If you're looking for a deliciously simple dinner that practically cooks itself, this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is exactly what you need. With just a few pantry staples and minimal prep time, you can create a flavorful, family-friendly meal that’s both comforting and satisfying. Perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or meal prepping ahead, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that never disappoints.
The beauty of Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken lies in its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Tender chicken thighs (or breasts, if you prefer) are slow-cooked in a mouthwatering sauce made from honey, garlic, soy sauce, and a hint of ginger—creating a rich glaze that infuses every bite with irresistible flavor. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, breaking down the chicken to a melt-in-your-mouth texture while allowing the sauce to thicken and deepen in taste over time.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Serve it over fluffy white rice, brown rice, quinoa, or even mashed potatoes to soak up that amazing honey garlic sauce. It also pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for a complete, balanced meal. Whether you're feeding picky eaters, cooking for two, or making a large batch for leftovers, this recipe adapts beautifully to your needs.
Looking for tips to make it even better? Try browning the chicken for a few minutes before adding it to the slow cooker for an extra layer of flavor. Want a bit of heat? Add a dash of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce. You can also thicken the sauce after cooking by adding a quick cornstarch slurry—perfect for that glossy, sticky finish everyone loves.
Not only is Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken a time-saver, but it’s also an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy a healthier homemade alternative to takeout. With wholesome ingredients and no deep frying involved, you’ll get all the comfort food vibes with fewer calories and less fuss.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or new to slow cooker recipes, this is a dish you'll want to add to your regular rotation. It’s simple, flavorful, and practically foolproof—the kind of recipe that becomes a go-to favorite in every household. Get ready to fall in love with the incredible aroma that will fill your kitchen as this dish slowly simmers to perfection. Let your slow cooker work its magic and enjoy a stress-free dinner that delivers big on flavor.
✅ Quick Tips: Read the recipe in its entirety before you start cooking. This will help you understand the ingredients, steps, and timing involved, and allow you to prepare any necessary equipment or ingredients beforehand.
Looking for an easy and delicious dinner? Try this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken recipe! Tender chicken in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is simple to prepare and packed with flavor. Serve it with rice or veggies for a complete meal. Don't miss out on this crowd-pleasing recipe your family will love it!
Put the chicken in the bottom of a large slow cooker (at least 6 quarts in size).
In a bowl or big measuring cup, mix together the soy sauce, honey, tomato paste, chili paste, garlic, and rice vinegar.
Pour this mixture over the chicken.
Put the lid on and cook:
On LOW for 4 to 5 hours
or
On HIGH for 2 to 3 hours
The chicken is ready when the inside reaches 165°F (you can check with a food thermometer).
If you're around, flip the chicken over once while it’s cooking so both sides get coated.
If not, no worries—it will still taste great!
Take the chicken out of the slow cooker and place it on a plate. Let it cool for a few minutes.
Add the cornstarch to the liquid left in the slow cooker and stir it in well.
Put the lid back on and cook on HIGH for about 15 minutes, stirring now and then, until the sauce starts to thicken.
If you want the sauce to be even thicker, you can cook it for up to 30 minutes.
Or, if you prefer, you can use the stovetop method instead (instructions are below).
To make the sauce thicken faster, you can use the stove:
After mixing in the cornstarch, pour the liquid from the slow cooker into a pot.
Heat it on the stove over medium heat, stirring often, until the sauce gets thicker—this takes about 5 to 10 minutes.
Important: If your slow cooker insert is safe to use on the stove, you can place it right on the burner instead of using a separate pot.
But only do this if you're completely sure it's stovetop safe—otherwise, it could crack.
Use two forks (or your hands if the chicken has cooled down) to shred the chicken into small pieces.
Put the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker.
If you thickened the sauce on the stove, pour it back into the slow cooker now.
Stir everything together so the chicken gets covered in the sauce.
Serve the chicken over rice, and top with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if you like.
Servings 4
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
To store:
Keep any leftover chicken in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat:
Warm it gently in a pot on the stove over medium-low heat. Add a little water or broth if it seems dry.
You can also heat it up in the microwave until it’s hot all the way through.
To freeze:
Put the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
When you're ready to eat it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat.
Hi there! I’m Cookrella, also known as Rella Wilson – a proud Mother, Foodie, and Chef. By day, I’m a full-time food blogger, but at heart, I’m a loving wife and dedicated mom. I blend my love for travel, recipe creation, and precious family moments into a flavorful life.
Thank you for printing this recipe! I hope it fills your kitchen with wonderful aromas and your table with joy. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your creations with us! #CookrellaCreations
