Honey Garlic Crockpot Chicken
Hola! If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a Florida girl falls in love with the bold flavors of Mexican-inspired family cooking and the ease of American comfort food, this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is the perfect answer. Growing up in Orlando, I learned to love bold seasonings and cozy meals that bring family together. This dish combines sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and a touch of chili heat for the perfect balance. It’s one of my go-to fast crock pot chicken recipes because it’s simple, hearty, and a crowd pleaser every time. With just a few ingredients, you’ll have one of the healthiest crock pot meals ready to enjoy.
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Cook Time | 4 hours |
| Total Time | 4 hours 30 minutes |
| Servings | 4 servings |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Cuisine | Asian-Inspired |
| Best Season | Year-round |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless cooking: Toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work while you go about your day.
- Healthy and satisfying: With lean chicken, minimal oil, and natural honey, it fits perfectly into crock pot healthy chicken recipes.
- Family-friendly: The sticky-sweet sauce is loved by both kids and adults, making it a top choice for easy dinner recipes crockpot chicken lovers enjoy.
- Versatile serving: Pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice so you can make it low-carb or extra hearty.
- Meal prep winner: Stores and reheats well, perfect for lunches or freezing ahead.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Juicy, sweet, and savory honey garlic chicken made in the crockpot with simple ingredients. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners or healthy meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons chili paste (sambal oelek, sriracha, or hot sauce)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Prepared brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice (for serving)
- Toasted sesame seeds (for serving)
- Chopped green onion (for serving)
Instructions
1. Place the chicken in the bottom of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, tomato paste, chili paste, garlic, and rice vinegar.
3. Pour mixture over the chicken and cover.
4. Cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or HIGH for 2 to 3 hours until chicken is fully cooked.
5. Remove the chicken and let it cool slightly.
6. Whisk cornstarch into the slow cooker sauce.
7. Cook on HIGH for 15–30 minutes, or reduce on the stovetop until sauce thickens.
8. Shred the chicken with forks and return it to the thickened sauce.
9. Stir to coat, then serve over rice with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
Use thighs for juicier results or breasts for leaner meat.
Adjust chili paste to your spice preference.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 329
- Sugar: 25g
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 162mg
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons chili paste (sambal oelek, sriracha, or hot sauce)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Prepared brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice (for serving)
- Toasted sesame seeds (for serving)
- Chopped green onion (for serving)
Ingredient Tips
| Ingredient | Tip |
|---|---|
| Chicken | Thighs stay juicier in the crockpot, but breasts work if you prefer leaner meat. |
| Soy Sauce | Use low-sodium to keep the sauce balanced and not overly salty. |
| Honey | Pure raw honey gives the richest flavor and natural sweetness. |
| Tomato Paste | Helps create a deeper, richer sauce texture. |
| Chili Paste | Adjust the amount to match your spice preference. |
| Garlic | Fresh minced garlic works best, but pre-minced can save time. |
| Rice Vinegar | Adds brightness, but apple cider vinegar is a great substitute. |
| Cornstarch | Ensures the sauce thickens to a glossy, sticky finish. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place the chicken in the bottom of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, tomato paste, chili paste, garlic, and rice vinegar until smooth.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken, making sure it is well coated.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or HIGH for 2 to 3 hours until the chicken reaches 165°F internally. Flip once halfway if possible.
- Remove chicken and let cool slightly. In the slow cooker, whisk cornstarch into the cooking liquid.
- Cook on HIGH for 15–30 minutes until the sauce thickens. Alternatively, reduce it on the stovetop for quicker results.
- Shred the chicken using two forks, then return it to the sauce. Stir to coat completely.
- Serve over rice or quinoa and garnish with sesame seeds and green onion.
Helpful Tips
- Flip the chicken halfway through cooking for even flavor coating.
- Shred chicken after resting slightly so it doesn’t fall apart too much.
- Use thighs for juicier results, breasts for leaner meals.
- Double the recipe if meal prepping, since it freezes beautifully.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Check doneness with a thermometer: Ensure chicken reaches 165°F for food safety.
- Thicken sauce properly: Let cornstarch cook long enough for a glossy finish.
- Shred gently: Over-shredding can make chicken mushy in the sauce.
- Garnish wisely: Sesame seeds and green onion add crunch and freshness.
Recipe Variations
- Sweet and Spicy Honey Chicken: Add extra chili paste or crushed red pepper for heat lovers.
- Teriyaki-Style: Replace chili paste with fresh ginger for a milder, kid-friendly flavor.
- Orange Honey Garlic Chicken: Swap rice vinegar for orange juice for a citrus twist.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve with cauliflower rice for a lighter, keto-friendly version.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
Cook and cool completely before storing. Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days. For freezing, place portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Serve in deep bowls over rice with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh green onion. For presentation, add a side of steamed broccoli or snap peas to bring color and freshness.
Pairing Ideas
This dish pairs beautifully with jasmine rice, stir-fried vegetables, or even a crisp Asian slaw. For drinks, try green tea, crisp white wine, or sparkling water with lime.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce, or microwave in short bursts until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe with frozen chicken?
It’s best to thaw chicken first for food safety and even cooking.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but extend cooking time slightly to ensure even doneness.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make it gluten-free.
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, but increase cooking time and remove bones before shredding.
How spicy is this dish?
It’s mildly spicy, but you can control heat by adjusting chili paste.
What can I use instead of rice vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar works well.
Can I thicken the sauce without cornstarch?
Yes, arrowroot or tapioca starch are great alternatives.
Nutrition Information
| Serving Size | 1 cup |
| Calories | 329 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 25 g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a little kick of heat. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights yet flavorful enough to impress your family. Give it a try and bring a little cozy comfort to your table tonight.
