This slow cooker honey garlic chicken is an easy, flavor-packed meal that delivers juicy, tender chicken coated in a rich, sticky honey garlic sauce. The balance of sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and fragrant garlic creates an irresistible glaze that soaks into the meat as it slowly simmers.
With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it over rice, noodles, or with roasted vegetables for a satisfying meal that requires little effort but delivers big flavor.
Key Ingredients for Honey Garlic Chicken
A few pantry staples combine to create a deliciously sticky and flavorful sauce.
- Chicken Thighs or Breasts – Thighs stay extra juicy, but boneless chicken breasts work well too.
- Honey – Adds natural sweetness and caramelizes beautifully in the slow cooker.
- Garlic – A key ingredient that infuses the sauce with bold, aromatic flavor.
- Soy Sauce – Provides a savory, umami depth that balances the sweetness of the honey.
- Rice Vinegar – Brings acidity to brighten the dish and balance the flavors.
- Sesame Oil – Enhances the sauce with a subtle nutty aroma.
- Cornstarch Slurry – Thickens the sauce for a glossy, rich coating.
- Red Pepper Flakes (Optional) – Adds a slight kick for a bit of heat.
- Sesame Seeds & Green Onions – Perfect for garnish, adding color and texture.
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
This recipe is simple and requires minimal prep—just set it and let the slow cooker do the work.
- Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce – In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir well.
- Arrange the Chicken in the Slow Cooker – Place the chicken thighs or breasts in a single layer. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the top, ensuring even coating.
- Slow Cook Until Tender – Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Thicken the Sauce – Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water. Stir into the slow cooker and let it cook for another 10-15 minutes until thickened.
- Garnish and Serve – Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve over rice, noodles, or vegetables.
The sauce thickens beautifully, coating every bite with sweet and savory goodness.
Best Side Dishes for Honey Garlic Chicken
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides to create a complete meal.
| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Steamed White or Jasmine Rice | Absorbs the flavorful sauce perfectly. |
| Garlic Butter Noodles | Adds a rich, buttery contrast to the sweet sauce. |
| Roasted Broccoli | Balances the sweetness with a slightly crisp, earthy bite. |
| Stir-Fried Vegetables | A mix of bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas adds color and crunch. |
| Cauliflower Rice | A low-carb alternative that still soaks up the sauce well. |
| Sesame Green Beans | Enhances the Asian-inspired flavors of the dish. |
| Crispy Spring Rolls | A crunchy appetizer that pairs well with the sticky chicken. |
Storage & Reheating Instructions
How to Store Leftover Honey Garlic Chicken
- Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing.
- Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat Honey Garlic Chicken
- Stovetop: Heat in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or broth until warmed through.
- Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally, until hot.
- Slow Cooker: Place on LOW for 1-2 hours with extra sauce for best results.
Tips for the Best Honey Garlic Chicken
- Use chicken thighs for extra tenderness and flavor. Boneless, skinless thighs work best.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey, depending on preference.
- For extra crispy chicken, broil it for 3-5 minutes after slow cooking.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli during the last hour of cooking for a complete one-pot meal.
- Double the sauce if serving over rice or noodles for extra flavor.
FAQs About Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes! Just increase the cooking time by 30-60 minutes on LOW or 15-30 minutes on HIGH.
2. Can I make this dish spicy?
Absolutely! Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for a spicier kick.
3. Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes! Bone-in thighs or drumsticks work well, but you may need to increase the cooking time by 30 minutes.
4. Can I cook this on the stovetop instead?
Yes! Simmer the chicken in the sauce over medium-low heat for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.
5. What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
Cornstarch is the easiest way to thicken the sauce. Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and stir it in during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.
This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is an easy, family-friendly meal that’s packed with sweet and savory flavors. Whether served over rice, noodles, or vegetables, it’s a delicious and hassle-free dinner!
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Equipment
- Slow Cooker For slow cooking the chicken to tenderness
- Mixing Bowl For preparing the honey garlic sauce
- Whisk For combining the sauce ingredients
- Wooden Spoon For stirring the sauce in the slow cooker
Ingredients
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts
- ½ cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ⅓ cup soy sauce low sodium preferred
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional for spice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water to thicken sauce
- 2 tablespoons green onions chopped, for garnish
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
- Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker in a single layer.
- Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with water and stir it into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving. Enjoy over rice, noodles, or vegetables.
Notes
- For extra flavor, broil the chicken for 3-5 minutes before serving.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
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