Dinner

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

ByCharlotte Montgomery October 26, 2025October 26, 2025

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, slow-cooked to tender perfection. It’s a fuss-free meal that’s great for busy days and pairs beautifully with rice or steamed vegetables.

A white plate holds a bed of fluffy white rice as the bottom layer, with three pieces of glazed chicken thighs placed on top. The chicken has a shiny, dark caramel brown glaze with a slightly charred texture on the edges. The top layer is sprinkled with white sesame seeds and small, bright green chopped scallions scattered evenly across the chicken and rice. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/3 cup honey
1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
1/4 cup ketchup
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For Thickening (optional):

1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water

Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Chopped green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Lightly season the chicken thighs or breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, ginger, vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
Step 3: Place the chicken in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated.
Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Step 5: (Optional) For a thicker sauce, remove the chicken and transfer the sauce to a saucepan. Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce. Simmer over medium heat until it thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: Return the chicken to the slow cooker or pour the thickened sauce over the chicken. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use chicken thighs for juicier meat, but breasts work well for a leaner option.
Add a splash of orange juice or pineapple juice for a citrus twist.
Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the heat level, or omit for a mild version.
Serve over steamed rice or noodles to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to avoid drying out the chicken. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water before reheating.

How to Serve

A white plate holds a bed of fluffy white rice as the bottom layer, topped with three pieces of glazed chicken thighs. The chicken has a shiny, dark reddish-brown glaze with a sticky texture, showing caramelized edges. The top layer is garnished with scattered light green chopped scallions and small beige sesame seeds, adding contrast and detail. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?

It’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking. If using frozen chicken, increase the cooking time and ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

How can I make the sauce thicker without cornstarch?

You can simmer the sauce uncovered on the stove for longer to reduce and thicken it naturally, or use alternative thickeners like arrowroot powder or flour mixed with water.