The moment I walk into my kitchen and catch a whiff of garlic mingling with honey, I know a magical dish is on the way. This Easy Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken has become my go-to for those busy evenings when I crave something hearty yet uncomplicated. All it takes is a handful of simple ingredients, and I’m transported to the comforting flavors of my favorite takeout, but with the wholesome twist of homemade goodness.
As the chicken cooks to tender perfection, the sticky, aromatic sauce envelops it, creating that ideal balance of sweet and savory that the whole family will adore. Whether you’re welcoming guests or just feeding your crew after a long day, this dish is sure to impress without any stress. Plus, it’s easily adaptable! Switch up the cuts of chicken or toss in some vibrant veggies to make it your own. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that’s not just simple—it’s sure to become a cherished part of your family meals.
Why is Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Great?
Ease of Preparation: With just a handful of ingredients, dinner is ready without fuss.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey and garlic creates a sweet and savory sauce that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Family-Friendly: Perfect for any night, this dish appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime stress-free.
Time-Saving: Set it and forget it! This recipe allows you to enjoy freshly cooked comfort food with minimal effort.
Versatile Options: Feel free to adapt it with different cuts of chicken or add your favorite veggies for a complete meal. Enjoy this home-cooked homage to takeout that everyone loves!
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Ingredients
For the Chicken
• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts – Recommended for moist and juicy results; chicken thighs particularly shine in this recipe.
For the Sauce
• Low-sodium soy sauce – Adds the perfect umami flavor with less sodium guilt.
• Honey – Provides sweetness and creates that beloved sticky texture in the sauce.
• Tomato paste – Enhances the flavor depth; feel free to omit if you’d prefer a lighter sauce.
• Chili paste (sambal oelek, sriracha, or hot sauce) – Introduces a customizable heat level to your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken; adjust as you like!
• Garlic (minced) – Infuses the dish with aromatic goodness; using fresh garlic ensures the best flavor.
• Rice vinegar – Balances the sweetness with acidity; apple cider vinegar can be a fine substitute if you need.
• Cornstarch – Optional thickening agent for the sauce; add to suit your preference for a luscious finish.
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
-
Prepare the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts in the bottom of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker, ensuring they are layered evenly for optimal cooking.
-
Mix the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, honey, tomato paste, chili paste, minced garlic, and rice vinegar. This mixture is the heart of your dish, so give it a good stir to combine.
-
Combine in Slow Cooker: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in your slow cooker, ensuring each piece is coated to soak up all those rich flavors.
-
Cook it Low and Slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is cooked through.
-
Flip for Flavor: If you can, flip the chicken halfway through cooking. This helps achieve an even coating of that sticky sauce, enhancing the flavor throughout.
-
Thicken the Sauce: After cooking, remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Whisk in cornstarch into the liquid in the slow cooker, then cook on HIGH for an additional 15-30 minutes until the sauce is thickened to your liking.
-
Optional Quick Thicken: For faster results, you can also transfer the cooking liquid to a saucepan on the stovetop and heat until it thickens.
Optional: Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions before serving for an added crunch and freshness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken preparations are perfect for those busy weeknights when time is scarce! You can marinate the chicken in the sauce and store it in the refrigerator up to 24 hours before cooking, allowing the flavors to soak in deeply. Additionally, you can cook the chicken and sauce in the slow cooker, then cool it and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken in the slow cooker on HIGH for about 30 minutes until heated through. For optimal quality, ensure the chicken is well-coated in the sauce to prevent dryness. Trust me, this make-ahead method will make your dinner stress-free while still delivering delicious, homemade flavor!
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken?
Creating the perfect meal around this enticing dish can truly elevate your dining experience. Here are some delightful pairings to complement those sweet and savory flavors.
-
Fluffy Jasmine Rice: Perfect for soaking up the luscious sauce, jasmine rice brings a light texture and floral scent that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
-
Steamed Broccoli: A simple side that’s full of nutrients and adds a lovely crunch, enhancing both flavor and presentation on your dinner plate.
-
Garlic Breadsticks: These soft and buttery bites provide a delightful contrast, perfect for sopping up every last bit of the sticky sauce.
-
Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their earthy flavor and crispy edges offer a wonderful texture, balancing the sweetness of the chicken and adding depth to the meal.
-
Sesame Noodles: Tossed with soy sauce and sesame oil, these noodles complement the Asian-inspired flavors while providing a satisfying, slurpy experience.
-
Chilled Cucumber Salad: A refreshing side dish with a zingy dressing that brightens the meal—perfect for cutting through the richness of the chicken.
-
Fruit Salad: A light and zesty fruit medley can cleanse the palate and add a sweet, fresh conclusion to the meal, making it all the more inviting.
-
Iced Green Tea: This subtly sweet and refreshing drink purifies the flavors of your dish, and it’s a wonderful, healthful beverage choice for a family dinner.
-
Chocolate Mousse: Adding a decadent dessert can wrap up the meal with a hint of indulgence, contrasting the main course’s sweet-savory profile with rich, satisfying chocolate.
Expert Tips for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Thicker Sauce: Use less cornstarch if desired; adjust gradually to reach your preferred consistency for the sauce.
Check Doneness: Always ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to prevent drying out, especially with the Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken.
Seasonal Vegetables: For a vibrant dish, add bell peppers or broccoli during the last hour of cooking. This boosts nutrition and color!
Choose Chicken Wisely: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juiciness, but feel free to experiment with breasts based on your preference.
Heat Adjustment: Customize the heat level in your sauce by varying the chili paste; perfect for making a milder or spicier version.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine as you personalize this recipe with delightful twists and swaps!
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a soy-free, dairy-free option that boasts a unique flavor.
- Sweetener Swap: Try maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan-friendly and equally delicious sweetness.
- Extra Vegetables: Add bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas in the last hour of cooking for a nutritious boost and vibrant color.
- Spice Levels: Increase the amount of chili paste or toss in red pepper flakes for a fiery kick that spice lovers will appreciate.
- Herb Infusion: Stir in some fresh ginger or lemongrass to the sauce before cooking for an aromatic twist that elevates the dish.
- Different Protein: Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh for a vegan alternative that absorbs the sauce beautifully.
- Asian Twist: Add a splash of sesame oil to the sauce for a deeper, nutty flavor reminiscent of authentic Asian cuisine.
- Thicker Sauce: For an extra-rich consistency, double the cornstarch or add a slurry of cornstarch and water during the last minutes of cooking.
How to Store and Freeze Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken in sauce for up to 2 months; transfer to freezer-safe containers for best results.
Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until steaming hot.
Reheating: For best results, reheat in a saucepan to retain sauce consistency, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juiciness, as they hold moisture well during slow cooking. If you prefer chicken breasts, that’s fine too, but they may be slightly drier if overcooked. Always look for chicken that is fresh, with no dark spots, and has a clean smell.
How should I store leftovers of Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to let it cool completely before sealing to maintain freshness. If you’re into meal prep, this dish is perfect for making ahead!
Can I freeze Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken? What’s the best method?
Yes, you can! Freeze cooked chicken in its sauce for up to 2 months. Simply transfer it to freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. To reheat, gently warm on the stove, adding a splash of water if needed to keep the sauce from getting too thick.
My sauce isn’t thickening as expected; what should I do?
Very! If your sauce isn’t thickening, try gradually adding more cornstarch mixed with a bit of water into the slow cooker. Allow it to cook on HIGH for another 15-30 minutes until it thickens. If you’re in a hurry, transferring the liquid to a saucepan on the stovetop is also effective—it tends to thicken faster.
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Yes! Since this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken contains soy sauce, those with gluten allergies should opt for a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Additionally, if you or anyone you’re serving has diabetes, consider reducing the amount of honey or substituting with a lower-calorie sweetener. Always check ingredients for allergens if you’re serving guests.
What vegetables can I add to make it a complete meal?
Absolutely, the more the merrier! You can add bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas during the last 30-60 minutes of cooking. This not only enhances nutrition but also adds vibrant color to the dish. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking!
Savory Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Made Easy for Dinner
Equipment
- - Slow Cooker
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Sauce
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste can be omitted for a lighter sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili paste like sambal oelek or sriracha, to taste
- 4 cloves garlic minced, fresh is best
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar apple cider vinegar can be substituted
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch optional for thickening
Instructions
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts in the bottom of a slow cooker, ensuring they are layered evenly.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, honey, tomato paste, chili paste, minced garlic, and rice vinegar.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in your slow cooker, ensuring each piece is coated.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours until cooked through.
- If possible, flip the chicken halfway through cooking for even flavor.
- After cooking, remove the chicken and whisk in cornstarch into the sauce.
- Cook on HIGH for an additional 15-30 minutes until thickened to your preference.
- Optionally garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions before serving.