This slow cooker honey garlic chicken is tender, flavorful, and irresistibly saucy, perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a satisfying, home-cooked meal without the hassle. With just a few pantry staples like honey, garlic, soy sauce, and some chicken thighs, your slow cooker does all the work to create a dish the whole family will love.

I first discovered this recipe during a particularly hectic week. Between work deadlines, soccer practice, and errands, I needed a dinner that could practically cook itself and this honey garlic chicken delivered!

The combination of sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and fragrant garlic creates a sauce so good, you’ll want to drizzle it over everything. Paired with rice, pasta, or even a fresh salad, it’s become one of my go-to easy crockpot dinners.

What’s Inside This Recipe?

Why I Love This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

There’s something magical about slow cooker meals, and this one is no exception. Here’s why I keep coming back to this recipe:

It’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal. Just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, and let it work its magic while you get on with your day.
The sauce is a perfect balance of sweet and savory, with hints of garlic and soy that soak perfectly into the tender chicken thighs.
It’s versatile! Serve it over rice, noodles, or even alongside roasted veggies. You can also shred the chicken for wraps or sandwiches.

If you’re looking for an easy, flavorful crockpot dinner that the whole family will request again and again, this one’s for you.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

This recipe keeps things simple with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry or fridge. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 pounds of chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless, skin removed)
½ cup honey
¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium is best)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional but adds great flavor)
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 teaspoons cornstarch (for thickening the sauce)
2 tablespoons water (for the cornstarch slurry)
Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)

You’ll also need a slow cooker (any size works, but a 4- to 6-quart model is ideal).

How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Making this dish couldn’t be easier. Here’s how to do it:

1. Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, ketchup, and sesame oil. This will be the base of that irresistible sauce.

2. Arrange the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker in a single layer. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the top, ensuring every piece is well-coated.

3. Slow Cook the Chicken

Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and easy to pull apart with a fork.

4. Thicken the Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and set it aside. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry.

Stir it into the sauce in the slow cooker, then cover and cook on high for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.

5. Serve and Garnish

Return the chicken to the slow cooker to coat it in the sauce. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions if desired. Pair it with rice, pasta, or a crisp side salad for a complete meal.

How to Serve Your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

This dish is incredibly versatile, so you can customize it to suit your family’s tastes. Here are a few serving ideas:

Spoon the chicken and sauce over steamed white or jasmine rice for a classic pairing.
Serve it over pasta for a fun twist, egg noodles or spaghetti work beautifully.
Add a fresh, crunchy salad on the side to balance the rich sauce. A simple cucumber salad or coleslaw would pair well.
For a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice or sautéed zucchini noodles.

Storing and Enjoying Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store and reheat them:

Refrigerate: Store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Warm leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge.

Top Tips for Customizing Your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

This recipe is flexible enough to adapt to your preferences. Here are some easy ways to customize:

Swap the Chicken: While chicken thighs are my favorite for their tenderness, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or even drumsticks. Adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
Add Veggies: Toss in some veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a one-pot meal.
Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Make It Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.

Your Questions About Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Answered

Can I use frozen chicken thighs in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs, but for food safety, I recommend thawing them first. This ensures even cooking and the best texture.

What can I use instead of cornstarch to thicken the sauce?

Arrowroot powder or all-purpose flour can work as substitutes. If using flour, mix it with a bit of water and cook the sauce until thickened.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Portion it into individual containers with rice or veggies for easy, grab-and-go lunches.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the ingredients as long as your slow cooker is large enough. The cooking time should remain the same.

What should I do if my sauce is too thick?

If the sauce thickens too much, simply stir in a little water or chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency.

Try This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Tonight!

This slow cooker honey garlic chicken is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal-prepping for the week, or simply looking for an easy crockpot dinner, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.

I can’t wait for you to try it, let me know how it turns out in the comments below! And if you’re looking for more easy crockpot chicken recipes, be sure to check out my other favorites on WandaRecipes.com. Happy cooking!