This slow cooker honey garlic chicken is tender, saucy, and full of sweet and savory flavor. Made with honey, soy sauce, garlic, and chili paste, it’s the perfect hands-off dinner for busy nights. Delicious over rice and ideal for meal prep.
Welcome back to my kitchen, friend. Today we’re diving into a dish that always brings comfort to my home: slow cooker honey garlic chicken. There’s something special about a recipe that cooks quietly in the background while you go about your day. By dinnertime, the whole house smells warm, cozy, and downright irresistible.
As a mom of three here in sunny Florida, I’ve learned that easy meals are often the ones that save the day. This recipe checks every box. It’s tender and flavorful. Everyone wanders into the kitchen, curious about the delicious aroma filling the air.
If you love easy chicken dinners, you might also enjoy browsing some of my other slow cooker chicken and rice recipes for more hands-off inspiration.
So grab your slow cooker, friend. Let’s make something delicious together.
Table of contents
Main Ingredients for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Let’s take a little stroll through the ingredients that make this slow cooker honey garlic chicken so comforting and so full of flavor. Each one plays a special role in creating that sweet, savory, sticky sauce we all love.
- Chicken
Chicken thighs are my personal favorite because they stay juicy and tender. Chicken breasts work well too, especially if you’re watching calories or want a leaner option. - Honey
Honey adds natural sweetness and helps the sauce thicken into a glossy glaze. It balances beautifully with the soy sauce. - Low-Sodium Soy Sauce
This gives the dish its deep savory base. Low-sodium is best because the flavors concentrate as they cook. - Tomato Paste
A spoonful of tomato paste might sound simple, but it brings richness and just the right amount of tang. - Chili Paste
Use sambal oelek, sriracha, or your favorite hot sauce. It doesn’t make the dish spicy unless you want it to. - Garlic
Fresh garlic is essential here. Slow cooking mellows it and brings out its sweetness. - Rice Vinegar
This adds brightness and keeps the dish from feeling too heavy. - Cornstarch
Cornstarch helps the sauce thicken and gives it that perfect takeout-style cling.
If you’re a fan of garlic-forward meals, you may also enjoy my comforting one-pot honey garlic chicken and rice, which has that same cozy, familiar flavor.
Additional Ingredients
Now let’s talk about the extras that bring this dish to life. These ingredients aren’t the stars, but they make the whole meal shine.
- Green Onions
Fresh, crunchy, and just a touch peppery. They brighten the dish and add color. - Toasted Sesame Seeds
These add a gentle nutty flavor and a bit of crunch. - Rice, Quinoa, or Cauliflower Rice
Anything that soaks up the sauce works well. Brown rice is hearty, white rice is classic, and cauliflower rice keeps things light.
If you like meals with bold, bright flavors, you might love my refreshing honey lime chicken and avocado rice stack. It’s a sunny, fresh alternative. - Fresh Vegetables
Broccoli, snap peas, or roasted veggies make wonderful companions to this saucy chicken. - Optional Flavor Boosters
A drizzle of sesame oil, a splash of orange juice, or a pinch of ginger can add extra personality.
Expert Tips for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
These friendly tips will help your slow cooker honey garlic chicken turn out beautifully every single time. Think of them as the little nuggets of wisdom I’d share with you if we were chatting at my kitchen table.
- Pick Thighs for Ultra Tender Chicken
Thighs are forgiving and stay moist even if the cooking time stretches a little. - Fresh Garlic Makes a Difference
Jarred garlic works in a pinch, but fresh garlic gives fuller flavor. - Taste the Sauce Before Thickening
This is your moment to adjust sweetness, saltiness, or heat. - Flip If You Can
If you happen to be nearby, flip the chicken once halfway through. It helps with even marinating. - Use the Stove for Thick, Glossy Sauce
Slow cookers thicken sauces slowly. For a thicker glaze, reduce the liquid on the stovetop for 5 to 10 minutes. - Shred or Slice Based on Texture Preference
Shredded chicken absorbs sauce beautifully. Sliced chicken looks neat and feels more like takeout. - Don’t Rush the Cooking Time
If you’re using chicken breasts, low and slow is your best bet for moist results. - Add Veggies at the Right Time
Firm vegetables can go in halfway through. Softer vegetables should wait until the last 30 minutes. - This Recipe Is Meal Prep Gold
The leftovers taste even better the next day. - Freezes Beautifully
Store it in airtight containers with extra sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Add Your Chicken
Place the chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker. Create a single layer for even cooking. - Mix the Sauce
Whisk together soy sauce, honey, tomato paste, garlic, chili paste, and rice vinegar. Pour the mixture over the chicken. - Cook
Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours. Flip the chicken halfway through if you can. - Remove Chicken and Thicken the Sauce
Take the chicken out. Whisk the cornstarch into the cooking liquid. Cook on high for 15 to 30 minutes, or reduce the sauce on the stove for quicker thickening. - Shred and Return
Shred the chicken and stir it back into the slow cooker until coated. - Serve
Serve over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice and top with sesame seeds and green onions.
Additional Guide: Variations and Techniques
There are so many fun ways to personalize slow cooker honey garlic chicken. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding pineapple chunks during the last hour of cooking for a bright, tropical twist.
This chicken also makes a fantastic sandwich filling. Pile it onto toasted buns and add a crunchy slaw. Perfect for game night or casual weekends.
If you prefer lighter meals, wrap the chicken in lettuce leaves or serve it over a big veggie-packed bowl. You can even turn it into a noodle dish by tossing it with rice noodles.
If cozy, comforting meals are your thing, you’ll probably also fall in love with my warm and flavorful chicken tortilla soup. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or days when you crave something soothing.
And for the ultimate comfort meal, try serving this chicken alongside my creamy and hearty creamy garlic sauce baby potatoes. They make the kind of side dish that turns dinner into a feast.
FAQs About Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
How do you cook chicken in a slow cooker?
Cooking chicken in a slow cooker is surprisingly simple. You just place the chicken in the cooker, add your sauce or seasoning, and let it cook low and slow until it’s tender. Most boneless chicken breasts or thighs take about 4 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high. The slow, steady heat keeps the chicken moist and flavorful with practically no effort. It’s one of those set-it-and-forget-it kitchen wins that makes dinner feel almost too easy.
Can you make sticky honey garlic chicken in a crock pot?
Yes, absolutely. A crock pot works perfectly for sticky honey garlic chicken. The gentle heat helps the honey, garlic, soy sauce, and seasonings meld into a thick, glossy sauce that clings to every piece of chicken. For an extra sticky finish, you can thicken the sauce at the end by stirring in a cornstarch slurry and letting it cook a few more minutes. It’s a simple method that delivers that irresistible “sticky, sweet, and savory” flavor everyone loves.
Conclusion
Thanks so much for joining me in the kitchen today. This slow cooker honey garlic chicken has been a lifesaver on busy days and a comfort during slower ones. It’s one of those meals that brings everyone to the table with happy faces.
Cooking is always better when we share it, so feel free to tell me how it turned out for you. Until next time, friend, keep your slow cooker close and your loved ones even closer.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
Honey Garlic Sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Thickening Slurry
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
Optional Garnish
- sesame seeds
- green onions sliced
Instructions
- Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
- Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender.
- Remove the chicken and set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
- Stir the slurry into the sauce inside the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 10–15 minutes until thickened.
- Return the chicken to the slow cooker and coat it in the thickened sauce.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.