Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Some days, you just want to throw a few things in a slow cooker, walk away, and come back to something rich, savory, and seriously good.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken hits that spot. It’s sweet and salty, a little sticky, and packed with bold garlic flavor. The chicken cooks low and slow until it’s tender enough to shred with a fork, then it gets coated in a glossy sauce that clings to every bite.

This one’s great over rice, tossed with noodles, or spooned into lettuce cups for something lighter. And because it takes just 10 minutes to get it started, it’s perfect for busy days when you want a home-cooked meal without a whole lot of effort.

Make it once, and you’ll probably keep a bottle of soy sauce and a jar of honey on standby just for this.

Why This Recipe Gets on Repeat in Our House

There’s something about a slow cooker meal that feels like a cheat code—but in the best way.
This one comes together with ingredients you probably already have, and it delivers a ton of flavor without needing much from you. The garlic brings boldness, the honey smooths it out, and soy sauce ties everything together with a salty edge that makes it addictive.

• Hands-off cooking – Throw it in the slow cooker and walk away
• Family-friendly flavors – Just sweet enough, but not too sugary
• Works with any cut – Thighs, breasts, drumsticks—it all works here
• Customizable – Add broccoli, snap peas, or chili flakes for a twist
• Great for leftovers – Makes extra on purpose, and reheats beautifully

It’s a weeknight win you’ll keep coming back to.

What You’ll Need to Make Honey Garlic Chicken

The ingredient list is short, simple, and filled with flavor.
You can swap or add a few things depending on what’s in your kitchen, but this is the classic combo that keeps things balanced.

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs – Tender and juicy after hours of slow cooking
• Honey – Adds sweetness and helps thicken the sauce
• Soy Sauce – For salty, umami-rich flavor
• Garlic – Use fresh cloves for the boldest taste
• Rice Vinegar – A little acidity to balance the sweet and savory
• Fresh Ginger – Optional, but adds warmth and depth
• Cornstarch & Water – Thickens the sauce at the end
• Green Onions & Sesame Seeds – For topping and extra flavor
• Optional: Chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy edge

You don’t need much to make this taste like you spent hours on it.

How to Make It (and Let It Cook Itself)

This recipe is built to be low-effort. Just layer in the ingredients, give it a quick stir, and let the slow cooker do all the work.
It’s a great one to start before work and come home to, or toss together before a weekend project.

• Place the chicken in the slow cooker – No need to brown it first. Just arrange it in a single layer for even cooking.
• Whisk together the sauce – In a small bowl, stir together honey, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and ginger (if using). Pour it over the chicken.
• Cover and cook – Set the slow cooker to low for 4–5 hours, or high for 2–3 hours. You want the chicken fully cooked and easy to shred.
• Shred the chicken – Once done, remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Return it to the slow cooker.
• Thicken the sauce – Mix cornstarch with a bit of water and stir it into the sauce. Let it cook on high for 10–15 minutes until glossy and slightly thickened.
• Serve and garnish – Spoon it over rice, noodles, or veggies. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions if you’ve got them.

That sauce is good enough to spoon straight from the bowl.

Best Sides to Pair with Honey Garlic Chicken

The sauce is the star, so you want sides that help soak it all up without overpowering it.
Anything mild, warm, or fresh will do the job perfectly.

Side Dish	Why It Works
Steamed Jasmine Rice	Fluffy, simple, and soaks up all that glossy sauce
Garlic Green Beans	Snappy and savory—a solid pairing
Roasted Broccoli	Adds texture and a little char to the plate
Coconut Rice	Sweet and fragrant to match the honey in the sauce
Rice Noodles or Udon	Soaks up the sauce and turns this into a noodle bowl
Cucumber Salad	Crisp, refreshing, and cools the bold garlic flavors
Lettuce Wraps	Light and crunchy—good for serving the chicken inside

It’s also amazing over leftover quinoa or stirred into fried rice.

How to Store, Reheat, and Make It Last

This is one of those meals that only gets better after a day in the fridge.
The sauce thickens up and the flavor keeps deepening. It’s great for lunch the next day or freezing for future dinners.

How to Store It

Let the chicken and sauce cool completely before sealing.
Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating Tips

• Microwave: Heat individual servings with a splash of water or extra sauce
• Stovetop: Simmer gently in a pan until warmed through
• Slow Cooker: Reheat larger batches on low with the lid on for about 45 minutes

Freezer Tips

Freeze flat in a zip-top bag or portion into containers. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as needed.

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken FAQ

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but they may be a bit drier. Thighs hold up better in the slow cooker, but breasts work fine if that’s what you’ve got.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just make sure the chicken still fits in a single layer, or cook a bit longer if stacked.

Can I make this spicy?

Yes—add a squirt of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for heat.

Is this gluten-free?

It can be. Just use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and make sure all your sauces are labeled GF.

Can I cook this on high?

Yes. 2–3 hours on high works if you’re short on time. Just keep an eye on it so the sauce doesn’t reduce too much.