Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe: Sweet, Savory, and Simple

If you’re searching for an easy, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing dish, this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is a must-try! Perfectly tender chicken breasts are slow-cooked in a delicious honey garlic sauce, then shredded and tossed back into the thickened glaze. This recipe is not only incredibly simple but also versatile, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping. Serve it over rice with your favorite vegetables, and you’ll have a wholesome and satisfying meal in no time.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to create this irresistible slow cooker chicken dish:

2 lbs chicken breasts
1/3 cup honey
1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tbsp cornstarch
1/4 cup water
Sesame seeds and chopped parsley for garnish
Cooked rice for serving

Tip: For a spicier kick, add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce.

How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite:

Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Make sure the chicken pieces are evenly distributed for even cooking.
Make the sauce: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, and ketchup until well combined.
Cook the chicken: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easy to shred.
Shred the chicken: Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into small pieces and set it aside.
Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the sauce in the slow cooker. Turn the heat to high and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
Combine and serve: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and toss it in the thickened sauce until well coated. Serve the honey garlic chicken over cooked rice, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped parsley.

Optional: Pair this dish with steamed broccoli, snap peas, or stir-fried vegetables for a balanced and colorful meal.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Follow these helpful tips to ensure your honey garlic chicken turns out perfectly every time:

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality honey make a big difference in flavor, so avoid substituting with garlic powder or processed honey if possible.
Don’t overcook: Check the chicken early, especially if cooking on high, to avoid drying it out. It should shred easily when done.
Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the honey to 1/4 cup or add a splash of rice vinegar to balance the flavors.
Make it gluten-free: Swap the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version of this dish.
Prep ahead: You can mix the sauce ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge, so you’re ready to go in the morning.

Variations and Substitutions

Customizing this honey garlic chicken recipe is easy! Here are some ideas to make it your own:

Protein swaps: Try using boneless, skinless chicken thighs, pork tenderloin, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Add vegetables: Add bell peppers, carrots, or onions to the slow cooker for a one-pot meal.
Spicy version: Add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce, red pepper flakes, or sriracha to give the sauce a spicy kick.
Low-carb option: Serve the chicken over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of regular rice.
Extra umami: Add a teaspoon of sesame oil or grated ginger to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This dish stores beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep. Here’s how to store and reheat it:

Refrigerator: Store the honey garlic chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat.
Freezer: Place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat carefully: When reheating, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if it’s too thick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?: Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They’re even more tender and flavorful than chicken breasts.
Can I cook this recipe in an Instant Pot?: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then do a natural release for 5 minutes before shredding the chicken and thickening the sauce.
What can I substitute for soy sauce?: If you’re looking for a soy sauce alternative, use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option, or low-sodium soy sauce for a lighter version.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?: This recipe is naturally dairy-free! Just ensure that the sides you serve with it, like rice or vegetables, are also dairy-free if needed.
What other garnishes work well?: Besides sesame seeds and parsley, you can garnish the dish with sliced green onions, cilantro, or a drizzle of sesame oil for extra flavor.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?: Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. Cook the chicken as instructed, store it in the fridge, and reheat when ready to serve.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?: Make sure to cook on low heat for the recommended time and avoid overcooking. Chicken breasts can dry out if cooked too long.
Can I double this recipe?: Absolutely! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate all the ingredients without overcrowding.
What’s the best way to shred chicken?: You can shred chicken easily using two forks or even a hand mixer for quicker results. Shred while the chicken is warm for the best texture.
Can I add ginger to the sauce?: Yes! Adding fresh grated ginger to the sauce enhances the flavor and adds a subtle zing.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?: Yes, this recipe freezes very well. Store it in a freezer-safe container, and when reheating, simply thaw overnight and heat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
What can I serve with honey garlic chicken?: Steamed rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or cauliflower rice are great options. Pair it with vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or a fresh side salad.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?: Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to increase the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re fully cooked.
What can I do if the sauce is too sweet?: If the sauce is too sweet for your taste, balance it out with a splash of rice vinegar, lemon juice, or additional soy sauce.
How do I make the sauce thicker?: If the sauce isn’t thick enough, mix another tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce. Cook on high for a few more minutes until it thickens.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is the perfect balance of sweet and savory, delivering tender, shredded chicken in a flavorful sauce. It’s an easy, no-fuss recipe that’s ideal for busy days, meal prep, or serving a crowd. With simple ingredients and endless customization options, this dish is sure to become a staple in your weekly meal rotation.

Whether you’re enjoying it over a bowl of rice or pairing it with your favorite vegetables, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy. Try it today, and don’t forget to leave a comment below sharing your experience!