Introduction
This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a true lifesaver for hectic days. The chicken becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender while soaking up the sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors of honey, garlic, and soy sauce. The rich sauce pairs wonderfully with fluffy rice, noodles, or even roasted vegetables, making it a versatile meal that everyone will love.
What makes this recipe even better is the simplicity of preparation. With just a handful of ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a flavorful dish with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this dish is a delicious go-to recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
Directions
- Arrange the chicken thighs in the slow cooker and season lightly with salt and black pepper.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, oregano, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour this mixture over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- For a thicker sauce, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and set it aside. Combine cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then whisk it into the sauce. Turn the slow cooker to high and cook the sauce for an additional 10-15 minutes until it thickens. Return the chicken to the sauce.
- Serve the chicken with sauce drizzled over the top. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Variations
- Protein Alternatives: Swap chicken thighs with chicken breasts, pork tenderloin, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
- Spicy Version: Add Sriracha or extra red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.
- Citrus Flavor: Add a squeeze of fresh lime or orange juice for a tangy twist.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make it gluten-free.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
10 FAQs
1. Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time slightly as bone-in chicken takes longer to cook through.
2. What’s the best side dish for this chicken?
Steamed rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes are excellent options to soak up the sauce.
3. Can I cook this on the stovetop?
Yes, simmer the chicken in a large skillet over low heat for about 30-40 minutes, turning occasionally.
4. Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Absolutely! Add carrots, bell peppers, or broccoli during the last hour of cooking.
5. Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, the sweet and savory flavor is often a hit with kids. Adjust the spice level as needed.
6. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients and store them in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
7. How do I know the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
8. What if I don’t have ketchup?
You can use tomato paste mixed with a bit of sugar and vinegar as a substitute.
9. Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?
Yes, maple syrup or brown sugar are great alternatives.
10. Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can use a Dutch oven or a covered skillet over low heat on the stovetop.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is an easy yet flavorful dish that delivers comfort in every bite. The tender chicken, combined with the sweet and savory sauce, makes it a recipe your family will request time and time again. Pair it with your favorite sides for a wholesome, satisfying meal that’s as simple to make as it is delicious!
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 1 hour hr
Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins
Category Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 5 people
Calories 385 kcal
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is an irresistible combination of tender chicken simmered in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when comfort food is a must.
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch optional, for thickening
- 1 tablespoon water optional, for thickening
Arrange the chicken thighs in the slow cooker and season lightly with salt and black pepper.
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, oregano, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour this mixture over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated.
Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
For a thicker sauce, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and set it aside. Combine cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then whisk it into the sauce. Turn the slow cooker to high and cook the sauce for an additional 10-15 minutes until it thickens. Return the chicken to the sauce.
Serve the chicken with sauce drizzled over the top. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions if desired.
Chicken: I use and recommend boneless, skinless chicken thighs, but you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts as well. (It's just a little less flavorful.)
Soy sauce: Want to make this gluten-free? Just sub some gluten-free tamari for the soy sauce.
Red pepper flakes: You can adjust the heat of this dish by adjusting how much red pepper flakes you use. As is, it’s a low-medium level of spicy. I use a bit less than what the recipe calls for when I’m making it for my kids and they’re fine with it.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
