This easy slow cooker honey garlic chicken is perfect for busy days when you want a comforting homemade dinner with little hands-on work. Tender chicken cooks slowly in a sweet and savory garlic sauce, creating a flavorful meal the whole family will enjoy.
Serve the chicken over rice with steamed broccoli, roasted vegetables, or noodles for a complete dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple slow cooker dinner
- About 10 minutes of prep
- Tender, flavorful chicken
- Sweet and savory garlic sauce
- Family-friendly
- Great for busy weeknights
- Works well for leftovers
- Easy to serve with rice or vegetables
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 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, and black pepper to a bowl.
Whisk until combined.
2. Add the Chicken
Place the chicken in your slow cooker.
Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken.
Turn the chicken once so the sauce coats both sides.
3. Slow Cook
Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken reaches 165°F internally and is tender.
Cooking time varies by chicken size and your slow cooker.
4. Thicken the Sauce
Remove the cooked chicken and place it on a plate.
Mix cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl.
Pour the mixture into the slow cooker and stir into the sauce.
Cover and cook on high for about 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
5. Finish the Chicken
Slice or shred the chicken.
Return the chicken to the slow cooker and toss with the thickened sauce.
Top with green onions and sesame seeds.
What to Serve With It
Serve this chicken with:
- Steamed white rice
- Brown rice
- Jasmine rice
- Egg noodles
- Steamed broccoli
- Roasted vegetables
- Cauliflower rice
- Fresh green salad
Easy Variations
Add Vegetables
Add carrots, bell peppers, or broccoli during the final part of cooking.
Make It Spicy
Add red pepper flakes or a little sriracha to the sauce.
Use Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs stay tender during slow cooking and add extra flavor.
Add More Garlic
For a stronger garlic flavor, add 1 to 2 extra cloves.
Storage
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet.
Store extra sauce with the chicken to help keep the meat moist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts?
Yes. Chicken breasts work well, though chicken thighs tend to stay more tender during slow cooking.
Can I prepare this ahead?
Yes. Mix the sauce and prepare the chicken ahead of time. Keep refrigerated until you are ready to cook.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
A cornstarch slurry made with cornstarch and cold water thickens the sauce quickly after cooking.
What should I serve with honey garlic chicken?
Rice and steamed broccoli make a simple combination. Noodles and roasted vegetables also work well.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours on low
Total Time: About 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4 to 6
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooker
Final Thoughts
Slow cooker honey garlic chicken gives you tender chicken and a flavorful sauce with little hands-on work.
Add the ingredients to your slow cooker, let dinner cook while you handle your day, then serve with rice and vegetables.
Save this recipe to your Slow Cooker & Crockpot Meals board for your next easy dinner.