This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a flavorful, hands-free dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a hungry crowd. With tender chicken simmered in a sticky honey garlic sauce, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a hint of heat. Pair it with rice, quinoa, or veggies for a complete meal that everyone will love!
Table of Contents
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts
- ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons chili paste (sambal oelek, sriracha, or hot sauce of choice)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
For Serving:
- Brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Chopped green onion
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the sauce:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, tomato paste, chili paste, garlic, and rice vinegar until smooth.
Step 2 – Add to the slow cooker:
Place the chicken in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker and pour the sauce over it. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the chicken reaches 165°F internally. Flip the chicken once halfway through if possible.
Step 3 – Thicken the sauce:
Remove the chicken and set it aside to cool slightly. Whisk the cornstarch into the slow cooker liquid. Cover and cook on HIGH for 15–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
Shortcut: Transfer the liquid to a saucepan and cook on the stove for 5–10 minutes for faster thickening.
Step 4 – Shred and serve:
Shred the chicken with two forks and stir it back into the sauce. Serve hot over rice or quinoa, then top with sesame seeds and green onions.
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Conclusion
This Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken is a perfect mix of sweet and savory, made with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Whether for meal prep or a big family dinner, it’s a guaranteed hit that tastes like takeout but healthier and homemade!
If you’re looking for another easy, crowd-pleasing chicken dinner, try my Crockpot Chicken Fajitas next bold, colorful, and bursting with flavor!
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but it’s best to thaw the chicken first for even cooking and to avoid adding extra liquid to the sauce.
How can I make it spicier?
Add more chili paste, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a few slices of fresh jalapeño for an extra kick.
Can I meal prep this recipe?
Absolutely! Store cooled portions in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer perfect for weekly meal prep.