Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

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Juicy, tender chicken thighs bathed in a sticky-sweet honey garlic sauce that cooks itself? Yes, please! This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a weeknight dream come true. It delivers bold, savory-sweet flavor with minimal prep and effort, letting the slow cooker do all the heavy lifting. Imagine coming home to fall-apart chicken coated in a glossy glaze that begs to be spooned over fluffy rice.

With only a few pantry staples, this recipe turns basic ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish. The balance of garlic, soy, and honey builds rich umami flavor, while the slow cook ensures every bite is melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Whether you’re feeding your family or meal-prepping for the week, this is a slow cooker chicken recipe you’ll make again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

• Hands-off cooking — Set it and forget it in your slow cooker.
• Better than takeout — With fewer ingredients and healthier flavors.
• Family-approved — Sweet, sticky, and kid-friendly.
• Versatile — Serve it over rice, noodles, or stuff it in wraps.
• Meal-prep ready — Stores and reheats beautifully.

What Cut of Chicken Works Best in the Slow Cooker?

For this recipe, boneless skinless chicken thighs are the top choice. They hold up better in long cooking times without drying out and become incredibly tender and juicy. You can use breasts, but they may turn out drier unless you reduce the cooking time. Bone-in thighs also work well and deliver more flavor, though they may require a little more effort when serving.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs — Best for slow cooking; they stay juicy and tender.
• Garlic cloves — Freshly minced for that bold garlicky base.
• Honey — Adds the signature sweetness and helps create the sticky glaze.
• Low-sodium soy sauce — Provides rich umami depth and balances the sweet.
• Ketchup — Adds tanginess and helps thicken the sauce.
• Rice vinegar — Offers a subtle acidic lift to cut through the sweetness.
• Cornstarch — Used to thicken the sauce at the end.
• Green onions — For garnish and a touch of freshness.
• Sesame seeds — Optional garnish that adds crunch and visual appeal.

How To Make the Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, honey, low-sodium soy sauce, ketchup, and rice vinegar until fully combined.

Step 2: Arrange Chicken in Slow Cooker

Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker in a single layer. Pour the sauce over the top, ensuring each piece is well coated.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on LOW for 4.5 to 5 hours or HIGH for 2.5 to 3 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a plate. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a few tablespoons of water, then stir this slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH for another 10–15 minutes until thickened.

Step 5: Return and Glaze

Add the chicken back into the slow cooker, spoon the thickened sauce over each piece, and let it sit for 5 minutes to soak up the glaze.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving. Pair it with steamed rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people generously. Serve it over jasmine rice for a comforting bowl, or try it with lo mein noodles or mashed potatoes. It also works well as a wrap filling or tucked into bao buns for a fusion twist. Add a side of stir-fried broccoli or roasted bok choy for a balanced meal.

How to Store Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Leftovers store beautifully. Transfer cooled chicken and sauce into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave. For freezing, place in freezer-safe bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual. The sauce may thicken upon refrigeration; a splash of water helps loosen it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but reduce cooking time slightly and keep an eye on them. Breasts cook faster and can dry out more easily than thighs.

Can I make this recipe spicy?
Absolutely! Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a squirt of sriracha to the sauce for a sweet-heat combo.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and ensure your ketchup and vinegar are gluten-free certified.

Can I double this recipe?
Yes, just make sure your slow cooker is large enough. Don’t overcrowd the chicken—layering is fine, but sauce coverage matters.

How do I make this without a slow cooker?
You can bake it in a covered dish at 350°F for about 30–35 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165°F internally. Thicken the sauce on the stovetop afterward.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you’re loving this sticky-sweet chicken, check out these other comforting dishes:

• Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Bake
• Runza Casserole
• Slow Braised Beef Roast with Cranberry Balsamic Glaze
• Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
• Chicken and Corn Skillet with Garlic Parmesan Rice

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you add chili heat or stick to sweet and savory? Try it with noodles next time? I love hearing your creative spins on these dishes. And if you’re looking for more tasty weeknight dinners, check out Life With Livia on Pinterest for daily ideas!

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