Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe

Juicy Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe for Easy Dinners

Crafting a mouthwatering honey garlic slow cooker chicken becomes a breeze with this simple, no-fuss approach.

Succulent chicken transforms into a delectable meal that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

Home cooks adore how minimal prep work yields maximum flavor impact.

Tender meat practically falls apart, promising a delightful dining experience for everyone at the table.

Sweet and savory notes dance together, creating a harmonious blend that satisfies deep comfort food cravings.

Weeknight dinners just got an upgrade with this effortless and crowd-pleasing recipe.

You’ll be amazed how a few ingredients can create such a memorable meal that sparks conversation and brings smiles to hungry faces.

Why Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Will Win You Over

  • Craft Hassle-Free Meals: Slow cooker magic transforms simple ingredients into a delicious dinner without constant monitoring or complex cooking techniques.
  • Maximize Family Comfort: Tender chicken drenched in sweet-savory sauce creates a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies both kids and adults with its familiar, crowd-pleasing flavors.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Pair this chicken with rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that adapts to different taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Combine ingredients quickly, let the slow cooker do the work, and enjoy a restaurant-quality dish with minimal kitchen effort and cleanup.

What Goes Into Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender meat that serves as the primary protein for this delicious slow cooker dish.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Honey, Soy Sauce: A sweet and savory combination that creates a rich, glossy coating for the chicken.
  • Ketchup: Adds a tangy and slightly sweet depth to the overall sauce flavor.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides a subtle acidic brightness that balances the sweetness of the sauce.
  • Dried Oregano: Introduces a classic herbal note that complements the other sauce ingredients.
  • Minced Garlic: Delivers a pungent and aromatic flavor that enhances the entire dish.
Thickening and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Cornstarch, Water: Work together to create a smooth slurry that thickens the sauce to a perfect consistency.
  • Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.
Garnish:
  • Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Add a fresh, crunchy texture and visual appeal to the finished dish.

Making Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Is Easier Than You Think

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Base

Place chicken breasts inside the slow cooker. Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly across the surface, ensuring each piece gets seasoned well.

Step 2: Craft Flavor-Packed Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Honey
  • Soy sauce
  • Minced garlic
  • Ketchup
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Dried oregano

Whisk all ingredients until they blend smoothly into a cohesive sauce.

Step 3: Coat Chicken with Sauce

Pour the prepared sauce over chicken breasts, making sure each piece gets fully covered with the delicious mixture.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours. Chicken should become tender and completely cooked through.

Step 5: Prepare Sauce Thickener

In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until a smooth slurry forms.

Step 6: Enhance Sauce Consistency

Pour cornstarch mixture into slow cooker. Stir continuously to help sauce thicken over 10-15 minutes.

Step 7: Final Coating

Gently return chicken to the slow cooker, ensuring each piece gets coated with the rich, glossy sauce.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Transfer chicken to serving plates. Drizzle extra sauce on top. Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a beautiful finishing touch.

Top Tricks For Tasty Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken

  • Optimize Chicken Tenderness: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts and avoid overcooking to maintain moisture and prevent dryness.
  • Boost Flavor Depth: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or ginger to the sauce for extra warmth and complexity without overwhelming the honey-garlic profile.
  • Perfect Sauce Consistency: Whisk cornstarch slurry thoroughly to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, glossy sauce coating.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Prepare this dish ahead and store in refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, reheating gently to preserve chicken's tenderness.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace honey with sugar-free honey alternative or monk fruit sweetener for a diabetic-friendly version.

Fun Flavor Twists For Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken

  • Spicy Kick Chicken: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the honey garlic mixture for a fiery version that packs heat.
  • Mediterranean Style: Replace soy sauce with balsamic vinegar, add dried thyme and rosemary for an herbal Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Citrus Infusion: Mix orange juice and lemon zest into the sauce for a bright, tangy chicken that brings zesty freshness to the dish.
  • Asian Fusion: Incorporate ginger, rice wine, and a splash of sesame oil to create an authentic Asian-inspired slow cooker chicken experience.

Yummy Things To Serve With Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken

  • Pair Perfectly with Crisp White Wine: Select a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the sweet and tangy honey garlic sauce, cutting through the richness while enhancing the dish's complex flavors.
  • Serve Alongside Fragrant Jasmine Rice: Create a fluffy bed of jasmine rice to soak up the delicious sauce, providing a neutral base that highlights the chicken's vibrant seasonings and adds textural contrast.
  • Brighten with Fresh Asian Slaw: Prepare a crunchy slaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a light rice vinegar dressing to add refreshing acidity and crisp texture that balances the tender, saucy chicken.

How To Keep Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Fresh And Juicy

  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping sauce separate to maintain optimal texture and prevent sogginess.
  • Transfer cooled chicken and sauce to freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags, ensuring all air is removed to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm gently in a microwave or skillet with a splash of water to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Portion chicken into individual containers with sauce for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight dinners throughout the week.

Answers To Your Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Questions

  • Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work perfectly in this recipe. They’re typically more tender and flavorful, and they’ll absorb the honey garlic sauce beautifully.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not entirely. The soy sauce contains gluten, but you can easily make it gluten-free by using tamari or gluten-free soy sauce as a substitute.

  • How spicy is this honey garlic chicken?

This recipe is not spicy at all. It’s sweet and savory with a mild garlic flavor, making it kid-friendly and appealing to most taste preferences.

  • Do I need to prep the chicken beforehand?

No prep needed. Simply season the chicken with salt and pepper, place it in the slow cooker, and pour the sauce over it. The slow cooker does all the work for you.

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Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe

Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 7 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes (high)
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent honey garlic slow cooker chicken brings Mediterranean flavors right to kitchen tables with minimal effort. Rich, caramelized sauce and tender meat promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Sauce Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp dried oregano

Garnish and Thickening

  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then arrange them in a single layer inside the slow cooker.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and dried oregano until thoroughly combined.
  3. Pour the prepared sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
  4. Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat, cooking for 6-7 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and fully cooked.
  5. Approximately 30 minutes before serving, remove chicken and transfer to a separate dish, keeping warm.
  6. In a small bowl, blend cornstarch and water to create a smooth slurry for thickening the sauce.
  7. Pour the cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker, stirring continuously to incorporate and thicken the remaining sauce for about 10-15 minutes.
  8. Return chicken to the slow cooker, gently coating each piece with the thickened sauce.
  9. Plate the chicken and drizzle additional sauce over the top.
  10. Garnish with chopped green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

  • Choose skinless, boneless chicken breasts for even cooking and easier preparation.
  • Adjust honey quantity based on desired sweetness level, using less for a tangier sauce.
  • Swap apple cider vinegar with rice vinegar for a milder, slightly sweeter flavor profile.
  • Reduce sodium by using low-sodium soy sauce and skipping added salt during seasoning.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 408
  • Sugar: 33 g
  • Sodium: 774 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 65 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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