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–+ servings

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Slow cooker honey garlic chicken dish served with rice and vegetables
A hands-off, sweet-savory chicken dish that's perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep, offering tender meat with a sticky honey garlic sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Serving Size 4 servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts Thighs are juicier; breasts are leaner.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt For seasoning.
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper For seasoning.
  • 1/3 cup honey Can substitute with maple syrup.
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce Low sodium preferred.
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional) Brightens the sauce.
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) For heat.

For Thickening (Optional)

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch For thickening the sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons water To mix with cornstarch.

Finishing

  • sesame seeds For garnish.
  • chopped green onions For garnish.

Instructions

Preparation

  • Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper on both sides.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, grated ginger (if using), vinegar, and red pepper flakes until well blended.

Cooking

  • Place the chicken in the slow cooker in a single layer.
  • Pour the sauce over the chicken, turning pieces to coat if needed.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours (best for fall-apart thighs) or on HIGH for 2–3 hours (good for breasts). Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the meat is tender.
  • Optional thickening: Remove the chicken and transfer the sauce to a small saucepan. Whisk cornstarch with water to form a smooth slurry, then stir it into the simmering sauce. Cook over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until it thickens and becomes glossy.
  • Return the chicken to the slow cooker (or pour the thickened sauce over the pieces) and toss to coat. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.

Notes

Serve over steamed rice, noodles, or use in wraps. Adjust sweetness and acidity to taste by modifying honey and vinegar. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.