce with almost no effort, making it a reliable favorite you will come back to again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Dinner
This dish checks all the right boxes for a dependable home-cooked meal. It is simple to prepare, uses pantry-friendly ingredients, and fills your kitchen with irresistible aroma while it cooks.
First, the slow cooker does most of the work. Once everything is added, you can walk away and let the chicken gently cook until it becomes juicy and flavorful. Second, the honey garlic sauce strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and savory depth. It is bold without being overpowering, making it especially appealing to kids and adults alike.
Another reason to love this recipe is its flexibility. You can serve it over rice, noodles, or vegetables, and you can easily adjust the sweetness, saltiness, or spice level to suit your taste. It also reheats well, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Dinner
Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts
Honey Garlic Sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup water
Thickening Slurry
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Optional Garnishes
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Ingredient Notes
Chicken thighs are highly recommended because they stay tender and juicy during long cooking times. Chicken breasts work well too, but they can be slightly less forgiving if overcooked.
Low-sodium soy sauce helps control salt levels. Coconut aminos or tamari can be used for gluten-free needs. Honey provides natural sweetness, while ketchup adds body and mild tang without overpowering the sauce.
If you prefer a lighter sweetness, you can reduce the honey by a few tablespoons. For extra garlic flavor, feel free to add one or two additional cloves.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Lightly coat the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick spray. Place the chicken in a single layer at the bottom. It is fine if the pieces overlap slightly.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, vinegar, red pepper flakes if using, and water. Stir until smooth and fully combined.
Step 3: Add Sauce to Chicken
Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken. Use a spoon to ensure all pieces are coated.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and set it aside. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water. Pour the slurry into the slow cooker and stir well. Cover and cook on HIGH for 10 to 15 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Return the chicken to the slow cooker and spoon the thickened sauce over the top. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use chicken thighs for the most tender results.
- Mince the garlic finely so it melts into the sauce.
- Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain even heat.
- Taste the sauce before serving and adjust sweetness or salt if needed.
- Slice chicken before serving for easier portioning.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken: Add extra red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of chili paste.
- Ginger Honey Garlic Chicken: Stir in 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger.
- Orange Honey Garlic Chicken: Add 2 tablespoons orange juice and a little zest.
- Veggie-Loaded Version: Add bell peppers or snap peas during the last hour.
- Teriyaki-Style Twist: Replace ketchup with hoisin sauce for deeper flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice to soak up the sauce. It also works well over quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
For vegetables, try steamed broccoli, roasted green beans, or stir-fried snow peas. A simple cucumber salad or side slaw adds freshness and crunch.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
To freeze, let the chicken cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 390 |
| Protein | 32g |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 720mg |
FAQ About Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Dinner
Can I use frozen chicken?
It is best to thaw chicken before using it in the slow cooker. Frozen chicken can cook unevenly and may stay in the temperature danger zone too long.
Is this recipe very sweet?
The sweetness is balanced by soy sauce and vinegar. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the honey slightly or add a splash more vinegar.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes. Cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes, then thicken the sauce using the sauté function.
How do I keep chicken from drying out?
Using thighs and cooking on LOW helps prevent dryness. Avoid overcooking and remove the chicken as soon as it is tender.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, as long as your slow cooker is large enough. Keep the sauce ratios the same and ensure chicken cooks evenly.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Equipment
- Slow cooker
- mixing bowl
- whisk
- measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts
- 0.5 cup honey
- 0.33 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 0.25 cup ketchup
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 0.25 cup water
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water (for slurry)
Instructions
- Lightly coat the slow cooker with nonstick spray. Place the chicken in a single layer at the bottom.
- In a bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, vinegar, red pepper flakes if using, and water until smooth.
- Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until chicken is tender and reaches 165°F internally.
- Remove chicken and whisk together cornstarch and water. Stir slurry into the slow cooker, cover, and cook on HIGH for 10 to 15 minutes until thickened.
- Return chicken to the slow cooker, spoon sauce over the top, garnish if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
Nutrition
Final Thoughts
Ultimate Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Dinner is a dependable recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Whether you are feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a casual dinner, this dish offers comfort, convenience, and delicious results every time.
