Dinner

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

ByNaomi Fletcher March 30, 2026March 30, 2026

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a flavorful and easy meal perfect for busy days. Tender chicken thighs or breasts slow-cooked in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce make for a comforting dish the whole family will enjoy.

The image shows a white bowl filled with glazed chicken pieces covered in a thick, shiny brown sauce. The chicken is topped with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, adding a fresh green color on top. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, and a woman's hand is holding the bowl from the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1/2 cup of honey
1/2 cup of soy sauce (or gluten-free soy sauce)
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, minced or grated
1 tablespoon of rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon of sesame oil (optional)
1 tablespoon of cornstarch (for thickening)
Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs if using, then pat the chicken dry with a paper towel and set aside.
Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ginger, vinegar, and sesame oil until well combined.
Step 3: Place the chicken in the slow cooker and pour the honey garlic sauce over the top, making sure each piece is evenly coated.
Step 4: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6 to 8 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 5: When cooking is complete, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and let it rest while you thicken the sauce.
Step 6: In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry. Add this mixture to the sauce in the slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 10 minutes to thicken.
Step 7: Slice the chicken, pour the thickened sauce over it, and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a gluten-free version, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce.
If you prefer white meat, chicken breasts work well but may cook faster, so check for doneness earlier.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat in your sauce.
Serve over steamed rice or with stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover honey garlic chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove to avoid drying out the chicken. The sauce may thicken further when chilled; stir in a small splash of water while reheating if needed.

How to Serve

The image shows a white bowl filled with glazed chicken pieces that are dark brown and shiny, covered in thick sauce. The chicken is arranged in a few layers, with the top layer sprinkled with chopped green onions and white sesame seeds. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking. If using frozen, allow extra cooking time and ensure the chicken is fully cooked before serving.

How can I make the sauce thicker without cornstarch?

You can reduce the sauce by cooking it uncovered on high in the slow cooker after removing the chicken, or stir in a small amount of flour mixed with water as an alternative thickener.