Juicy slow cooker honey garlic chicken with a sticky sauce. Easy family-friendly meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple dump-and-go crockpot meal
- Sweet, savory, and garlicky flavor
- Family-friendly and kid-approved
- Budget-friendly ingredients
- Perfect for meal prep or leftovers
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Optional Thickener
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water
Optional Toppings
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place chicken in the bottom of the crockpot.
- In a bowl, whisk honey, soy sauce, garlic, ketchup, vinegar, sesame oil, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
- Remove chicken and shred or slice.
- (Optional) Whisk cornstarch slurry into the sauce and cook on HIGH for 10–15 minutes to thicken.
- Return chicken to the crockpot and toss to coat.
Equipment
- Slow cooker (crockpot)
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Forks for shredding
Tips & Variations
- Chicken thighs stay extra juicy and flavorful
- Swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos
- Add broccoli or bell peppers in the last hour
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice
- Pair with steamed broccoli or green beans
- Use leftovers for wraps, bowls, or lettuce cups
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds
Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving)
- Calories: 360
- Protein: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 10g
Conclusion
This Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken is sweet, savory, and incredibly easy to make. It’s the kind of slow cooker recipe you’ll keep on repeat for busy nights when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort. Save it, pin it, and enjoy.
FAQ
Can I freeze crockpot honey garlic chicken?
Yes, freeze fully cooked chicken in sauce for up to 2 months.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but thighs stay juicier in the slow cooker.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Use a cornstarch slurry and cook on HIGH for 10–15 minutes.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats beautifully and is great for meal prep.