Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken (The Easiest Recipe!)

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Get ready to meet your new favorite weeknight dinner. This Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal that delivers tender, juicy chicken coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory sauce. It’s a restaurant-quality dish made with simple ingredients right in your crockpot. If you’re looking for an effortless recipe that the whole family will love, you’ve found it. The minimal prep time makes it perfect for busy days, and the flavor is absolutely unforgettable.

We’re combining the classic flavors of honey, soy sauce, and garlic to create a rich sauce that perfectly infuses boneless, skinless chicken thighs. The slow cooker does all the work, making the chicken fall-apart tender. This dish pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or your favorite steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Why This Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken is a Must-Try

You’ll fall in love with this recipe for its simplicity and incredible taste. It’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Effortless Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep, you can have this meal cooking away while you focus on other things. The slow cooker handles everything.
Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of sweet honey, savory soy sauce, tangy rice vinegar, and pungent garlic creates a perfectly balanced, addictive sauce.
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Tender: Slow cooking chicken thighs results in exceptionally juicy and tender meat that shreds with a fork.
Versatile and Family-Friendly: This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s mild enough for kids but packed with enough flavor for adults to enjoy. For another fantastic garlic chicken dish, check out this Creamy Garlic Chicken and Rice.

The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this recipe lies in its simple, pantry-staple ingredients. You likely have most of these on hand already!

For the Chicken:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: They stay incredibly moist and tender in the slow cooker.
Salt and Black Pepper: To season the chicken.

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

Honey: The star of the sauce, providing that signature sweetness.
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Adds depth and savory, umami flavor. Use tamari for a gluten-free option.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is essential for the best flavor.
Rice Vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness.
Toasted Sesame Oil: For a rich, nutty aroma and flavor.
Cornstarch: Used to create a slurry that thickens the sauce at the end.
Optional Garnish: Toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a fresh finish.

A beautiful plate of slow cooker honey garlic chicken served over fluffy rice and garnished with fresh green onions. — A simple and satisfying meal ready for the dinner table.

How to Make Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken (Step-by-Step)

Making this crockpot chicken couldn’t be easier. Just follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time.

Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and toasted sesame oil.
Arrange the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper and place them in the bottom of your slow cooker in a single layer.
Combine and Cook: Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken thighs. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Thicken the Sauce: Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and set it aside. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of the warm sauce from the slow cooker to create a slurry. Whisk this slurry back into the slow cooker until the sauce thickens.
Finish and Serve: Return the chicken to the slow cooker and coat it with the thickened sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Crockpot Chicken

Want to take your slow cooker chicken to the next level? Here are a few expert tips.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Ensure the chicken is in a single layer for even cooking.
Use Chicken Thighs: While you can use chicken breasts, thighs have more fat, which keeps them juicy and flavorful during the long cooking process.
Fresh Garlic is Key: For the most robust flavor, always use freshly minced garlic instead of garlic powder. It makes a world of difference. If you love garlic-forward dishes, you might also enjoy this recipe for Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles.
For a Crispier Finish: For a slightly crispy texture, you can place the cooked, sauce-coated chicken on a baking sheet and broil it for 2-3 minutes before serving.

What to Serve with Your Chicken

This versatile Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken pairs well with a variety of sides. The delicious sauce is perfect for spooning over starches that can soak it all up.

A close-up macro shot of succulent crockpot honey garlic chicken, showing the tender texture and sticky glaze. — Look at that perfectly tender chicken, infused with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce.

Rice: Serve over a bed of fluffy white, brown, or jasmine rice.
Noodles: Egg noodles, ramen, or soba noodles are excellent choices.
Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or roasted asparagus complement the flavors perfectly. This roasted butternut squash also makes a wonderful side.
Quinoa: For a healthier, protein-packed option.

Variations and Substitutions

Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking. Here are a few ideas:

Add Some Heat: Mix in a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Incorporate Ginger: Add a tablespoon of freshly grated ginger to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
Make it Gluten-Free: Simply substitute the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

This recipe is perfect for meal prep! Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. The sauce will thicken further as it cools, but it will loosen up again when reheated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. However, they are leaner and can dry out more easily. To prevent this, reduce the cooking time to 2-3 hours on low or 1.5-2 hours on high.

How do I thicken the honey garlic sauce in the slow cooker?

The best way to thicken the sauce is with a cornstarch slurry. After the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of the warm sauce until smooth, then whisk it back into the slow cooker until the sauce thickens.

What is the best way to store and reheat leftover honey garlic chicken?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or gently in a pan over medium-low heat until warmed through.

Is it possible to overcook chicken in a slow cooker?

Yes, it is possible, especially with leaner cuts like chicken breast. Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. It’s best to cook it for the recommended time and check for doneness with a meat thermometer (it should read 165°F or 74°C).

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the low-sodium soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

More Delicious Dinner Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this easy slow cooker meal, be sure to explore some of our other popular dinner recipes. From hearty casseroles to quick skillet meals, there’s something for everyone.

The Ultimate Weeknight Dinner

This Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken is more than just a recipe; it’s a solution for busy families who crave delicious, home-cooked meals without the fuss. It’s a dish you’ll return to again and again. If you make it, we’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below or share a photo of your creation on Pinterest. Your feedback helps our community of home cooks!

A delicious bowl of Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken served over rice with broccoli, garnished with sesame seeds. — The easiest and most delicious Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken you'll ever make!

Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe

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