Slow cooker honey garlic chicken makes dinner simple. Tender chicken cooks slowly in a sweet and savory garlic sauce, giving you a flavorful meal with little hands-on work.
Serve the chicken over rice with steamed broccoli, roasted vegetables, or noodles. This recipe works well for busy weekdays, family dinners, and meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy slow cooker dinner
- About 10 minutes of preparation
- Tender, flavorful chicken
- Simple pantry ingredients
- Great for busy weeknights
- Works well for meal prep
- Pairs with rice, noodles, or vegetables
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ⅓ cup honey
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
1. Prepare the Sauce
Add honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper to a bowl.
Whisk until combined.
2. Add the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken and turn the chicken once so the sauce coats both sides.
3. Slow Cook
Cover and cook on low for about 4 to 5 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Avoid overcooking the chicken because longer cooking times often make chicken breast dry.
4. Shred or Slice the Chicken
Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate.
Let it rest for a few minutes, then slice or shred the chicken.
Return the chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce.
5. Thicken the Sauce
Mix cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until smooth.
Pour the mixture into the slow cooker and stir.
Cover and cook on high for about 10 to 15 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
6. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the chicken.
Serve warm over rice, noodles, or vegetables.
What to Serve With Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Try these easy side dishes:
- Steamed white rice
- Brown rice
- Fried rice
- Egg noodles
- Mashed potatoes
- Steamed broccoli
- Green beans
- Roasted carrots
- Fresh cucumber salad
Slow Cooker Tips
Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a lean option. Chicken thighs also work well and give you a richer texture.
Do not add the cornstarch mixture at the beginning. Add it near the end so the sauce thickens properly.
Check the chicken with a food thermometer before serving. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Keep the slow cooker covered while cooking. Opening the lid often extends the cooking time.
Easy Variations
Make It Spicy
Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or a little chili garlic sauce to the honey garlic mixture.
Add Vegetables
Add broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas near the end of cooking.
Use Chicken Thighs
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and stay juicy during slow cooking.
Add Pineapple
Add pineapple chunks during the final hour for a sweet tropical flavor.
How to Store Leftovers
Place cooled chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container.
Thaw frozen leftovers in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Reheat
Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave.
Add a small splash of water or chicken broth if the sauce becomes too thick.
Heat until the chicken is hot throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does honey garlic chicken take in a slow cooker?
Cook on low for about 4 to 5 hours, depending on the size and thickness of the chicken.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and give you tender, flavorful results.
Can I freeze slow cooker honey garlic chicken?
Yes. Store the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
What should I serve with this chicken?
Rice, noodles, broccoli, green beans, and roasted vegetables all pair well with the sweet and savory sauce.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes. Divide the cooked chicken and rice into containers for easy lunches or dinners during the week.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours
Total Time: About 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Category: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Method: Slow Cooker
Final Thoughts
Slow cooker honey garlic chicken gives you a simple dinner with little hands-on preparation. The chicken cooks slowly in a flavorful honey garlic sauce and works well with rice, noodles, or vegetables.
Save this recipe for a busy day when you want dinner ready with minimal kitchen work.