I can’t say enough good things about this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken recipe. When I made it for the first time, I was blown away by how juicy and flavorful the chicken turned out. The sticky, sweet, and garlicky sauce is something I could eat by the spoonful!
It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy enough for special dinners but is so easy that I can whip it up on a busy weeknight. If you love effortless recipes that taste like they took hours to make, this honey garlic chicken recipe is the one!
You can pair this with recipes like this crowd-pleasing ground sausage and rice skillet for a creative take.
What You’ll Need for This Flavor Explosion
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a key role. Here’s what you need to gather:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Thighs bring juiciness while breasts are leaner. Choose according to your preference. - ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
This adds the perfect savory balance without overpowering the dish. - ⅓ cup honey
The natural sweetness complements the garlic and balances the soy sauce. - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
It adds a depth of flavor and a slight tang. Don’t skip it! - 2 teaspoons chili paste (or sambal oelek)
For a subtle kick. Feel free to adjust to your spice tolerance. - 4 cloves garlic, minced
Garlic is the heart of this dish. Fresher garlic equals a more robust flavor. - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Brightens up the sauce and enhances the overall taste. - 2 tablespoons cornstarch
This thickens the sauce just enough to coat everything in its sticky goodness.
Note: This recipe serves about 4 portions. Adjust as needed for larger gatherings.
Delicious Variations to Meet Every Diet
Make this recipe work for you, no matter your dietary needs! Here are a few tweaks you can try:
- Gluten-Free Option
Swap soy sauce with gluten-free tamari and replace rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar. - Sugar-Free Version
Use maple syrup or agave nectar as a natural sweetener alternative. - Paleo Adjustment
Substitute cornstarch with arrowroot powder and go for coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. - Flavor Twists
Add fresh ginger for a zesty kick or sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch.
This recipe also pairs beautifully with recipes like the ones you’ll find in dinner recipes for a complete meal.
Cooking Time Breakdown
This dish is a “set it and forget it” delight. Here’s the cooking timeline:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 4 hours on low or 2 hours on high
- Total Time: 4 hours and 5 minutes
Essential Equipment for Easy Prep
You don’t need heavy-duty tools for this recipe, just these essentials:
- Slow Cooker
Cooks the chicken low and slow for maximum tenderness. - Mixing Bowl
For whisking the flavorful sauce. - Whisk
Perfect for mixing the cornstarch slurry. - Tongs
Useful for flipping and serving the chicken.
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Making this dish is as simple as it gets. Just follow these steps.
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce and Chicken
Place chicken in your slow cooker. Stir together soy sauce, honey, tomato paste, chili paste, garlic, and rice vinegar in a bowl. Pour the mixture over the chicken to coat evenly.
Step 2: Slow Cooking Magic
Cover the lid and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Flip the chicken once midway if you’re able to because it ensures even cooking.
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the slow cooker. Whisk cornstarch into the liquid in the slow cooker, then cook on high for 15 minutes to thicken.
Step 4: Shred and Serve
Shred the chicken using two forks and mix it back into the glossy, flavorful sauce. Serve hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best Results
Here’s how I make this dish even better:
- Always use fresh garlic for a bold flavor.
- If you like thicker sauces, cook the sauce on a stovetop with cornstarch for quicker results.
- Don’t overcook chicken breasts; check them early for perfect tenderness.
- Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions as a garnish to wow your guests.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
This dish is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving ideas. Here’s what I recommend:
- Classic Pairing
Serve over steamed white or brown rice for a classic combo. - Veggie Loaded
Add broccoli, bell peppers, or green beans for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information at a Glance
This dish is as healthy as it is flavorful! Per serving, here’s the breakdown:
- Calories: 329
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 7g
Storing Your Honey Garlic Chicken
Want leftovers? No problem. Here’s how you can store them:
- Refrigeration
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. - Freezing
Freeze portions in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. - Reheating
Warm on the stovetop with a bit of water or in the microwave until heated through.
Check out the sweet jalapeño pineapple boneless wings recipe for a more satisfying dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a must-try, and here’s why:
- Easy to Make
Throw everything in a slow cooker, and you’re done! - Family-Friendly
The flavors are mild yet rich, making everyone happy. - Dietary Options
Works for gluten-free, paleo, and low-carb lifestyles. - Meal Prep Superstar
Leftovers heat up beautifully for easy meals all week. - Customizable
Spice it up, sweeten it more, or tweak as you like.
FAQs About This Recipe
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in the Slow Cooker?
No, frozen chicken isn’t safe to cook in a slow cooker. It stays in the temperature danger zone too long.
Can I Make This in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Use the sauté function for the sauce, then pressure-cook the chicken for about 10 minutes.
How Do I Reduce Sugar in This Recipe?
Simply reduce the honey or replace it with a natural sweetener like Stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
What Can I Substitute for Cornstarch?
Arrowroot powder or tapioca flour are great substitutes for thickening the sauce.
This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is truly a winner. Once you try it, it’ll become a staple in your meal rotation. Happy slow cooking!