If you are looking for a comforting, flavorful, and hands-off dinner that will delight your whole family, the Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is a perfect choice. This dish brings together the perfect balance of sweet honey and savory garlic with tender chicken thighs that soak up every drop of the luscious sauce as they slow cook to melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Whether you’re new to slow cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe delivers incredible taste with minimal effort, making it one of my go-to meals for busy weeknights and weekend gatherings alike.

A close-up of a white bowl filled with a shredded, cooked jackfruit dish in a reddish-brown sauce, topped with chopped green onions. Behind it, a white bowl with beige rice and a small white bowl with more chopped green onions are visible on a white marbled surface, with a green cloth napkin nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients often make the best dishes, and this recipe is no exception. Each item plays a vital role, from the juicy chicken thighs that provide rich flavor and texture, to the honey and soy sauce that create a beautifully balanced sauce that clings to every bite.

2.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs: Thighs stay tender and juicy through slow cooking, but you can swap them for chicken breasts if preferred.
Salt and black pepper: Just enough to season the chicken and enhance the sauce’s flavors.
1/3 cup honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create that signature glossy honey garlic sauce.
1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce: Provides umami depth and saltiness while keeping the dish balanced.
6 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the chicken with irresistible aroma and punch.
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): A gentle heat booster to awaken the flavors if you like a little kick.
Sliced green onions: Used as a fresh, crisp garnish that adds color and a mild oniony bite.

How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken thighs lightly with salt and black pepper. This simple step ensures that each piece carries its own base of flavor before the sauce goes on. Place the chicken directly into the slow cooker insert in a single layer to maximize even cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well until everything is fully mixed. This sauce is the magic behind the dish, so be sure to taste and adjust according to your preference—maybe a touch more honey for sweetness or extra garlic for punch.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker, carefully coating each piece. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 2 and a half to 3 hours. The slow heat will gently infuse the chicken with flavor while breaking it down into tender perfection.

Step 4: Shred or Slice the Chicken

Once cooking is done, remove the chicken and place it on a cutting board. You can either shred it with two forks or cut it into chunks—whichever you prefer! Then, return the chicken to the slow cooker and mix it well with the sauce. Let it sit for 5 to 10 more minutes so the chicken absorbs all that delicious juice.

Step 5: Ready to Serve

Your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is now ready to bring everyone to the table with a mouthwatering aroma that’s hard to resist. It’s juicy, flavorful, and perfectly saucy—everything you want in a slow-cooked meal.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

A white bowl filled with shredded, cooked chicken pieces in a glossy, dark brown sauce, topped with a small pile of bright green chopped spring onions in the center; above and to the left, there is a white bowl filled with light brown cooked rice, and above and to the right, a small white bowl contains more chopped bright green spring onions; the background shows a white marbled surface with a white cloth and a bit of a green cloth visible near the bottom right corner; a small green dish with peanuts is partially visible at the bottom left corner; photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The right garnishes can take this dish from good to unforgettable. I love sprinkling sliced green onions over the top for a fresh, crunchy contrast. You can also add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a nutty flavor and appealing look. A little fresh cilantro works beautifully too if you like an herbal twist.

Side Dishes

This chicken recipe pairs wonderfully with a range of sides. Plain steamed rice or fragrant jasmine rice is perfect to soak up every bit of sauce. For a lighter option, serve alongside steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots. Mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash can also make an extra comforting base that complements the honey garlic flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to switch things up? Use the shredded chicken as a hearty filling for wraps or sandwiches, layered with crunchy slaw and a drizzle of extra sauce. It’s also fantastic spooned over warm noodles or tossed into a grain bowl with avocado, cucumber, and a squeeze of lime. The versatility of the Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe means you can get creative while sticking to that amazing flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover honey garlic chicken can be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The sauce helps keep the chicken moist and flavorful even when reheated.

Freezing

This dish also freezes beautifully. Portion the cooled chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags, then freeze for up to 3 months. When you want to enjoy it again, just thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it has thickened during storage.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine in this recipe, but keep in mind they have less fat so the texture may be a bit leaner and less tender than thighs.

Do I have to add red pepper flakes?

Not at all. The red pepper flakes bring a subtle heat that complements the sweet and savory sauce, but you can skip them if you prefer a milder dish.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe freezes very well. Just freeze in portions and thaw before reheating for a quick, delicious meal anytime.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot by cooking on high pressure for about 10 minutes, followed by a quick release. Just make sure to thicken the sauce afterward if needed.

What are some good side dishes to serve with this?

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or even a fresh green salad. Its sweet and savory sauce works well with many flavor profiles.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about coming home to a slow cooker meal that practically makes itself, especially when it tastes as incredible as this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe. Its blend of honey-sweetness and garlicky goodness wrapped around tender chicken is comforting, satisfying, and easy enough to become a weekly favorite. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become one of your kitchen staples too.

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 22 reviews

Author: Emma
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

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Description

This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken thighs cooked in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, it requires minimal preparation and slow cooking to deliver juicy, melt-in-your-mouth chicken with the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

2.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (or substitute chicken breasts)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Sauce

1/3 cup honey
1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
6 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust for heat)

Toppings

Sliced green onions, for garnish

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Instructions

Season the Chicken: Lightly season the boneless skinless chicken thighs with salt and black pepper on both sides. Place the seasoned chicken evenly in the insert of your slow cooker.
Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes if using. Pour this honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker.
Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook the chicken on low for 5 to 6 hours, or on high for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked, tender, and infused with the flavorful sauce.
Shred and Mix: Carefully remove the chicken thighs from the slow cooker and place them onto a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces or cut into chunks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce. Let it sit for another 5 to 10 minutes to absorb the juices.
Serve: Serve the honey garlic chicken hot, garnished with sliced green onions. This dish pairs well with steamed rice, vegetables, or noodles for a complete meal. Enjoy!

Notes

You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs, but thighs tend to result in more tender and juicy meat.
Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level or omit for a milder flavor.
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For a thicker sauce, remove the chicken after cooking and simmer the sauce on the stovetop until reduced to your liking before adding the chicken back in.
This recipe can be doubled easily to serve a larger crowd.