Slow cooker honey garlic chicken is the kind of set-it-and-forget-it dinner that makes the whole house smell incredible while you go about your day. Juicy shredded chicken thighs cooked low and slow in a sticky sweet and savory sauce made from pantry staples you probably already have. I keep this recipe in my regular rotation because it requires almost no hands-on time and delivers bold flavor every single time
The first time I came home to the smell of honey and garlic filling the kitchen, I knew this recipe was going to be a keeper. That is the beauty of slow cooker honey garlic chicken. You add everything to the pot in the morning and dinner is basically done by the time you need it. The sauce is sticky, slightly sweet, and has just enough heat to keep things interesting. Serve it over rice with some steamed broccoli and you have a complete meal with almost no effort.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
I always use boneless skinless chicken thighs for this recipe because they hold up beautifully in the slow cooker and stay juicy through the long cook time. Here is everything you need.
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts
- 0.33 cup low-sodium soy sauce – I recommend low-sodium to control the saltiness of the final sauce
- 0.33 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste – My preference is not to skip this even though it sounds unusual; it adds richness and depth to the sauce that you will notice
- 2 teaspoons chili paste (sambal oelek, sriracha, or hot sauce of choice)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – In my experience, fresh minced garlic gives a noticeably more vibrant flavor than garlic powder here
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening the sauce after cooking)
For Serving
- Prepared brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Step-by-Step Instructions
I recommend setting the slow cooker on LOW if you have the time. In my experience, the LOW setting produces noticeably juicier chicken than HIGH, and the sauce develops a deeper flavor over the longer cook.
Step 1: Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker in a single layer. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, tomato paste, chili paste, minced garlic, and rice vinegar until smooth. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken.
Step 2: Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. If you are around, flip the chicken once halfway through to coat both sides in the sauce. If not, it will still turn out great.
Step 3: Remove the chicken to a plate and let it cool for a few minutes. Whisk the cornstarch directly into the hot cooking liquid remaining in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH for 15 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your liking. For faster thickening, transfer the liquid to a saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring often, for 5 to 10 minutes until glossy and thick.
Step 4: Use two forks to shred the chicken. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat it fully in the thickened sauce. Pro tip: do not skip the cornstarch step if you want that sticky, glossy texture that makes this dish so satisfying.
Step 5: Serve over rice or quinoa, topped with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
The sweet and savory flavors of this dish pair best with simple, neutral bases and fresh or lightly cooked vegetables that balance the sticky sauce.
Steamed or Stir-Fried Broccoli: Broccoli is the classic pairing for this dish. It adds crunch, color, and a slightly bitter note that cuts through the sweetness of the honey garlic sauce. You can steam it while the sauce thickens for perfect timing.
Skinny Sesame Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry: If you want to serve a veggie-forward stir-fry alongside, this skinny sesame chicken and broccoli stir-fry shares the same Asian-inspired flavor profile and makes a great companion dish for a themed dinner spread.
Chicken Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce: For a heartier bowl-style dinner using the same shredded chicken, these chicken rice bowls with creamy garlic sauce offer a fun alternative format that the whole family can customize.
Sticky Chicken Bowls: If you love the sticky glazed style of this recipe, these sticky chicken bowls are a naturally similar dish worth bookmarking for your next slow cooker night.
Chicken Lo Mein: For a noodle-based side that stays in the same savory Asian-inspired flavor family, this chicken lo mein recipe adds a satisfying chewy texture contrast to the tender shredded honey garlic chicken.
Crockpot Thai Peanut Chicken: If you enjoy the slow cooker chicken format and want to try another bold Asian-inspired sauce variation, this crockpot Thai peanut chicken is a natural next recipe to add to your rotation.
How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The sauce thickens further as it chills, which makes the leftovers even stickier and more flavorful the next day. This recipe also meal preps beautifully.
To reheat, I recommend a saucepan over medium-low heat with a small splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. Stir gently until warmed through. The microwave also works well in 60 to 90 second intervals. Either way, the flavor holds up perfectly after reheating.
Pro tip: this chicken freezes well for up to 3 months. Store it in a freezer-safe airtight container and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. It is one of the best freezer meals I keep on hand for busy weeks.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes. Chicken breasts work well in this recipe but check them earlier, around the 3 to 4 hour mark on LOW, since they can dry out faster than thighs. Thighs are still the preferred choice for the juiciest result.
Can I cook the chicken from frozen in the slow cooker?
No. Always use thawed chicken in a slow cooker. Frozen chicken spends too long in the temperature danger zone before reaching a safe internal temp. Thaw your chicken overnight in the fridge before starting this recipe.
How do I make the sauce thicker without cornstarch?
You can transfer the cooking liquid to a saucepan and simmer it uncovered over medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes until it reduces and thickens naturally. Arrowroot starch is also a good 1 to 1 cornstarch substitute if needed.
Conclusion
Slow cooker honey garlic chicken is the kind of no-fuss dinner that delivers big on flavor with very little effort. Sweet sticky sauce, tender shredded chicken, and a handful of pantry ingredients make this a recipe you will come back to week after week. Give it a try on your next slow cooker day and taste why this one earns a permanent spot in your meal plan.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place the chicken in the bottom of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, tomato paste, chili paste, minced garlic, and rice vinegar until smooth. Pour evenly over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Flip the chicken halfway through if available.
- Remove chicken to a plate and let cool slightly. Whisk cornstarch into the hot cooking liquid in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH for 15 to 30 minutes until the sauce thickens, stirring occasionally. For faster thickening, transfer to a saucepan and cook over medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Shred the chicken with two forks. Return it to the slow cooker and stir to coat fully in the thickened sauce.
- Serve over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. Top with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
