Description

This Easy Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a perfect weeknight meal that combines sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors with minimal effort. Ideal for busy evenings or cozy weekends, this dish delivers tender, juicy chicken coated in a rich, sticky sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. Inspired by classic home-cooked Asian flavors, it’s simple enough for beginners but impressive enough for family dinners or meal prep. Serve it over rice, noodles, or with steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (slurry for thickening)
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Sesame seeds (for garnish)

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Instructions

Prepare the slow cooker by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
In a medium bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ketchup, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Stir until fully blended.
Place the chicken in the slow cooker in a single layer if possible, and pour the sauce evenly over the chicken, coating each piece.
Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily pulls apart.
Remove the chicken and set aside. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Return the chicken to the thickened sauce, gently tossing to coat each piece evenly.
Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, then serve over rice, noodles, or alongside roasted vegetables.

Notes

Thighs stay juicier than breasts, but both work well.
Adjust honey or soy sauce for preferred sweetness or saltiness.
Add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli during the last hour for a complete meal.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat gently to maintain chicken tenderness.

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