Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Slow cooker honey garlic chicken became one of my favorite set it and forget it dinners after a day when I was craving something sweet savory and comforting and I remember tossing tender chicken into the slow cooker with a glossy honey garlic sauce and coming back hours later to the most irresistible aroma filling the kitchen and when I finally took that first bite the chicken was so juicy and flavorful that I knew this recipe would be a regular in my meal rotation from then on.

I love how slow cooker honey garlic chicken is incredibly simple yet tastes like something you’d get from a cozy takeout spot and I enjoy that it only needs a few ingredients and minimal effort but delivers huge on flavor and I especially love that it pairs so easily with rice noodles or veggies making it a versatile and family-friendly dinner any night of the week.

Ingredients

• Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
• Boneless skinless chicken thighs – Stay juicy and tender after slow cooking.
• Honey – Adds natural sweetness and creates a sticky glaze.
• Soy sauce – Gives a salty umami balance to the sweetness.
• Garlic – Brings that signature bold aroma and depth.
• Ketchup – Adds tang and helps thicken the sauce.
• Rice vinegar – Provides a slight tang to balance the sauce.
• Cornstarch – Used at the end to thicken the sauce if needed.
• Sesame seeds – Add nutty flavor and extra texture.
• Green onions – For a fresh, crisp garnish.

Tools You’ll Need

• Slow cooker – The star tool that makes this dish so effortless.
• Knife and cutting board – For prepping the chicken and slicing green onions.
• Whisk – To mix the sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Small bowl – To dissolve cornstarch if thickening the sauce.

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the sauce

I start by whisking together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, and rice vinegar in a bowl until smooth and well combined.

Step 2: Add to slow cooker

I place the chicken thighs into the slow cooker and pour the sauce evenly over them, making sure each piece is coated.

Step 3: Cook

I cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

Step 4: Thicken the sauce (optional)

If I want a thicker sauce, I whisk cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry, then stir it into the sauce and cook on high for another 10-15 minutes until thickened.

Step 5: Finish and garnish

I sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the chicken before serving.

Step 6: Serve

I love serving this over fluffy rice or noodles so it can soak up that delicious sauce.

Tips

For extra flavor, I sometimes add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat. You can also use chicken breasts if you prefer, but thighs stay juicier. Leftover sauce is great for drizzling over veggies or rice the next day.

Ways to Serve

I love serving slow cooker honey garlic chicken over steamed jasmine rice or with stir-fried veggies for a lighter option. It’s also delicious in lettuce wraps for a fresh and fun twist. Leftovers make a fantastic meal prep option for easy lunches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! Store in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can I freeze Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken?

Definitely! Freeze in portions with sauce, then thaw and reheat.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, just keep an eye on the cook time to avoid drying out.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this slow cooker honey garlic chicken a try! It’s sweet, savory, and so simple a true comfort dish that makes dinner feel effortless. Let me know if you make it and what you like to pair it with!

Happy Cooking!

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