Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe for Dinner Bliss

Succulent honey garlic chicken transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into delightful culinary adventures.

Slow cookers work magic by infusing tender meat with rich, complex flavors.

Simple ingredients create an extraordinary meal that feels like a restaurant-quality experience.

The combination of sweet honey and pungent garlic promises an irresistible aroma filling your kitchen.

Minimal prep work means you can walk away and let the crockpot do the heavy lifting.

Busy families will appreciate how effortlessly this dish comes together without sacrificing taste.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of tangy and sweet notes that dance across your palate.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for those nights when comfort and convenience matter most.

Why Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Never Fails

• Hands-off cooking method lets you toss ingredients in the crockpot and walk away, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy cooking days.
• Uses common pantry staples like honey, soy sauce, and garlic, eliminating complicated shopping trips and reducing recipe complexity.
• Tender chicken with sweet and savory sauce pairs wonderfully with rice or can be shredded for tacos, sandwiches, or salads, making it adaptable for multiple meals.
• Mild yet delicious taste appeals to both kids and adults, with optional red pepper flakes for those wanting a slight kick, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys dinner.

What You’ll Need for Honey Garlic Crockpot Chicken

• Chicken: Lean protein that forms the base of the dish, best with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for easy cooking and tender results.

• Honey, Soy Sauce, Ketchup: Sweet and savory combination that creates a rich, glossy coating for the chicken, balanced flavor profile with depth.
• Garlic: Adds robust, aromatic flavor that complements the sweet and tangy sauce, fresh garlic recommended for best taste.
• Thyme: Herbaceous note that provides subtle earthy undertones to the overall dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for adding gentle heat and spice complexity.

• Cornstarch: Creates smooth sauce consistency and helps glaze the chicken, ensures sauce clings perfectly to meat.
• Sesame Seeds: Optional garnish that adds nutty crunch and visual appeal.
• Green Onions: Fresh topping that brings brightness and mild onion flavor.

• Rice: Neutral base that absorbs the flavorful sauce.
• Steamed Vegetables: Healthy side that complements the main dish.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings for initial chicken preparation.

How to Slow Cook Honey Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Protein

Place chicken in slow cooker. Generously sprinkle salt and black pepper over each piece, ensuring both sides are evenly coated.

Step 2: Create Flavor Explosion

• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Ketchup
• Minced garlic
• Fresh thyme leaves
• Red pepper flakes

Whisk ingredients until smooth and well-blended. Pour entire mixture over chicken.

Step 3: Low and Slow Cooking

Cover slow cooker and set to low heat. Allow chicken to cook gently for 5-6 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. Chicken is ready when internal temperature reaches 165°F and meat becomes tender and easily pulls apart.

Step 4: Sauce Transformation

Remove chicken and place on serving platter. Create cornstarch mixture by whisking cornstarch with cold water. Pour into remaining liquid in slow cooker. Stir continuously until sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Return chicken to slow cooker and coat thoroughly.

Step 5: Elegant Plating

Arrange chicken over fluffy white rice or brown rice. Scatter fresh chopped green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Serve immediately with steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables for complete meal.

Smart Tips for Crockpot Chicken Done Right

• Seal in Flavor: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help spices stick better and create a more flavorful exterior.
• Customize Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference, from none to extra spicy for bold taste lovers.
• Prevent Dry Chicken: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier, more tender meat that won’t easily dry out during slow cooking.
• Sauce Smoothing Trick: Whisk cornstarch slurry thoroughly to avoid lumps and ensure a silky, glossy sauce consistency.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare sauce ingredients the night before and store in the refrigerator to save time during busy mornings.

How to Reheat Honey Garlic Chicken Without Drying It Out

• Store leftover honey garlic chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the dish stays fresh for 35 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer chicken to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen chicken maintains quality for up to 3 months.
• Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 57 minutes.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.

Best Pairings for Honey Garlic Chicken

• Create a perfect base for the honey garlic chicken, soaking up the rich, sweet-savory sauce and adding a delicate floral aroma that complements the dish’s bold flavors.
• Prepare a tangy cabbage slaw with rice vinegar and sesame oil to cut through the chicken’s richness, providing a refreshing and crunchy contrast.
• Select a slightly sweet Riesling that balances the honey’s sweetness and stands up to the garlic’s intensity, enhancing the overall meal experience.
• Add a nutritious green vegetable with a mild, slightly bitter taste that perfectly offsets the chicken’s sweet and savory sauce, creating a well-rounded plate.

Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe Variations

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the dish gluten-free. Use cornstarch carefully to ensure no cross-contamination.
• Spicy Kick Edition: Add extra red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce for more heat. Include diced jalapeños in the sauce for additional spiciness.
• Low-Sodium Alternative: Use reduced-sodium soy sauce or substitute with coconut aminos. Reduce added salt and choose low-sodium ketchup to control sodium intake.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Skip rice and serve over cauliflower rice. Replace honey with sugar-free honey alternative or monk fruit sweetener to maintain low-carb requirements.

Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 45 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent honey garlic chicken simmers effortlessly in your crockpot, creating a mouthwatering meal that balances sweet and savory notes. Home cooks can savor this simple yet impressive dinner that promises tender, flavor-packed chicken with minimal kitchen effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Sauce Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup (79 milliliters) honey
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) ketchup
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) dried thyme or ½ teaspoon (2.5 grams) fresh thyme leaves
• ½ teaspoon (1 gram) red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

Seasoning and Thickening:

• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon (8 grams) cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) water

Serving Suggestions:

• Cooked white or brown rice
• Steamed broccoli or mixed vegetables
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Green onions (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Gently massage chicken pieces with salt and pepper, ensuring even seasoning on all surfaces. Carefully arrange in the slow cooker, creating a single layer for consistent cooking.
2. Craft a vibrant sauce by whisking honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, fragrant thyme, and optional red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl. Thoroughly drench the chicken with this aromatic liquid.
3. Secure the crockpot lid and allow the chicken to simmer on low temperature for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Verify doneness by checking that internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C.
4. Once cooked, delicately transfer chicken to a serving platter. Transform the remaining liquid into a rich glaze by stirring cornstarch mixture until sauce reaches desired consistency, approximately 10-15 minutes.
5. Reunite chicken with thickened sauce, gently coating each piece to maximize flavor absorption. Present over fluffy rice, accompanied by steamed seasonal vegetables.
6. Elevate the dish’s visual appeal and taste by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions as a final flourish.

Notes

• Choose bone-in or boneless chicken thighs for extra flavor and moisture, ensuring a juicier final dish.
• Adjust spice levels by reducing or eliminating red pepper flakes for a milder version suitable for children or sensitive palates.
• Create a gluten-free alternative by using tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and ensuring cornstarch is certified gluten-free.
• Enhance meal prep by preparing the sauce mixture the night before and storing it in the refrigerator to save morning cooking time.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 hours (low) / 23 hours (high)
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg