There’s something magical about a slow-cooked chicken that falls apart with the touch of a fork and bursts with sticky, savory-sweet flavor. This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken delivers exactly that—a rich, glossy sauce clinging to tender pieces of chicken, balanced with bold garlic, soy, and the mellow sweetness of honey.

Whether you’re prepping for a busy weeknight or planning a cozy weekend meal, this dish makes dinnertime feel effortless. Minimal prep and maximum comfort, it’s a set-it-and-forget-it recipe that fills your kitchen with the most irresistible aroma by the time dinner rolls around.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To get the best out of your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken, you’ll need just a few key kitchen tools:

Slow Cooker (Crockpot): The star of this recipe, it allows the chicken to slowly tenderize and absorb all the deep flavors of the sauce.
Mixing Bowl: Essential for whisking the honey garlic sauce together before adding to the slow cooker.
Tongs: Perfect for flipping the chicken during searing (if you opt for a quick pre-sear).

Whisk: Helps blend the ingredients of the sauce smoothly, ensuring an even flavor throughout.
Garlic Press (optional): For getting that fresh garlic punch without mincing by hand.

These simple tools make preparation fast and cleanup easy, giving you more time to enjoy the end result.

Ingredients for the Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Each ingredient in this recipe brings a necessary element to balance sweetness, savoriness, and richness:

Chicken thighs (boneless, skinless): Juicy and tender, they hold up perfectly to slow cooking without drying out.
Honey: The natural sweetness that forms the sticky glaze and complements the savory garlic.

Garlic cloves (minced or pressed): Essential for that deep, aromatic kick that defines the flavor profile.
Soy sauce (low-sodium): Provides the umami base and salt balance.
Ketchup: Adds tang, richness, and a touch of acidity to round out the sauce.

Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar: A splash of acid helps balance the sweetness of the honey.
Cornstarch + Water: For thickening the sauce to that perfect, clingy consistency.
Sesame seeds (optional): For garnish and a gentle nutty finish.

Green onions (optional): Adds a fresh pop of color and bite just before serving.

How To Make the Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, and minced garlic until smooth. This forms your base sauce, full of sweet, salty, and tangy flavor.

Step 2: Arrange the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker. You can season lightly with pepper, but salt isn’t necessary thanks to the soy sauce.

Step 3: Pour and Cook

Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure all pieces are coated. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2.5-3 hours, until the chicken is tender.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Remove the cooked chicken and set it aside briefly. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir this into the sauce in the slow cooker and let it cook on high for 10-15 minutes until thickened.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Return the chicken to the thickened sauce, coating well. Serve with steamed rice or roasted veggies. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.

Serving and Storing Honey Garlic Chicken

Serve this flavorful chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice, jasmine rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. It also pairs beautifully with steamed broccoli, snap peas, or roasted sweet potatoes.

To store leftovers, let the chicken cool completely and transfer to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of water.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the sauce from being too runny?

Be sure to thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry after cooking. Let it simmer in the slow cooker uncovered for 10-15 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but keep in mind that chicken breasts can dry out more quickly. Thighs offer better flavor and tenderness in a slow cooker.

Do I need to sear the chicken before slow cooking?

No, but you can sear the chicken for a few minutes per side to add extra flavor and color before adding it to the slow cooker.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.

What should I serve with this dish?

Rice, noodles, steamed or roasted vegetables, or even in a lettuce wrap for a lighter meal.

Want More Chicken Ideas with Bold Flavor?

If you loved this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken, check out these other delicious dishes on Life With Olivia:

Sweet Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot for a savory take with a hint of brown sugar.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole for a creamy, comforting baked dish.
Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet for a buttery, rich one-pan wonder.
Savory Chicken Wraps with Garlic Cream Sauce if you like handheld dinners with flavor-packed sauces.

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini for pasta lovers who crave comfort.

And for even more dinner ideas, visit my Pinterest board where I share daily recipes: Life With Olivia on Pinterest.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you tweak the sauce? Serve it with noodles or rice?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter, not harder!

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Author: Olivia McKenney

Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky richness. With minimal prep and incredible flavor, it’s a weeknight or weekend favorite. Tender chicken thighs are coated in a sticky honey garlic glaze made right in your slow cooker—no fuss, just flavor.