The smell of honey and garlic fills the kitchen as it cooks low and slow. The chicken turns tender, juicy, and coated in a sticky, sweet sauce.
I first made this on a day when I wanted dinner to be easy but still full of flavor. It felt so good to come back hours later and find it ready, and my family loved every bite.
If you want a cozy meal that almost makes itself, this slow cooker honey garlic chicken is perfect. Let me show you how to make it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Easy: Just dump everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic.
- Sweet and Savory: The honey and garlic mix creates the perfect flavor balance.
- Family Friendly: Kids and adults both love this mild but tasty chicken.
- Perfect for Busy Days: Set it and forget it while you handle other tasks.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make extra to use in lunches all week long.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Cook Time:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Total Time: About 4-6 hours
Servings: This recipe makes 6 servings of tender chicken. Need more? Just double everything and use a bigger slow cooker.
Difficulty: Super easy. Perfect for beginners who want tasty results without stress.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Slow cooker (4-6 quart size)
- Small mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to make this simple but delicious dish:
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs stay juicy and tender in the slow cooker.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that bring out all the other flavors.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness that balances the savory parts.
- Soy Sauce: Gives the dish a rich, salty depth of flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic creates an amazing smell and taste.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch adds gentle warmth without too much heat.
- Green Onions: Fresh and bright, perfect for topping the finished dish.
- Peanuts: Chopped peanuts add a fun crunch on top.
- Fresh Herbs: Parsley and cilantro make everything taste fresh and bright.
- Sriracha: Optional hot sauce for those who like extra spice.
Variations for Honey Garlic Chicken
- Use Chicken Breasts: Swap thighs for breasts, but watch the time since they cook faster.
- Add Vegetables: Throw in carrots, bell peppers, or broccoli in the last 2 hours.
- Make it Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or extra sriracha.
- Try Different Nuts: Use cashews or almonds instead of peanuts.
- Add Ginger: Fresh grated ginger pairs wonderfully with honey and garlic.
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Season the Chicken
Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
2. Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Stir until everything is combined well.
3. Add Everything to Slow Cooker
Place seasoned chicken in your slow cooker. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken. Sprinkle red pepper flakes on top.
4. Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be tender and easily shred with a fork.
5. Check for Doneness
Make sure chicken reaches 165°F inside. It should fall apart easily when you touch it with a fork.
6. Add Fresh Toppings
Before serving, sprinkle chopped green onions, peanuts, parsley, and cilantro on top. Add sriracha if you want extra heat.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken
This tasty chicken works great with many different sides:
- Over Rice: Serve over white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice.
- With Noodles: Try it over egg noodles or rice noodles for an Asian-style meal.
- In Wraps: Use the chicken in tortillas with fresh vegetables.
- With Vegetables: Pair with steamed broccoli, green beans, or roasted vegetables.
- In Bowls: Create grain bowls with quinoa, vegetables, and this chicken on top.
Storing Honey Garlic Chicken
- In the Fridge: Store leftover chicken in a sealed container for up to 4 days.
- In the Freezer: Freeze portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little water to keep it moist.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Don’t Lift the Lid: Keep the slow cooker covered while cooking to maintain steady heat.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Check that chicken reaches 165°F for food safety.
- Trim Extra Fat: Remove visible fat from chicken thighs before cooking.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the sauce before cooking and add more honey if needed.
- Fresh Herbs Last: Add fresh herbs at the end so they stay bright and flavorful.
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 285 |
| Protein | 32g |
| Carbs | 15g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 14g |
| Sodium | 680mg |
Nutrition facts are approximate and based on 6 servings
PrintSlow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish / Slow Cooker Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/3 cup (110g) honey
- 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup (35g) chopped peanuts
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sriracha sauce, to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Make Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic until well combined.
- Add to Slow Cooker: Place seasoned chicken in slow cooker. Pour honey garlic sauce over chicken and sprinkle with red pepper flakes.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, until chicken is tender and reaches 165°F internal temperature.
- Serve: Top with chopped green onions, peanuts, parsley, and cilantro. Add sriracha if desired.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken FAQs
Yes, but cook for less time (3-4 hours on LOW) since breasts can dry out faster than thighs.
Sure! Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes or cook in a skillet over medium heat for 15-20 minutes.
Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make this dish gluten-free.
Yes! Mix everything except fresh herbs the night before and refrigerate. Cook the next day and add herbs before serving.
The chicken should reach 165°F inside and be tender enough to shred easily with a fork.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken recipe uses simple ingredients to create a meal your whole family will love. The combination of sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and aromatic garlic makes ordinary chicken thighs taste extraordinary. Best of all, your slow cooker does most of the work while you take care of other things.
