This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is sweet, savory, and incredibly tender. Chicken slow cooks in a rich honey garlic sauce with soy sauce and a touch of ginger, creating an easy family dinner that’s perfect served over rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Place the chicken into the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk together the garlic, honey, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and grated ginger.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or HIGH for 2½ to 3½ hours.
- Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks or leave it in larger pieces.
- Whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth.
- Stir the slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker.
- Cook on HIGH for 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Return the chicken to the slow cooker and toss until fully coated.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- Chicken thighs stay especially juicy during slow cooking.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- Low-sodium soy sauce helps keep the dish from becoming too salty.
- If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a splash of chicken broth.
- Taste before serving and adjust sweetness if desired.
Variations
- Add broccoli during the last 20 minutes.
- Stir in sliced bell peppers.
- Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for heat.
- Use boneless pork instead of chicken.
- Mix in pineapple chunks for a sweet tropical twist.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over steamed white rice.
- Pair with jasmine rice.
- Spoon over noodles.
- Serve with steamed broccoli.
- Enjoy with roasted vegetables.
- Garnish with extra green onions and sesame seeds.
Tips
- Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it tender.
- Fresh ginger gives the sauce a brighter flavor.
- Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker for easy cleanup.
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days.
- Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
- Reheat gently to keep the sauce glossy.
Prep Time, Cook Time, and Total Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours
Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Servings
Serves: 6
Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 395
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fat: 17g
- Sodium: 670mg
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes. Chicken breasts work well, but thighs remain more tender and juicy after slow cooking.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. Store the cooked chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Mix cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 10 to 15 minutes of cooking.
Is this recipe very sweet?
It has a balanced sweet and savory flavor. You can reduce the honey slightly if you prefer a less sweet sauce.
Can I freeze Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken?
Yes. Let it cool completely before freezing in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
What goes well with Honey Garlic Chicken?
Steamed rice, fried rice, noodles, broccoli, green beans, snap peas, or roasted vegetables all make excellent side dishes.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is an easy, flavorful dinner with tender chicken coated in a sticky honey garlic sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, and family dinners, with delicious leftovers that reheat beautifully.
