This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a warm, simple meal that feels like a hug on a plate. The sauce is sweet, garlicky, and a little sticky, and the chicken comes out tender and full of flavor. It is a real crowd-pleaser for weeknights and easy family dinners. If you like a quick twist or another method, check out the air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders recipe for a faster, crispier version. Get ready, this dish is easy to make and fun to share with friends and family.
How to prepare Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup or tomato sauce
- 3 to 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water, for thickening
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Directions
- Put the chicken in the slow cooker in a single layer.
- In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, vinegar, brown sugar, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken, make sure it is covered.
- Cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is very tender.
- Remove the chicken to a plate. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the sauce in the slow cooker.
- Turn the slow cooker to high, let the sauce thicken for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring once or twice.
- Put the chicken back into the thickened sauce, spoon the sauce over the chicken to coat.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, serve warm.
Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
- It uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand, like honey and garlic.
- The slow cooker makes the chicken very tender, so it falls apart and soaks up the sauce.
- The sauce is sweet and savory, it sticks to rice, noodles, or bread.
- It is a great make-ahead meal, you can cook it in the morning and eat it later.
- It makes good leftovers and works well for meal prep.
Tips for success
- Use thighs for more flavor and juiciness, breasts work too if you prefer lean meat.
- Trim excess fat from the chicken to keep the sauce clean and not greasy.
- Do not overcook, even in a slow cooker, check at the lower time range if your slow cooker runs hot.
- If the sauce is too thin, mix cornstarch and cold water, then stir in and cook until thick.
- Taste the sauce before serving, add a little more honey if you want it sweeter, or a splash of vinegar for more tang.
- For more garlic flavor, add an extra clove or use garlic paste.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over steamed white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a low carb option.
- Toss with cooked noodles for a simple honey garlic chicken pasta.
- Place on a bed of salad greens for a warm chicken salad.
- Add steamed broccoli, snap peas, or roasted vegetables on the side.
- Try it in a sandwich or wrap, with extra sauce for a sticky, tasty lunch. You can also try the air fryer version for a different texture, if you want something crispier.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken in the slow cooker? A: Yes, you can, but add about 1 hour to the cooking time. It is best to check the internal temperature, it should reach 165 F.
Q: How do I thicken the sauce if it is too runny? A: Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water, stir it into the sauce, and cook on high for 5 to 10 minutes until it thickens.
Q: Can I make this gluten free? A: Yes, use a gluten free soy sauce, like tamari, and check all labels for hidden gluten.
Q: How long will leftovers last? A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Q: Can I double the recipe for a crowd? A: Yes, you can double it, but check that your slow cooker is not overfilled. Cook time may increase a little if the slow cooker is very full.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Put the chicken in the slow cooker in a single layer.
- In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, vinegar, brown sugar, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring it's covered.
- Cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is very tender.
- Remove the chicken to a plate.
- Stir the cornstarch mixture into the sauce in the slow cooker.
- Turn the slow cooker to high, let the sauce thicken for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Put the chicken back into the thickened sauce, spoon the sauce over to coat.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, and serve warm.
