HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN PERFECTION – easymealstoprep

I can almost smell it now – the sweet, savory aroma wafting through the house, a promise of pure comfort. My mom used to make a version of this dish every Sunday, and the memory of that warm, garlic-infused goodness always brings a smile to my face. Today, I’m thrilled to share with you my take on that classic, transforming it into the most tender and flavorful Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken you can imagine, effortlessly made in your crockpot. Get ready for a meal that will become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Absolutely LOVE This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Okay, friends, let’s be real. We all need those recipes that are not only delicious but also incredibly easy. This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is *that* recipe. It’s the kind of dish you can throw together in the morning, forget about it all day, and come home to a mouthwatering meal that everyone will rave about. But beyond the convenience, here’s why you’ll fall head-over-heels for it:

• Unbelievably Tender Chicken: The slow cooking process ensures the chicken is fall-apart tender, practically melting in your mouth.
• Flavor Explosion: The honey garlic sauce is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a hint of tangy, coating every piece of chicken in pure deliciousness.
• Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: Seriously, this is a dump-and-go recipe. Just throw the ingredients in the slow cooker, and let it work its magic.
• Versatile: Serve it over rice, noodles, mashed potatoes, or even in lettuce wraps. The possibilities are endless!
• Kid-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will love the sweet and savory flavor of this chicken. It’s a guaranteed win!

Gather Your Ingredients – The Key to Honey Garlic Chicken Success

Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let’s make sure you have everything you need. Don’t worry, it’s a pretty straightforward list, and chances are you already have many of these items in your pantry.

• Chicken: 2-3 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. I personally prefer thighs for their extra flavor and juiciness, but breasts work great too! You can even make this with Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs!
• Honey: ½ cup of pure honey. This is the star of the show, so don’t skimp on quality.
• Soy Sauce: ½ cup of low-sodium soy sauce. This adds the necessary savory depth.
• Garlic: 6 cloves of garlic, minced. Fresh garlic is a must for that authentic, pungent flavor.
• Ketchup: ¼ cup of ketchup. It adds a touch of tang and sweetness.
• Rice Vinegar: 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar. This helps balance the sweetness and adds a subtle acidity.
• Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. This adds a nutty, aromatic flavor.
• Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water (for thickening the sauce at the end).
• Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional, for a little kick).
• Sesame Seeds and Chopped Green Onions: For garnish (optional).

Step-by-Step Instructions: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Perfection

Alright, let’s get cooking! I’ve broken down the process into easy-to-follow steps. Trust me, you got this!

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps it brown better and absorb the sauce more effectively. If using chicken breasts, you can cut them into smaller pieces for faster cooking.
2. Create the Honey Garlic Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ketchup, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. If you like a little heat, add the red pepper flakes. The mixture should be smooth and fragrant. It should smell amazing already!
3. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Place the chicken in the slow cooker. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Give it a good toss to make sure every piece is getting that deliciousness.
4. Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it’s easily shredded with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The aroma filling your kitchen at this point is simply divine.
5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional, but Recommended!): If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and set it aside. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Pour this slurry into the slow cooker and stir well. Cook on high for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. You’ll notice the sauce transforming into a beautiful, glossy glaze.
6. Shred the Chicken: Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker (or in a separate bowl if you removed it). This will allow the chicken to soak up even more of that glorious sauce.
7. Serve and Garnish: Serve the Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken over rice, noodles, mashed potatoes, quinoa, or your favorite base. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a pop of color and flavor.

Serving Suggestions: Make it a Meal!

This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is so versatile! Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:

• Over Rice: A classic pairing! White rice, brown rice, or even coconut rice all work wonderfully.
• With Noodles: Toss the chicken with your favorite noodles – egg noodles, ramen noodles, or even spaghetti.
• In Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter option, serve the chicken in crisp lettuce cups with shredded carrots and cucumbers.
• On Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide the perfect base for the sweet and savory chicken.
• In Sandwiches or Sliders: Shredded honey garlic chicken makes an incredible filling for sandwiches or sliders.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts for a complete and healthy meal.

Variations and Substitutions: Make it Your Own!

Don’t be afraid to experiment with this recipe! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Add Veggies: Throw in some chopped bell peppers, onions, or broccoli florets to the slow cooker along with the chicken for a one-pot meal.
• Spice it Up: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes, or add a dash of sriracha to the sauce for extra heat.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Use Different Protein: While this recipe is designed for chicken, you could also try it with pork tenderloin or even shrimp (though you’ll need to adjust the cooking time).

Success Tips for the BEST Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Here are my top tips to guarantee success with this recipe. Follow these, and you’ll be amazed at how easy and delicious it is!

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you’re using chicken breasts, they cook more quickly than thighs, so keep a close eye on them.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic provides a much more pungent and flavorful taste than garlic powder. Trust me, it makes a difference!
• Thicken the Sauce for a Glaze: Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry step! It transforms the sauce from a thin liquid to a beautiful, glossy glaze that coats the chicken perfectly.
• Pat the Chicken Dry: As mentioned earlier, patting the chicken dry before adding it to the slow cooker helps it brown better and absorb the sauce more effectively.
• Don’t Open the Slow Cooker Too Often: Every time you open the slow cooker, you release heat, which can increase the cooking time. Resist the urge to peek too often!

Even MORE Chicken Inspiration!

Craving more delicious chicken recipes? I have you covered! For a sweet and tangy twist, try my HONEY PEPPER CHICKEN MAC HEAVEN, or for a similar slow-cooker sensation, give CROCKPOT SWEET BABY RAY’S CHICKEN a go. If you’re short on time but still want that amazing honey garlic flavor, check out Honey Garlic Chicken! And of course, my HONEY PEPPER CHICKEN PERFECTION is a surefire crowd-pleaser. With so many options, you’ll never run out of delicious chicken dinners!

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is perfect for meal prepping! Here’s how to store it:

• Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the chicken in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.

You can even prep the entire meal ahead of time! Simply combine the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze it. When you’re ready to cook, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then transfer it to the slow cooker.

Recipe Card: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Here’s a handy recipe card for you to print out and keep in your kitchen. Happy cooking!

**Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken**

**Prep Time:** 10 minutes
**Cook Time:** 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
**Serves:** 6-8

**Ingredients:**

*   2-3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
*   ½ cup honey
*   ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
*   6 cloves garlic, minced
*   ¼ cup ketchup
*   2 tablespoons rice vinegar
*   1 tablespoon sesame oil
*   1 tablespoon cornstarch
*   2 tablespoons cold water
*   ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
*   Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)

**Instructions:**

1.  Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
2.  In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ketchup, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
3.  Place the chicken in the slow cooker. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken, ensuring it's evenly coated.
4.  Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is easily shredded with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5.  Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and set aside.
6.  In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Pour this slurry into the slow cooker and stir well.
7.  Cook on high for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
8.  Shred the chicken with two forks and return it to the slow cooker.
9.  Serve over rice, noodles, mashed potatoes, or your favorite base. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

**Notes:**

*   For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
*   Add chopped vegetables to the slow cooker along with the chicken for a one-pot meal.
*   Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preference.

Final Thoughts: Your New Go-To Chicken Recipe

There you have it! My foolproof recipe for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken. It’s easy, delicious, and guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family. I truly believe this will become one of your go-to recipes, the one you turn to when you need a comforting and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. So go ahead, give it a try! I promise you won’t be disappointed. Happy cooking, my friend!

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Perfection

Amelia

This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish, perfect for a comforting and easy weeknight meal. The chicken becomes fall-apart tender in the slow cooker, infused with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce that will delight the whole family.

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 hours hrs

Total Time 7 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian-inspired

Servings 2025

Calories 450 kcal

• 2-3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• ½ cup honey
• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• Sesame seeds for garnish optional
• Chopped green onions for garnish optional
• Cooked rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes for serving

• Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help it brown and absorb the sauce better.

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ketchup, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Add red pepper flakes if desired.

• Place the chicken in the slow cooker.

• Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Toss to combine.

• Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is easily shredded with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

• Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and set aside.

• In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth.

• Pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker and stir well.

• Cook on high for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.

• Shred the chicken with two forks and return it to the slow cooker to soak up the sauce.

• Serve over rice, noodles, mashed potatoes, or your favorite base.

• Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Add chopped vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or broccoli florets to the slow cooker along with the chicken for a one-pot meal. To prevent the chicken from drying out, avoid overcooking it. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.