Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Nothing beats a flavorful, fuss-free dinner that practically cooks itself. This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is the perfect solution for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or meal prepping for the week ahead. Tender boneless, skinless chicken thighs soak in a sweet and savory sauce made from honey, soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of ginger, transforming into juicy, flavorful bites with minimal effort. The best part? It’s all done in the slow cooker, so you can set it in the morning and come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal.

The flavor profile is balanced and crowd-pleasing, with rich umami from soy sauce, the sweetness of honey, and the subtle heat of red pepper flakes if you choose to include them. Served over rice and topped with scallions and sesame seeds, it feels like takeout—but better, healthier, and homemade. Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping lunches, or just looking for something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen, this dish delivers on taste, ease, and versatility. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Effortless to Make – Just combine the ingredients and let your slow cooker do the work.
2. Bold, Balanced Flavor – The sweet and savory sauce is rich, garlicky, and totally crave-worthy.
3. Great for Meal Prep – Makes delicious leftovers that store and reheat beautifully.
4. Customizable Heat – Add crushed red pepper flakes for spice, or leave them out for a milder dish.
5. Family-Approved – It’s kid-friendly, budget-friendly, and a guaranteed hit at the dinner table.

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
• Scallions (for serving)
• Sesame seeds (for serving)
• Rice (optional, for serving)

Sauce:

• Low-sodium soy sauce
• Honey
• Ketchup
• Garlic (minced)
• Apple cider vinegar
• Fresh ginger (grated)
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Cornstarch

Variations

Use Chicken Breasts

Swap thighs for boneless chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat.

Make It Spicy

Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a splash of sriracha for a fiery kick.

Go Paleo

Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and swap ketchup for tomato paste and a dash of vinegar.

Add Veggies

Toss in broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas during the last hour of cooking for a complete one-pot meal.

Gluten-Free Option

Use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make this dish gluten-free.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1

Place chicken thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker.

Step 2

In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, ketchup, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, grated ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).

Step 3

Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure the pieces are coated well.

Step 4

Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

Step 5

Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks, then return it to the slow cooker.

Step 6

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a few tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker.

Step 7

Let it cook on high for another 15–20 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 8

Serve over rice and garnish with chopped scallions and sesame seeds.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor.
• Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker for easy cleanup.
• Let the sauce simmer after adding cornstarch to ensure it thickens properly.
• Don’t overcook the chicken—check for tenderness around the 3-hour mark if cooking on high.
• Add a splash of broth if the sauce becomes too thick after reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this honey garlic chicken over fluffy white or brown rice, jasmine rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Top with chopped scallions, sesame seeds, or even steamed veggies for a full and colorful meal. You can also tuck it into lettuce wraps or serve it over noodles for variety.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow to cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until hot. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce is too thick.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but it’s recommended to thaw it first for even cooking and food safety.

2. Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Use the sauté function to sear the chicken, then pressure cook on high for 10 minutes and quick release.

3. Do I have to use chicken thighs?

No, chicken breasts or tenders work as well, though thighs offer more moisture and flavor.

4. Can I cook it on high instead of low?

Absolutely. Cook on high for 3–4 hours instead of 6–7 on low.

5. What can I serve this with?

Rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables all pair wonderfully with this dish.

6. How do I thicken the sauce?

Use a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + cold water) and cook on high for 15–20 minutes.

7. Is it gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce to make it gluten-free.

8. Can I add vegetables?

Yes, add bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli in the last hour of cooking.

9. How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to handle the volume.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a winning recipe that’s big on flavor and low on effort. Whether you’re feeding a family or stocking your freezer with make-ahead meals, this sweet and savory dish fits the bill. With a balance of garlic, honey, soy, and a hint of ginger, it’s the kind of comfort food that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Add your favorite sides, tweak the spice level to your liking, and enjoy a homemade meal that’s better than takeout—and way easier than you think.

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