Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a dish that melts in your mouth and floods your kitchen with incredible aromas, look no further than Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken. This recipe is loaded with tender, juicy chicken enveloped in a luscious, sweet-savory sauce that’s kissed with garlic and a zing of fresh ginger. With just a quick prep and your trusty slow cooker, you’ll have a comforting main course that tastes like a labor of love—even if all you actually did was toss everything in a pot and wait for magic to happen. Perfect for feed-a-crowd Sunday suppers or traffic-jam weeknights, this is one meal you’ll keep coming back to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These everyday ingredients come together in the slow cooker to create layers of flavor, rich color, and just the right amount of sticky-sweetness. Each one is essential in building the irresistible glaze that sets Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken apart.
- Chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs stay tender and juicy, soaking up every bit of flavor.
- Honey: Adds a rich, subtle sweetness that caramelizes and balances the savory notes.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Provides depth and saltiness without overpowering the dish.
- Ketchup: Brings a mild tang and gorgeous color to the sauce.
- Rice vinegar: Its gentle acidity brightens all the flavors and keeps the sauce from becoming too sweet.
- Minced garlic: The heart of the recipe, infusing every bite with fragrant, savory goodness.
- Fresh ginger: Offers pep and warmth, with a touch of spice that lingers softly on your palate.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a whisper of heat; add more if you love things spicy.
- Cornstarch mixed with water: Works wonders to thicken the sauce to the perfect clingy consistency.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Lend a nuttiness and a little crunch as a finishing touch.
- Green onions: These are the fresh and colorful garnish that wakes up every plate.
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Step 1: Prep Your Chicken
Start by laying the boneless, skinless chicken thighs evenly across the bottom of your slow cooker. This ensures that each piece gets nestled in the sauce and cooks evenly, turning out supremely tender by dinnertime.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Dreamy Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and (if you like it spicy) red pepper flakes. Give everything a good whisk so that the honey dissolves into the liquids and everything is perfectly combined—this guarantees you’ll get every note of sweet, savory, and zesty flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Pour, Cover, and Cook
Pour your gorgeous sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring every piece is coated. Pop the lid on, set your slow cooker to low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, and let the Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken work its magic. As the hours tick by, your kitchen will fill with the irresistible aroma of sweet garlic and savory soy.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is wonderfully tender and fully cooked, gently transfer it to a plate and shred it with two forks. You want succulent, bite-sized strands that’ll soak up every drop of that silky sauce.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce and Finish
Stir a quick slurry of cornstarch and water into the sauce left in the slow cooker. This simple trick thickens the sauce into a glossy glaze. Once combined, return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker, stir everything together, and let it cook on high for another 15–20 minutes—just until the sauce clings to every morsel.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Garnishes
Sprinkle your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken generously with sesame seeds and vibrant green onions. This provides a final pop of color, crunch, and a little burst of freshness to contrast the rich sauce—your plate will look (and taste) irresistible.
Side Dishes
This saucy chicken begs for something to soak up all that golden liquid. Serve over fluffy steamed jasmine or brown rice, nestle atop warm noodles, or pair with sautéed or steamed vegetables for a bright, light option. Don’t be shy about spooning extra sauce over everything!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fresh twist, tuck the chicken into lettuce wraps, spoon it over a grain bowl loaded with veggies, or stuff it inside a toasted sandwich bun for a mouthwatering honey garlic chicken sandwich. The flavorful possibilities will have you finding new favorites every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken cool to room temperature, and then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or easy lunches.
Freezing
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken freezes wonderfully. Simply portion cooled chicken (with a bit of extra sauce to keep it moist) into zip-top bags or freezer-safe containers. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir occasionally until evenly warmed through, and then garnish fresh as if you made it just now.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work—just be aware that they may turn out a little less juicy than thighs, but the flavors are still delicious. Keep an eye on cooking time, as breasts can dry out more quickly.
What can I use if I don’t have rice vinegar?
If rice vinegar isn’t handy, a splash of apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar makes a solid substitute. Just use the same amount and your sauce will still be bright and balanced.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken gluten-free, swap the regular soy sauce for tamari or certified gluten-free soy sauce. Double-check your other ingredient labels as well, just to be safe.
Can I make this spicier?
Definitely! Feel free to increase the red pepper flakes, add sriracha, or even stir in diced fresh chiles if you want to turn up the heat. Taste as you go to find your perfect spice level.
Will this work in an Instant Pot or stovetop?
Yes—if you’re in a hurry, you can use your Instant Pot on the slow cook or pressure cooker setting (adjust times accordingly), or simmer the mixture gently in a Dutch oven on the stove. The slow cooker method, though, really allows the flavors to mingle beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Give this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken a try and you’ll see why it’s the kind of recipe friends ask for and families request again and again. With minimal effort and tons of flavor, it’s a guaranteed weeknight hit—so go ahead and make your next meal extra memorable!
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Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is a delicious and easy Asian-inspired dish that is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Tender shredded chicken thighs are cooked in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, creating a flavorful meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For Thickening:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
- 2 green onions (sliced, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
- Make the Sauce: Whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Pour over the chicken.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove chicken, shred, then return to the slow cooker.
- Thicken the Sauce: Mix cornstarch with water, add to the slow cooker, and cook until thickened.
- Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
Notes
- This dish is great over rice, noodles, or vegetables.
- For a spicier version, increase the red pepper flakes or add sriracha.
- Chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
