Close-up of honey garlic chicken glazed with sesame seeds and green onions over white rice

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

by

Sweet, savory & perfectly tender

Craving something cozy, flavorful, and completely foolproof? This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is the answer! Juicy, tender chicken slow-cooked in a sticky honey garlic sauce that’s both sweet and savory perfect for spooning over rice or noodles. With just a handful of ingredients and your slow cooker doing all the work, this Emma’s Cake Studio recipe is an effortless weeknight win. Ideal for busy families, meal prep, or cozy dinners, this dish fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your plate with comfort!

Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4–5 hours (low) or 2–3 hours (high)
  • Total Time: 5 hours
  • Servings: 4–6

Ingredients List

For the Chicken

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Honey Garlic Sauce

  • ½ cup honey
  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional, for depth)
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)

For Thickening (Optional)

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water

For Serving

  • Steamed rice or noodles
  • Sesame seeds
  • Chopped green onions

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

  • 6-quart slow cooker or crockpot
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Mixing bowl & whisk
  • Tongs or fork
  • Saucepan (optional, for thickening sauce)

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken:
    Season chicken with salt and pepper, then place in the bottom of your slow cooker.
  2. Mix the sauce:
    In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Pour over the chicken.
  3. Cook:
    Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until chicken is tender and easily shredded.
  4. Thicken the sauce (optional):
    Remove chicken and set aside. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water, then stir into sauce. Cook on high for 10–15 minutes until thickened. Return chicken to coat in sauce. ✨
  5. Serve:
    Spoon over rice or noodles, sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions, and enjoy the perfect blend of sweet and savory!

Pro Tips

  • Prefer darker meat? Chicken thighs stay extra juicy in the slow cooker.
  • Want it sticky? Let the sauce simmer uncovered for a few minutes before serving.
  • Add veggies: Toss in broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas during the last 30 minutes for a full meal.
  • Meal prep magic: Stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheats perfectly!

Nutrition Table

Serving SizeCaloriesProteinCarbsFatFiberSugar
1 serving37033g22g14g1g18g