Try This Irresistible Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Tender and juicy slow cooker honey garlic chicken promises a mouthwatering dinner that transforms weeknight meals into something special.

My kitchen always comes alive with incredible aromas when this simple recipe starts simmering.

Minimal ingredients create maximum flavor through a clever combination of sweet and savory elements.

The magic happens when honey meets garlic, creating a glaze that clings perfectly to each chicken piece.

Rich, caramelized notes develop slowly, infusing the meat with deep, comforting tastes that everyone will love.

Busy home cooks appreciate how effortlessly this dish comes together with just a few quick steps.

Prepare to savor every delicious bite of this crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Serving Ideas for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

• Serve with a crisp Riesling white wine that balances the sweet and savory notes of the dish. Its slight sweetness and acidity cut through the rich chicken sauce.
• Choose steamed jasmine rice as a base, which absorbs the delicious sauce and provides a soft, fluffy counterpoint to the tender chicken. The mild rice flavor lets the honey garlic profile shine.
• Add roasted broccoli or asparagus on the side to introduce a green, slightly crunchy element that provides nutritional balance and a fresh taste against the hearty chicken.
• Consider a light side salad with a citrus vinaigrette, which will introduce bright, tangy notes that complement the dish's herbal hints of thyme and basil.

Flavor Variations for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

• Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken: Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a fiery kick and extra heat that transforms the dish.
• Gluten-Free Version: Replace traditional soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Lighter Low-Carb Option: Substitute honey with sugar-free maple syrup or monk fruit sweetener and serve over cauliflower rice for a reduced-carbohydrate meal.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Swap chicken with firm tofu or jackfruit, maintaining the original sauce recipe and cooking method for a plant-based protein option.

Why Everyone Loves Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

• Simplifies dinner preparation with minimal hands-on time and maximum flavor.
• Requires just 10 minutes of prep and allows busy home cooks to enjoy a delicious meal without constant monitoring.
• Combines sweet and savory ingredients that appeal to both kids and adults, making it a crowd-pleasing dinner option.
• Easily serves over rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables, providing flexible serving options for different dietary preferences.

What You’ll Need for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

• Chicken: Tender meat that absorbs the flavorful sauce, best with boneless chicken breasts or thighs for easy cooking.

• Honey, Soy Sauce: Sweet and salty base that creates a rich, glossy coating for the chicken.
• Ketchup: Adds depth and tangy sweetness to the sauce.
• Rice Vinegar: Provides a light acidic balance to the sweet sauce.

• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings intense aromatic flavor to the dish.
• Thyme, Basil: Herbs that add subtle earthy and slightly peppery notes.

• Cornstarch, Water: Creates a smooth slurry to thicken the sauce and give it a glossy finish.

• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Optional toppings that add fresh crunch and nutty texture.

Cooking Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken at Home

Step 1: Whip Up Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Ketchup
• Garlic
• Rice vinegar
• Thyme
• Basil

Grab a mixing bowl and energetically whisk all ingredients until they blend into a silky, aromatic sauce that promises mouthwatering goodness.

Step 2: Nestle Chicken in Liquid Gold

Place chicken pieces into your slow cooker and generously drench them with the prepared sauce, making sure every inch gets coated with the magical mixture.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover your slow cooker and let the magic happen. On low setting, allow chicken to simmer for 4-5 hours or on high setting for 2-3 hours until meat becomes incredibly tender and juicy.

Step 4: Transform Sauce into Luscious Glaze

Create a quick cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with water. Stir this into the cooking liquid, cover, and cook on high for 15-20 minutes until sauce transforms into a glossy, rich coating.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the chicken for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve alongside fluffy rice or steamed vegetables for a complete meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Pro Tips for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

• Maximize Flavor Depth: Marinate chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes before slow cooking to enhance taste absorption and create more intense flavor profiles.
• Sauce Consistency Control: Adjust cornstarch slurry gradually to prevent over-thickening, adding small amounts until desired sauce texture is achieved.
• Dietary Modification Options: Swap regular soy sauce with tamari for gluten-free version or use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt intake without compromising taste.
• Meal Prep Efficiency: Double the recipe and freeze half for quick future meals, storing cooked chicken and sauce in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
• Garnish Enhancements: Experiment with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley instead of green onions for varied flavor dimensions and visual appeal.

How to Reheat Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Right

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Splash a little extra sauce to prevent drying.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent slow cooker honey garlic chicken delivers a symphony of sweet and savory flavors that dance across dinner plates. Tender meat glazed with rich garlic-infused honey promises a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

Sauce Ingredients:

• 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) honey
• 0.33 cup (80 milliliters) low-sodium soy sauce
• 0.25 cup (60 milliliters) ketchup
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)

Herbs and Thickeners:

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) water

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Instructions

1. Craft a harmonious blend of honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, rice vinegar, thyme, and basil in a mixing vessel, whisking until the mixture achieves a silky, uniform consistency.
2. Nestle chicken pieces into the slow cooker, then lavishly drench with the prepared sauce, ensuring each morsel is thoroughly enrobed.
3. Secure the lid and allow the chicken to gently simmer on low temperature for 4-5 hours, or expedite the process on high heat for 2-3 hours until the meat reaches peak tenderness and is completely cooked through.
4. Create a cornstarch slurry by combining cornstarch with water, then introduce this thickening agent into the slow cooker, stirring to integrate.
5. Replace the lid and elevate the heat to high, allowing the sauce to transform and condense for an additional 15-20 minutes, developing a luxurious, glossy texture.
6. Transfer the succulent chicken to a serving platter, cascading the rich sauce over the top.
7. Optional: Embellish with a sprinkle of sliced green onions and a delicate shower of sesame seeds for visual and textural intrigue.
8. Present alongside fluffy rice or a medley of steamed seasonal vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal.

Notes

• Swap honey with agave nectar for a vegan-friendly version that maintains the sweet glaze.
• Use reduced-sodium soy sauce to control salt intake and create a healthier meal option.
• Customize heat levels by adding red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce for those who enjoy spicier profiles.
• Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature for food safety, using a meat thermometer to check doneness accurately.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg