I make this Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken at least twice a month when life gets busy. It’s the sort of slow-cooker dinner that smells like comfort, requires almost no babysitting, and turns ordinary chicken breasts into tender, shreddable bites bathed in a sweet-savory sauce. Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or when you need something kid-friendly but grown-up enough for dinner guests.

Why you’ll love this dish

This recipe shines because it’s simple, forgiving, and crowd-pleasing. With just pantry staples—honey, soy sauce, and garlic—you get glossy, sticky chicken that pairs with rice, noodles, or a big green salad. It’s low-effort yet feels like you spent hours simmering flavors together.

“I popped everything in the crockpot before work and came home to the best easy dinner. My kids asked for seconds!” — a happy home cook

It’s also a great base recipe to adapt. If you’re short on time, try a faster stovetop version, or use this shredded chicken in sandwiches and tacos. If you like a crisp edge, try searing the breasts quickly before slow-cooking for extra color. Want a different texture? Check out this Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders for a crisp, high-heat alternative.

How this recipe comes together

Before you dive in, here’s a quick overview of the process so you know what to expect:

Arrange raw chicken breasts in the crockpot.
Whisk a simple sauce of honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Pour the sauce over the chicken and let the crockpot do the work.
Cook low and slow until the chicken is tender, then shred it right in the pot to coat with sauce.
This is a mostly hands-off recipe that finishes with shredding and mixing so every bite is saucy.

Gather these items

4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce (use low-sodium if preferred)
3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1–1½ teaspoons)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)

Ingredient notes and substitutions:

Soy sauce: Tamari works for gluten-free. Coconut aminos give a milder, slightly sweeter profile.
Honey: Use maple syrup or agave for a vegan-ish swap (though the texture and flavor will differ).
Chicken: Thighs can be used instead of breasts for richer flavor and extra tenderness.
Garlic: If you love garlic, add an extra clove or toss in a teaspoon of garlic powder for intensity.
For a tangy twist, stir in a tablespoon of rice vinegar or freshly squeezed lemon juice just before serving. You can also riff on this base to make tacos—see this savory garlic butter honey BBQ chicken tacos idea for inspiration.

Cooking method

Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the crockpot.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and several grinds of black pepper until smooth.
Pour the honey-garlic mixture evenly over the chicken, turning pieces to coat if needed.
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours, or on HIGH for 3–4 hours. The chicken is done when it’s very tender and shreds easily.
Remove the chicken to a cutting board or shred it right in the crockpot with two forks. If shredded outside, return it to the sauce and stir to combine so the meat soaks up the juices.
Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.

Best ways to enjoy it

Over steamed jasmine or brown rice with a drizzle of extra sauce and sesame seeds.
Tossed with buttered egg noodles and steamed broccoli for comfort food vibes.
Stuffed into soft rolls or tortillas for sandwiches and tacos.
On top of a salad with crisp greens and shredded carrots for a lighter meal.
Make burrito bowls with rice, black beans, corn, and pico de gallo.

For a restaurant-style finish, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and a squeeze of lime. If you plan to use the chicken in different meals, portion it with sauce on the side so it stays versatile.

Storage and reheating tips

Refrigerator: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Keep the sauce with the chicken to prevent drying.
Freezer: Freeze cooled shredded chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Label with the date.
Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each cycle. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before warming.
Food safety note: Reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Helpful cooking tips

Don’t overcrowd: Arrange the breasts in a single layer if possible so they cook evenly.
Texture control: For firmer slices instead of shredding, cook on low for a shorter time and remove when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Thicken the sauce: If you want a thicker glaze at the end, remove the chicken and set the crockpot to high. Whisk a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 Tbsp cold water) into the sauce and cook uncovered until thickened.
Boost flavor: Add a splash of rice vinegar or a teaspoon of grated ginger for brightness.
Make-ahead: Combine sauce and chicken in the crockpot liner, refrigerate overnight, then cook the next day.
For creative uses of the shredded chicken, try pairing it with garlic-butter flavors as in this recipe inspiration: garlic butter honey BBQ chicken tacos.

Creative twists

Spicy honey garlic: Add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or a tablespoon of Sriracha to the sauce.
Citrus-honey garlic: Replace 2 tablespoons of honey with freshly squeezed orange juice for a citrus note.
Pineapple twist: Add crushed pineapple (drained) for a Hawaiian-style glaze—great with rice and grilled veggies.
Low-sugar: Swap half the honey for a sugar-free maple syrup or reduce honey and add a splash of soy to keep balance.
Gluten-free: Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce.

Your questions answered

Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
A: You can start with frozen breasts in many slow cookers, but it’s safer and more reliable to thaw first so the meat reaches a safe internal temperature quickly. If using frozen, add extra cooking time and check that the internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).

Q: How do I prevent the sauce from being too sweet?
A: Balance sweetness by adding a splash of rice vinegar, lemon juice, or an extra tablespoon of soy sauce. Saltiness and acidity cut through the honey and round the flavor.

Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: Yes. Use a larger crockpot and ensure the chicken pieces are in an even layer so they cook at the same rate. You may need a bit more sauce to coat everything.

Q: Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
A: Absolutely. Cool completely, portion into freezer bags, and store up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Q: What’s the best side for picky eaters?
A: Serve it over plain rice or buttered noodles. The familiar textures help picky eaters enjoy the sweeter sauce without overwhelming spice or unfamiliar ingredients.

Conclusion

If you want more slow-cooker inspiration or alternative takes on honey-garlic chicken, this Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe | Diethood offers a similar hands-off approach, while this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken | Easy, Healthy Crockpot Recipe includes extra swaps and plating ideas to explore.