Welcome to your new favorite weeknight dinner! This 5-star Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is the epitome of effortless cooking, delivering a mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for busy families. With just 5 simple ingredients, you can achieve incredibly tender, juicy chicken enveloped in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. It’s so simple, even the pickiest eaters will ask for seconds, making it a true family champion.
This honey garlic chicken recipe, designed for the slow cooker, has quickly become a beloved favorite among our Fit Foodie Finds community. Its combination of convenience, incredible flavor, and simple ingredients means it’s a recipe many of you return to again and again. We’re confident that once you try it, it will earn a permanent spot in your weekly rotation!
The timeless flavor combination of honey and garlic is truly magical. When blended with savory soy sauce, it creates a glaze that’s versatile enough to complement nearly anything. For a complete and satisfying meal, I particularly enjoy serving this delicious honey garlic chicken over fluffy rice alongside perfectly steamed broccoli. It’s a harmonious pairing that truly elevates a simple dinner.
What makes this slow cooker honey garlic chicken truly exceptional is its ability to deliver a complex flavor profile—sweet, savory, and subtly spicy—all from just five core ingredients. The beauty of slow cooking means you can achieve perfectly tender and succulent chicken with minimal effort. Simply set your slow cooker to high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-5 hours, and let the magic happen. This hands-off approach ensures a delicious meal awaits you without the stress of constant monitoring.
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“I have been making this recipe for a couple years and it is one of my absolute favorite meals because it is so convenient and delicious!! It’s made with ingredients I always have on hand and is very low effort with the crock pot. I also recently started to make it as a freezer meal to give to friends with newborns and have gotten asked for the recipe multiple times! You won’t regret making this one!!!” -Kenna
What Makes Up This Amazing Honey Garlic Chicken?
You read that correctly! This incredibly flavorful and tender slow cooker honey garlic chicken requires only 5 key ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry. Simplicity meets deliciousness in this recipe, proving that you don’t need a long list of exotic items to create an unforgettable meal.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: We opt for chicken breasts for their lean protein content and quick cooking time, but boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent alternative if you prefer dark meat or a richer flavor. They also hold up wonderfully to slow cooking.
- Minced Garlic: This recipe calls for a generous three tablespoons of minced garlic. Don’t be shy – this is where a significant portion of the “garlic” in honey garlic chicken comes from, infusing the sauce with incredible aromatic depth and flavor. Trust us on this one; it’s essential for that robust taste!
- Honey: As a natural sweetener, honey not only provides the perfect balance to the savory and spicy elements but also contributes to the beautiful sticky glaze of the finished sauce. Its complex sweetness pairs beautifully with garlic and soy sauce.
- Soy Sauce (or Tamari): This ingredient is crucial for adding a rich, umami-packed savory depth and a touch of saltiness that ties all the flavors together. For those sensitive to gluten, tamari is a fantastic gluten-free alternative that delivers the same great taste.
- Red Chili Garlic Sauce: If you enjoy a hint of warmth and a subtle kick without overwhelming spice, red chili garlic sauce is your secret weapon. A little goes a long way to enhance the complexity of the sauce and add that irresistible zing.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Honey Garlic Chicken
This honey garlic chicken recipe offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory, with a subtle hint of spice. The honey provides a rich, natural sweetness that beautifully complements the pungent, aromatic garlic and the salty depth of soy sauce. The optional chili garlic sauce introduces a gentle warmth, resulting in a sticky, flavorful, and utterly delicious glaze that coats every piece of tender chicken.
For this recipe, we primarily use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which cook up tender and absorb the sauce wonderfully. However, if you prefer the richness and moisture of dark meat, boneless or bone-in chicken thighs are an excellent substitute. Both options work incredibly well in the slow cooker, resulting in succulent chicken that easily shreds.
One of the greatest advantages of this slow cooker honey garlic chicken recipe is its simplicity. There is absolutely no need to brown the chicken beforehand! Simply place the raw chicken breasts or thighs directly into your slow cooker, pour the prepared sauce over them, and let the slow cooker do all the work. This saves you time and reduces cleanup.
It’s common for slow cooker dishes to sometimes appear watery, and there’s a simple explanation. As chicken cooks in a covered slow cooker, it releases its natural moisture. This steam then condenses on the underside of the lid and drips back down into the cooking liquid, making the sauce seem thinner or “watery.” This is completely normal! If you prefer a thicker sauce, a cornstarch slurry (as detailed in our instructions) is an easy solution.
Our honey garlic chicken is celebrated for its straightforward yet powerful flavor profile, achieved with just five core ingredients: boneless skinless chicken (breasts or thighs), plenty of minced garlic, sweet honey, savory soy sauce (or tamari), and a touch of red chili garlic sauce for that perfect hint of heat.
Most traditional honey garlic chicken recipes are designed to be mild, focusing on the sweet and savory notes. However, the beauty of homemade cooking is customization! Our recipe includes chili garlic sauce, allowing you to control the heat level. You can easily adjust the amount, or even add a dash of sriracha, to kick up the spice to your preference.
Check it out!
6 More Incredible Crockpot Chicken Recipes
Craving more delicious and easy crockpot chicken dishes? Look no further! This collection features a variety of our top-rated slow cooker chicken recipes. And for an extra bonus, explore our Crockpot Freezer Meals guide, where we show you how to transform these fantastic slow cooker meals into convenient freezer-friendly options, saving you even more time on busy evenings.
- Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
- Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
- Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Casserole
- Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
- Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Soup
- Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken (You’re already here!)
Quick & Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Instant Pot Instructions
For those times when you need dinner on the table even faster, this honey garlic chicken recipe adapts beautifully to the Instant Pot. Enjoy all the same delicious flavors with a significantly shorter cooking time.
- Combine Ingredients: Place your chicken breasts and the prepared honey garlic sauce directly into the Instant Pot insert.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the lid, ensure the vent is sealed, and cook on high pressure for 8-10 minutes. Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure.
- Shred Chicken: Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the Instant Pot. Using two forks, easily shred the tender chicken right in a bowl.
- Thicken Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove 1/4 cup of the liquid from the Instant Pot. In a separate small bowl, whisk this liquid with 1/2 tablespoon of cornstarch until smooth.
- Combine & Simmer: Pour the cornstarch mixture back into the Instant Pot with the remaining sauce. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and mix well to combine.
- Activate Thickener: Turn on the “Sauté” feature (on low) and bring the sauce to a gentle boil, stirring constantly. This will activate the cornstarch and thicken the sauce.
- Serve Immediately: Once your sauce reaches the desired thickness, turn off the Instant Pot and serve your delicious honey garlic chicken without delay.
Instant Pot
Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
If you’ve fallen in love with this recipe, you might also enjoy our specialized Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe for a slightly different, equally delicious variation featuring the rich flavor of chicken thighs.
How to Store Cooked Honey Garlic Chicken
Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious honey garlic chicken for days to come. After allowing the chicken to cool completely, transfer it to an airtight container. It can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. For optimal freshness and flavor, we recommend storing the honey garlic chicken separately from any accompanying ingredients like rice or vegetables, allowing you to reheat and combine them just before serving.
Make Ahead: Freezer Meal Instructions
This honey garlic chicken recipe is an ideal candidate for meal prepping and freezer storage, making it incredibly convenient for future busy evenings. It’s perfect whether you’re planning ahead for yourself or preparing a thoughtful meal for friends or loved ones (like new parents!).
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, and red chili garlic sauce until the honey has completely dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
- Assemble Freezer Bag: Place your boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) into a freezer-safe, gallon-sized bag. Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken.
- Seal and Freeze: Remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing it tightly. Lay the bag flat in your freezer to freeze for up to 3 months.
Ready to turn your frozen meal into a fantastic dinner? Check out our guide here for detailed instructions on how to safely reheat this freezer meal to perfection.
Delicious Serving Suggestions for Honey Garlic Chicken
Transform this simple slow cooker chicken breast recipe into an incredible chicken meal prep or a complete family dinner by pairing it with your favorite grains and stir-fried vegetables. The versatility of this honey garlic chicken allows for endless delicious combinations!
- Grains:
- Fluffy brown rice or classic white sticky rice for a traditional pairing.
- Savory chicken fried rice for an extra layer of flavor.
- Nutritious quinoa as a healthy, protein-rich alternative.
- Low-carb cauliflower rice for a lighter meal option.
- Veggies:
- Crisp green beans for a fresh crunch.
- Perfectly steamed broccoli to complement the sauce.
- Sautéed peppers and onions for added sweetness and texture.
- A colorful stir-fry mix for a complete Asian-inspired meal.
- Sides:
- Delicious pork dumplings for a fun appetizer.
- Light and fresh chicken lettuce wraps.
- A vibrant papaya salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Crispy spring rolls or egg rolls.
Honey Garlic Chicken
Lee Funke
Prep:
10 mins
Cook:
4-5 hrs (low) / 2-3 hrs (high)
Total:
4-5 hrs 10 mins (low) / 2-3 hrs 10 mins (high)
6
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast, thighs work, too
- 3 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup soy sauce, or tamari
- 2 teaspoon chili garlic sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch, optional, for thickening
Instructions
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1. Prepare Honey Garlic Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, and red chili garlic sauce until the honey has fully dissolved and all ingredients are well combined.
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2. Add to Slow Cooker: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly onto the bottom of your slow cooker. Then, pour the prepared honey garlic sauce directly over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated.
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3. Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on high for 2-3 hours OR on low for 4-5 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreddable.
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4. Shred Chicken: Once your chicken is fully cooked (reaching an internal temperature of 165ºF) and fork-tender, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
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5. Thicken Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove 1/4 cup of the liquid from the slow cooker. In a small bowl, whisk in 1/2 tablespoon of cornstarch until completely dissolved to create a slurry. Pour this mixture back into the slow cooker with the remaining sauce and stir until combined.
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6. Combine and Finish: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix it thoroughly with the thickened sauce. Cover and let it cook for an additional 10 minutes on high to allow the sauce to fully thicken and meld with the chicken.
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7. Serve: Serve your succulent honey garlic chicken immediately with your favorite grain and vegetable sides. For an extra touch, garnish with sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions. Enjoy!
Tips & Notes for Success
- The provided nutrition information is calculated solely for the chicken and sauce.
- Using cornstarch for thickening the sauce is optional; however, without it, your sauce will remain thinner.
- This recipe received a minor update on January 19, 2022, with no significant changes to the core ingredients or instructions.
Watch How to Make It
Watch the video here to see how simple it is to prepare this delicious Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken!
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Calories: 214 kcal
Carbohydrates: 26 g
Protein: 25 g
Fat: 3 g
Fiber: 0 g
Sugar: 23 g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
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Honey
Chili Garlic Sauce
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