Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Enjoy the irresistible flavors of this slow cooker honey garlic chicken. Tender chicken is cooked in a sweet and savory sauce, creating an irresistible dish that will leave you wanting more.
Learning how to make your own Asian-style dishes at home is a great way to save money on takeout. Today, I am sharing a simple honey garlic chicken recipe that is a perfect place to start.
Taking only a couple of minutes of prep, this is the perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal.
Too busy to make this right away? Pin it for later! Pin this post to your favorite board on Pinterest and it will be there when you’re ready!
If you are interested in more easy slow cooker recipes, check out this coconut curry chicken recipe, these slow cooker ribs, or this easy crockpot beef dip. For meal prep ideas, this list of crockpot freezer meals and these meal planning recipes and tips are great resources too.
The whole family is going to love this slow cooker honey garlic chicken recipe, both food adventurers and picky eaters alike. It is definitely a family favorite around here.
The deliciously sweet, sticky sauce and juicy chicken are a winning combination. Make it for dinner tonight!
Recipe Notes
- While I typically use boneless skinless chicken breasts in this easy recipe, dark meat like boneless chicken thighs works equally well.
- Add a few red pepper flakes to the sauce if you like a little kick.
- Serve with brown or white rice.
- Turn it into a complete meal by including vegetable side dishes like green beans or broccoli.
- For a delicious lower carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or make lettuce wraps.
- Try a honey garlic chicken stir fry with egg noodles or ramen.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 3-4 hours on high or 6-7 hours on low
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients
- Chicken breast – Tender, juicy chicken that absorbs all the delicious flavors.
- Soy sauce – Try substituting tamari for a gluten-free option.
- Honey – Sweetens the sauce naturally and pairs perfectly with the fresh garlic.
- Hoisin sauce – A sweet, tangy, and slightly smoky sauce.
- Rice vinegar – Adds a mild tang to brighten the overall taste.
- Toasted sesame oil – A nutty, fragrant oil that enhances the Asian-inspired flavors.
- Garlic, minced – Bold and fragrant, it’s the heart of the honey garlic flavor.
- Scallions – Fresh and slightly sweet, they add a pop of color and flavor.
- Sesame seeds – A simple garnish that adds texture and a hint of nuttiness.
- Salt – Just enough to enhance the natural flavors.
- Black pepper – Adds a gentle kick to round out the dish.
Instructions
1. To your slow cooker, add the chicken, soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, garlic, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
2. Cook in the slow cooker for 3-4 hours on high or 6-7 hours on low. Make sure to flip the chicken breast over halfway through the cooking time.
3. Once fully cooked, shred the chicken.
Tip: Use a hand mixer for easy shredding.
4. Serve with rice and top with green onions and sesame seeds.
Tips and Tricks
- If you find that your honey garlic sauce is too runny, you can always thicken it up with a cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, combine a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little bit of water. Whisk to dissolve the cornstarch. Pour the slurry into the crockpot and mix everything together. Allow to cook for a couple of minutes or until the sauce is thickened and no longer cloudy.
- When cooking meat, always check the internal temperature to ensure it is fully cooked. The best and easiest way to do this is with a meat thermometer, inserted into the thickest part of the meat.
- This recipe is great for weekly meal prep. Cook up the chicken, rice, and veggies on Sunday. Portion out meals for the week and stick them in the fridge. Then just grab and go!
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to marinate the chicken beforehand?
Marinating is not necessary because the chicken absorbs the sauce flavors while cooking, saving you extra prep time.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Absolutely! Add hearty vegetables like carrots or bell peppers at the start, or quicker-cooking ones like broccoli halfway through to prevent overcooking.
What can I use instead of hoisin sauce?
A mix of soy sauce, brown sugar, and a splash of rice vinegar can substitute hoisin sauce.
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Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 lbs 4 pieces of chicken breast
- 1 cup low sodium soy sauce
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 6-8 cloves of garlic minced
- 2 scallions
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- ¼ tsp salt or to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper or to taste
Instructions
- To your slow cooker, add the chicken, soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, garlic, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and salt and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Cook in the slow cooker for 3-4 hours on high or 6-7 hours on low. Make sure to flip the chicken breast over halfway through the cooking time.
- Once fully cooked, shred the chicken. I use a hand mixer for easy shredding.
- Serve with rice and top with green onions and sesame seeds.