If you’re craving comfort food that practically cooks itself, this slow cooker honey garlic chicken is your answer. Tender, juicy, and coated in a glossy, sweet-savory sauce, this dish is a weeknight winner with minimal prep. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or meal-prepping for the week, it brings flavor without fuss.
Why This Dish Works
This slow cooker honey garlic chicken recipe is all about balance sweetness from honey, umami from soy, brightness from vinegar, and that irresistible savoriness from garlic. The slow cook transforms the chicken into something melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the sauce thickens beautifully, especially if you take the extra step to reduce it. Best of all, it’s made with pantry staples and takes less than 10 minutes to prep.
Whether you’re serving it over white rice, pairing it with roasted veggies, or just enjoying it solo, this dish has earned a permanent spot at our table and hopefully, yours too
Pantry-Friendly Ingredients That Bring Big Flavor
What You’ll Need for the Chicken
To get that perfect, juicy result, we’re starting with just a few key items. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For Thickening (optional):
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
For Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Ingredient Insights & Easy Substitutions
Chicken Thighs vs. Breasts:
Both work beautifully here. Thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving, while breasts cook a bit faster and absorb the sauce well. If you’re using frozen chicken, be sure to fully thaw before adding to the slow cooker for even cooking.
Honey:
This is the star that brings natural sweetness. You can substitute with maple syrup if that’s what you have on hand, though the flavor will be slightly deeper and earthier.
Soy Sauce:
Go with low-sodium to keep things balanced. If gluten-free is important to you, tamari makes a great alternative.
Ketchup:
Yes, ketchup! It adds both body and a subtle tomato tang to the sauce. It’s what helps that rich glaze stick to the chicken, giving it that glossy finish you see in the photo.
Vinegar:
Whether you use rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar, the acidity cuts through the sweetness and helps balance the dish.
Red Pepper Flakes:
Optional, but recommended if you love a tiny kick of heat.
Cornstarch Slurry:
This is for thickening the sauce at the end. If you prefer to skip it, the sauce will still taste great, just a bit thinner.
If you’re in the mood for something bolder, serve this alongside savory sides like Entomatadas for a sweet-and-savory contrast.
How to Make
Simple Steps, Delicious Results
This recipe couldn’t be easier—just prep your sauce, toss everything in the slow cooker, and let time do the heavy lifting. Here’s how to make it:
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry, then season both sides lightly with salt and black pepper. This gives the meat a base flavor and helps it stay juicy while it cooks.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
This sauce is the soul of the dish—sticky, savory, sweet, and garlicky. The ketchup may seem unusual, but it gives that thick, glaze-like texture without needing hours on the stove.
Step 3: Combine in the Slow Cooker
Place the seasoned chicken into your slow cooker in a single layer. Pour the sauce over the top, making sure every piece is coated. The sauce will deepen in flavor as it simmers with the chicken.
Step 4: Set It and Forget It
Cover and cook:
- On LOW for 4–5 hours, or
- On HIGH for 2–3 hours
You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is fork-tender and shreds easily.
Step 5 (Optional): Thicken the Sauce
For a thicker, more velvety sauce:
- Remove the chicken and transfer the liquid to a saucepan.
- Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to make a slurry.
- Stir the slurry into the sauce and simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
- Return the chicken and coat it in the glossy sauce.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and fresh green onions for that perfect finishing touch.
How to Serve, Customize, and Store Honey Garlic Chicken
Serving Suggestions That Make It a Meal
One of the best things about slow cooker honey garlic chicken is how versatile it is. Here’s how we love serving it in our multigenerational kitchen:
Serve it over:
- Steamed jasmine or basmati rice for a classic pairing
- Brown rice or quinoa for a more wholesome option
- Mashed potatoes for a comforting twist
- Rice noodles or even ramen for a fun fusion bowl
On busy nights, I’ll throw some broccoli florets or baby carrots into the slow cooker during the last hour. It soaks up all the flavor and makes a built-in veggie side.
Want to take it to the next level? Pair it with a refreshing drink like my Cinnamon Simple Syrup over iced tea or lemonade for a sweet finish.
Fun Variations to Try
Make it Spicy:
Add more red pepper flakes or a spoonful of sriracha to the sauce. You can also swirl in gochujang for a Korean-inspired kick.
Add Veggies:
Bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms cook well in the sauce. Add them during the final hour to avoid overcooking.
Swap the Protein:
This recipe also works great with boneless pork chops or even tofu if you’re going plant-based. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Make it Crispy:
After slow cooking, place the chicken on a foil-lined baking sheet, brush with extra sauce, and broil for 2–3 minutes to caramelize the top.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Leftovers are a gift. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
It also freezes well! Let it cool, then store in a freezer bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual.
Pro tip: This makes an excellent meal prep recipe. I’ll often double the batch and portion it with rice and veggies for ready-to-go lunches.
When my family gathers on Sundays, I’ll sometimes serve this alongside Entomatadas for a fusion-style dinner that always gets rave reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken in slow cooker honey garlic chicken?
It’s best to thaw chicken before slow cooking for food safety and even cooking. Using frozen chicken in a slow cooker can keep it at an unsafe temperature for too long. If you’re in a pinch, thaw it quickly in a cold water bath before adding it to your slow cooker.
How do I thicken the sauce without cornstarch?
You can use arrowroot powder or flour instead of cornstarch. Another option is to remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to let the sauce reduce naturally. Just stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
What sides go well with honey garlic chicken?
This dish is incredibly flexible. It’s delicious with steamed rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes, roasted broccoli, or sautéed green beans. For a fresh contrast, serve it with a simple cucumber salad or pickled veggies.
Can I make honey garlic chicken spicy?
Yes! Add more red pepper flakes, a teaspoon of sriracha, or a chopped chili pepper to the sauce. The sweetness from the honey balances heat really well, so it’s easy to adjust to your preferred spice level.
Conclusion
Slow cooker honey garlic chicken is more than just a set-it-and-forget-it dinner—it’s a recipe built on comfort, ease, and the kind of flavor that keeps your family coming back for seconds. From our kitchen full of stories, laughter, and multi-generational magic, this dish has become a go-to for busy weeknights and casual gatherings alike.
I hope it becomes one of your go-to meals too. Whether you’re cooking for family, prepping lunchboxes, or just want something delicious without the stress, this honey garlic chicken checks every box.
Next time you need a no-fuss dinner, toss everything in the slow cooker, let it simmer, and enjoy a moment of calm while it works its magic.
Print
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken: Easy Family Dinner Favorite
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 4 hrs
- Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is juicy, tender, and packed with bold sweet-savory flavor. Minimal prep, big comfort. A weeknight win.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/3 cup honey
1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
1/4 cup ketchup
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)
2 tablespoons water (optional)
Sesame seeds
Chopped green onions
Instructions
Lightly season the chicken thighs or breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, ginger, vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
Place the chicken in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated.
Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
(Optional) For a thicker sauce, remove the chicken and transfer the sauce to a saucepan. Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce. Simmer over medium heat until it thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
Return the chicken to the slow cooker or pour the thickened sauce over the chicken. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
Serve over rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes.
Add steamed veggies in the last hour of cooking.
Freezes well for up to 2 months.