Go Back
Slow cooker honey garlic chicken served on rice

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

This easy slow cooker honey garlic chicken is a delicious, sweet and savory meal made with tender chicken thighs, garlic, honey, and soy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend meal prep, it’s a flavorful dish the whole family will love.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 6

Equipment

  • Slow cooker (4–6 quart)
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Cutting board & knife
  • Tongs or slotted spoon
  • Optional: small saucepan (if thickening sauce separately)

Ingredients
  

  • Main Ingredients:
  • 2 lbs 900g boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
  • ½ cup honey
  • ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 4 –6 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger or 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil optional
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
  • Cornstarch Slurry Optional – to thicken sauce:
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water
  • Garnish Optional:
  • Sesame seeds
  • Chopped green onions
  • Fresh cilantro

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Chicken: Trim any excess fat from the chicken. Optional: sear chicken for 1–2 minutes per side in a hot skillet for extra flavor.
  • Mix the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
  • Combine in Slow Cooker: Place chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker and pour the sauce evenly over the top.
  • Cook:
  • On Low: Cook for 6–7 hours
  • On High: Cook for 3–4 hours
  • Chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) and be fork-tender.
  • Thicken the Sauce (Optional): In the last 30 minutes of cooking, remove the chicken. Mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry, stir it into the sauce, and cook until thickened. Return the chicken and coat with the sauce.
  • Serve: Serve whole or shredded over rice, noodles, or with steamed vegetables. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Notes

For a leaner option, use chicken breasts but reduce cook time slightly.
Add vegetables (like broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots) during the last hour of cooking for a full one-pot meal.
Sauce can be thickened on the stovetop if desired.
Freezer-friendly: Freeze leftovers in portions for easy future meals.
Keyword slow cooker honey garlic chicken, crockpot honey garlic chicken, honey garlic chicken recipe, slow cooker chicken dinner, easy chicken slow cooker