When I first made this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken, I couldn’t believe how easy and delicious it turned out. It’s everything I look for in a recipe – minimal effort, packed with flavor, and perfect for busy days.

The honey garlic sauce is sweet, savory, and has just the right amount of richness to make every bite unforgettable. Whether you’re new to slow-cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite.

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe — Source: wellplated

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this incredible dish. Every ingredient plays a key role in delivering the perfect balance of flavors.

1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Chicken thighs are the best choice for juicy, tender meat. If you prefer leaner options, chicken breasts work well too.
⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
Provides a deep, savory base for the sauce. Opt for low-sodium to balance the sweetness of the honey.
⅓ cup honey
Brings sweetness and a sticky consistency to the sauce. Pure honey is the best choice for its rich flavor.
4 garlic cloves, minced
Fresh garlic transforms the dish with its aromatic flavor. For a quick prep hack, use pre-minced garlic.
2 tablespoons tomato paste
Adds a subtle tang and depth to the sauce.
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Enhances the sauce with a slightly acidic punch. Apple cider vinegar can work as a substitute.
2 teaspoons chili paste or ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
For a mild hint of spice. Adjust according to your heat preference.
2 tablespoons cornstarch
Thickens the sauce to a lush consistency.
Optional garnishes: Toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added texture and flavor.

Note: These amounts are suitable for 4 servings. Double the ingredients for a larger batch.

Variations

This recipe is highly customizable. Here are some variations to suit different preferences or dietary needs:

Gluten-Free: Swap soy sauce for gluten-free tamari.
Paleo-Friendly: Use arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch.
Low-Sugar: Replace honey with a low-sugar alternative like monk fruit syrup.
Extra Heat: Add more chili paste or a dash of sriracha for a spicy kick.
Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with tofu or cauliflower for a plant-based delight.

For more chicken-based recipes, check out Chicken Bacon Ranch Sloppy Joes for a fun and flavorful meal idea.

Cooking Time

Here’s how much time you’ll need to make this recipe:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 hours on low or 3 hours on high.
Total Time: Approximately 5 hours 10 minutes (low setting).

Equipment You Need

Gather these tools to make the process seamless:

Slow Cooker (6-quart): For even and consistent cooking.
Mixing Bowl: To prepare the sauce.
Whisk: Essential for blending the sauce ingredients.
Tongs: Handy for removing chicken from the slow cooker.
Forks: For shredding the chicken.

How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken?

Follow these steps to create a restaurant-quality meal right from your kitchen. It’s easier than you think!

Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Make the Sauce

Place the chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker. In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, tomato paste, rice vinegar, and chili paste until smooth. Pour ¾ of the sauce over the chicken, reserving the rest for later.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours (or high for 2-3 hours) until the chicken is tender and cooked through. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to soak up all the delicious flavors.

Step 3: Remove and Shred

Carefully remove the chicken and place it on a plate to cool slightly. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Whisk cornstarch into the cooking liquid in the slow cooker. Turn the heat to high and cook for 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens. Stir occasionally to prevent lumps.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Add the reserved sauce and stir to coat the meat evenly. Serve over rice, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions. Enjoy!

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Here are some personal tips to take your recipe to the next level:

Use fresh ingredients. The garlic and honey should be as fresh as possible for maximum flavor.
Pat the chicken dry. This helps the sauce absorb better into the meat.
Don’t rush the sauce. Allow enough time for it to thicken on its own rather than cranking the heat up too high.
Experiment with spices. Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or ginger for an extra layer of complexity.

You can also enjoy similar hearty dishes like Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos for a flavorful twist.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken?

Presentation matters, especially when serving this irresistible dish! Spoon the chicken over steamed jasmine rice or quinoa, letting the sauce drizzle around the edges. Add a burst of green with steamed broccoli, zucchini, or snap peas on the side. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish. Serve with lime wedges for a citrusy touch.

Nutritional Information

This dish is as nutritious as it is flavorful. Here’s a quick breakdown per serving:

Calories: 330
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fat: 7g

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe is perfect for meal prepping and storing for later. Follow these tips to keep it fresh:

Storage: Cool leftovers and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze cooked and cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a saucepan with a splash of water on medium heat. Alternatively, microwave until warmed through.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This dish checks all the boxes, making it a must-try for any kitchen:

Effortless Preparation: Minimal chopping or hands-on time required.
Versatile: Suitable for a variety of diets with easy ingredient swaps.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Meal Prep Friendly: Reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers.
Full of Flavor: The honey garlic sauce is absolutely addicting!

Common Mistakes to Avoid for Better Results

Even with simple recipes like this one, a few missteps can occur. Here’s how to avoid them:

Skipping the Sauce Step: Thickening the sauce is key to achieving that luscious, sticky coating. Don’t skip it!
Overcooking Chicken: Check your slow cooker early, as cooking times can vary. Overcooked chicken can become dry.
Using Frozen Chicken: Never put frozen chicken directly into the slow cooker – it can cook unevenly and be unsafe.
Neglecting to Taste the Sauce: Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving to suit your preferences.

With these tips and step-by-step instructions, you’ll have a mouthwatering dinner ready to impress. Serve this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken for your next family meal, and watch as everyone comes back for seconds!

For more inspiration, explore our collection of Chicken Recipes to find your next favorite dish.

Ash Tyrrell