Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a flavorful and easy weeknight dinner that’s full of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy notes. This dish brings together tender chicken thighs or breasts simmered in a rich sauce made with garlic, honey, soy, and a touch of heat, all perfectly balanced for a sticky, glossy finish. It’s a low-maintenance recipe that lets your slow cooker do all the work, while you enjoy the comforting aroma filling your kitchen. Serve it over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for a meal that’s both satisfying and wholesome. Ideal for meal prep, family dinners, or anyone who loves bold flavors with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy One-Pot Cooking

This recipe comes together in the slow cooker, making cleanup a breeze and hands-on time minimal—perfect for busy weekdays.

2. Sweet and Savory Flavor

A balanced sauce of honey, soy, garlic, and chili paste gives this dish a rich, complex flavor that’s incredibly satisfying.

3. Versatile Protein

Whether you use chicken thighs or breasts, the slow cooking ensures juicy, fork-tender meat every time.

4. Great for Meal Prep

The leftovers reheat beautifully, making it ideal for packing into lunches or freezing for later meals.

5. Customizable Heat Level

You can adjust the spice to your preference, from mild and sweet to bold and spicy.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Low-sodium soy sauce
Honey

Tomato paste
Chili paste (sambal oelek, sriracha, or other hot sauce)
Garlic

Rice vinegar
Cornstarch

For Serving:

Cooked brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice

Toasted sesame seeds
Chopped green onions

Variations

Make It Spicier

Increase the chili paste for more heat, or add red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Use a Different Protein

This recipe also works well with pork tenderloin or tofu for a different twist.

Gluten-Free Option

Swap soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make this dish gluten-free.

Add Vegetables

Throw in bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas during the last hour of cooking for a one-pot meal.

Swap the Sweetener

Try maple syrup or brown sugar in place of honey for a different depth of flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, tomato paste, chili paste, garlic, and rice vinegar until smooth and well combined.

Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker

Place the chicken thighs or breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the top, making sure the chicken is well coated.

Step 3: Cook

Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and set aside. Mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker. Turn to high and cook uncovered for 10–15 minutes until thickened.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Shred the chicken using two forks and return it to the thickened sauce. Stir to combine.

Step 6: Serve

Spoon the honey garlic chicken over brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. Top with green onions and sesame seeds.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use thighs for extra juiciness: Chicken thighs stay moist and flavorful even after hours in the slow cooker.
Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry: It gives the sauce its rich, sticky texture that clings to the chicken.

Taste and adjust the sauce: After cooking, you can tweak the sweetness or spice before serving.
Keep it low-sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness, especially when serving with rice.
Use a liner for easy cleanup: Slow cooker liners make post-dinner cleanup quick and painless.

How to Serve

Serve this chicken hot over your grain of choice with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onion. It pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables or a crisp cucumber salad. For a low-carb version, use cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen with time, making it even better the next day.

Freezing

Freeze the cooked and cooled chicken in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

FAQs

1. Can I cook this on high?

Yes, cook on high for 2–3 hours, but cooking on low for 4–5 hours will give more tender results.

2. Do I need to sear the chicken first?

No, the chicken cooks perfectly in the sauce without searing, though you can brown it for added flavor.

3. What type of chili paste should I use?

Sambal oelek and sriracha both work well—adjust the quantity to your spice preference.

4. Can I use frozen chicken?

For safety, thaw chicken before adding it to the slow cooker to ensure even cooking.

5. How do I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

6. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but make sure your slow cooker can handle the volume, and add a bit more cooking time as needed.

7. What if I don’t have tomato paste?

You can omit it or substitute with a bit of ketchup or additional soy sauce, though flavor may vary slightly.

8. Will this work with chicken drumsticks?

Yes, just adjust the cooking time and ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.

9. Can I use honey garlic sauce from a bottle?

Store-bought sauce can be used in a pinch, but homemade offers better control over flavor and ingredients.

10. How can I make the sauce thicker?

Use an extra half tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water for a thicker consistency, or simmer longer with the lid off.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a fuss-free recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. The combination of garlic, honey, soy, and heat creates a savory-sweet glaze that transforms simple chicken into something crave-worthy. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or freezer meals, this dish is a go-to favorite for anyone looking to make a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve it over rice or quinoa, and enjoy a hearty, wholesome dinner that your whole family will love.