Simple Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is the kind of comforting, flavorful meal that fits perfectly into busy weeknights and relaxed family dinners alike. In the first bite, you get tender chicken coated in a glossy honey garlic sauce that is sweet, savory, and deeply satisfying, all made with minimal effort thanks to the slow cooker.
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Why You’ll Love This Simple Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
This recipe checks all the boxes for a reliable go-to dinner. It is easy to prep, uses pantry-friendly ingredients, and delivers restaurant-quality flavor with very little hands-on time. The slow cooker gently cooks the chicken until it is juicy and fork-tender, while the sauce thickens into a sticky glaze that clings to every bite.
You will also appreciate how versatile this dish is. Serve it over rice, tuck it into wraps, or pair it with steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. The flavors are kid-approved, yet sophisticated enough for adults, making it a true family favorite.
Another reason this recipe stands out is how customizable it is. You can adjust the sweetness, make it gluten free, or lighten it up without sacrificing flavor. It is dependable, practical, and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients for Simple Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
This recipe uses everyday ingredients that come together to create big flavor.
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons water
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, optional for garnish
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Chicken thighs are naturally juicier and more forgiving in the slow cooker, but chicken breasts work just as well if you prefer leaner meat. If using breasts, be careful not to overcook them.
Low-sodium soy sauce is strongly recommended to prevent the sauce from becoming overly salty. For a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos. Coconut aminos will also slightly reduce the sodium and add mild sweetness.
Honey provides the signature sweetness. You can reduce the amount slightly if you prefer a more savory sauce, or substitute part of it with pure maple syrup for a different flavor twist.
Rice vinegar adds balance and brightness. Apple cider vinegar works just as well and is easy to find.
Sesame oil adds depth, but it is potent. A small amount goes a long way, so do not be tempted to add more.
Cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce at the end. Arrowroot powder can be used as a substitute if needed.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ketchup, vinegar, and sesame oil until smooth and well combined. This sauce should taste balanced, sweet, and savory.
Step 2: Add Chicken to the Slow Cooker
Place the chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker in an even layer. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken, turning the pieces slightly to ensure they are well coated.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Chicken
Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, or until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Avoid cooking on HIGH, as this can make the chicken dry.
Step 4: Remove Chicken and Thicken Sauce
Carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a plate. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Pour this mixture into the sauce in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on HIGH for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.
Step 5: Coat and Serve
Return the chicken to the slow cooker and spoon the thickened sauce over the top. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot.
Pro Tips for Success
- Always cook on LOW for the best texture. Slow, gentle heat keeps the chicken tender.
- Do not skip thickening the sauce. This step transforms the dish from soupy to restaurant-worthy.
- If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it.
- Mince the garlic finely to prevent large chunks from overpowering the sauce.
- Let the chicken rest in the sauce for a few minutes before serving for maximum flavor.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken: Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Ginger Honey Garlic Chicken: Add 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger for warmth and depth.
- Orange Honey Garlic Chicken: Stir in 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice and a little zest.
- Teriyaki Style: Replace ketchup with hoisin sauce and add extra sesame oil.
- Vegetable Boost: Add sliced bell peppers or carrots during the last hour of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
This Simple Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Serve it over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or quinoa to soak up the sauce. It is also excellent with mashed potatoes or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
For vegetables, try steamed broccoli, green beans, or snap peas. A crisp cucumber salad or simple side salad adds freshness and balance.
You can also shred the chicken and use it in lettuce wraps, rice bowls, or even sandwiches for leftovers that feel brand new.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Store leftover honey garlic chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
To freeze, let the chicken cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag with the sauce. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Simple Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
- Total Time: 5 heures 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 portions
Description
Un plat de poulet ultra tendre à la mijoteuse, nappé d’une sauce miel ail brillante et savoureuse, sucrée-salée, parfait pour les soirs de semaine chargés comme pour les dîners familiaux décontractés.
Ingredients
- 2 livres de blancs de poulet ou hauts de cuisse désossés et sans peau
- 1/2 tasse de miel
- 1/3 tasse de sauce soja à teneur réduite en sodium
- 4 gousses d’ail, hachées
- 1/4 tasse de ketchup
- 2 cuillères à soupe de vinaigre de riz ou vinaigre de cidre
- 1 cuillère à soupe d’huile de sésame
- 2 cuillères à soupe de fécule de maïs
- 3 cuillères à soupe d’eau
- Oignons verts émincés, pour garnir
- Graines de sésame, optionnel
Instructions
- Dans un bol, fouetter le miel, la sauce soja, l’ail, le ketchup, le vinaigre et l’huile de sésame.
- Placer le poulet dans la mijoteuse en une couche uniforme.
- Verser la sauce miel ail sur le poulet et bien l’enrober.
- Couvrir et cuire à basse température pendant 4 à 5 heures.
- Retirer le poulet de la mijoteuse et réserver.
- Mélanger la fécule de maïs et l’eau pour former une slurry.
- Incorporer la slurry à la sauce dans la mijoteuse.
- Couvrir et cuire à température élevée pendant 10 à 15 minutes jusqu’à épaississement.
- Remettre le poulet dans la mijoteuse et bien l’enrober de sauce.
- Garnir d’oignons verts et de graines de sésame avant de servir.
Notes
Cuire à basse température pour un poulet tendre et juteux. La sauce s’épaissit en fin de cuisson pour obtenir une texture brillante et nappante.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 heures
- Category: Plat Principal
- Method: Mijoteuse
- Cuisine: Asiatique-Inspirée
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 |
| Protein | 33g |
| Carbohydrates | 34g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 620mg |
Values are approximate and will vary based on ingredients used.
FAQ About Simple Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Can I use frozen chicken?
It is best to thaw chicken before adding it to the slow cooker. Using frozen chicken can cause uneven cooking and food safety concerns.
Can I cook this on HIGH to save time?
Cooking on LOW is strongly recommended. High heat can cause the chicken to become dry and stringy, especially when using chicken breasts.
How do I make this recipe healthier?
Use chicken breasts, reduce the honey slightly, and serve with whole grains or vegetables. Coconut aminos can also reduce sodium.
Why is my sauce thin?
The sauce needs to be thickened after cooking. Make sure to add the cornstarch slurry and allow it time to simmer and thicken.
Can I make this in advance?
Yes. This dish reheats very well and tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld.
Final Thoughts
Simple Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is proof that easy recipes can still be incredibly flavorful and satisfying. With its tender chicken, sticky-sweet sauce, and endless serving options, it is a recipe you will come back to again and again. Whether you are feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish delivers comfort, convenience, and crowd-pleasing taste every time.