Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken is pure comfort food made simple. The chicken turns fall-apart tender in a slow cooker while the honey and garlic sauce becomes thick and glossy. Every bite is rich, sweet, and perfectly balanced with savory depth. This recipe is one of those “set it and forget it” meals that fill your kitchen with the best kind of smell. If you love creamy, cozy dinners, try my Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken next.
Cooking like this is what I love most. It’s not about fancy steps or long hours. It’s about real food that brings people together. Just like my Marry Me Chicken Crock Pot, this dish proves that a slow cooker can create magic with only a few ingredients and a little patience.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
Here’s why this recipe deserves a spot in your dinner rotation:
- Effortless prep: It takes just ten minutes before your slow cooker handles the rest.
- Big flavor: The sauce blends honey, soy, and garlic for a bold but balanced taste.
- Crowd favorite: Sweet and savory enough for both adults and kids.
- Budget-friendly: Uses simple ingredients you already have.
- Flexible: Works great with rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables.
For another cozy weeknight idea, check out my Crock Pot Chicken Piccata. It’s another easy slow-cooked meal that delivers restaurant-quality flavor without the stress.
Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
Equipment
- slow cooker
- whisk
- mixing bowl
- serving spoon
Ingredients
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/2 cup low-sodium ketchup
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1/2 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Arrange chicken thighs in a slow cooker.
- Whisk honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, and oregano together. Pour over chicken.
- Cook on Low for 4–5 hours or High for 3 hours.
- Optional: Whisk 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water and stir into the sauce 30 minutes before serving to thicken.
- Garnish with parsley and sesame seeds. Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, mix in a tablespoon of hoisin sauce or a pinch of crushed red pepper before cooking.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon cold water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Always check the chicken’s internal temperature — it should reach 165°F for safe doneness.
- This recipe also works great with boneless chicken breasts. Reduce cooking time slightly to prevent overcooking.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen in the fridge.
- Pair it with jasmine rice, steamed broccoli, or noodles for a balanced, comforting dinner.
- To make this dish gluten-free, replace soy sauce with coconut aminos or tamari.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 227 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 23 g |
| Total Fat | 3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 72 mg |
| Sodium | 1020 mg |
| Sugar | 20 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Potassium | 544 mg |
| Vitamin A | 250 IU |
| Vitamin C | 4.5 mg |
| Calcium | 27 mg |
| Iron | 1.3 mg |
Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Ingredients
You only need a few pantry staples to make Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken taste incredible.
- Chicken thighs: Boneless and skinless for the most tender texture.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for deep flavor.
- Honey: The key to that sticky sweetness.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Balances the honey with a touch of salt.
- Ketchup: Adds tang and body to the sauce.
- Oregano and parsley: Add herbal freshness.
- Sesame seeds: Sprinkle on top before serving for a light crunch.
If you love saucy, rich chicken dinners, try my Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie next—it has that same homemade comfort vibe everyone craves.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Keep these tips in mind for tender chicken and the best sauce texture:
- Use boneless thighs for juicy results.
- Check doneness after four hours; every slow cooker heats differently.
- Mix a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon cold water) to thicken the sauce at the end.
- Stir once during cooking to make sure the sauce coats evenly.
- Add sesame seeds right before serving for a nutty finish.
For creamy slow cooker comfort food with a twist, you’ll love my Creamy Ranch Chicken Crock Pot.
Quick Recipe Snapshot
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Serves | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 4 to 5 hours on Low | 6 servings | Beginner |
How to Make Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Step by Step
Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken is all about simplicity. You just layer the ingredients, close the lid, and let your slow cooker handle the rest. The sauce caramelizes beautifully, coating each piece of chicken with a sticky, flavorful glaze.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Start with six boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Trim excess fat if needed.
- Pat them dry with paper towels for even cooking.
Make the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/2 cup low-sodium ketchup
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Mix until smooth and glossy.
Combine Everything
- Arrange the chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the top.
Slow Cook to Perfection
- Cover and cook on Low for 4–5 hours or High for 3 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, whisk a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon cold water) into the sauce if you want it thicker.
Serve and Garnish
- Remove chicken from the pot.
- Spoon sauce over the top and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped parsley.
Flavor Variations to Try
Want to make Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken fit your mood or diet? Try these easy swaps:
- Healthy Option: Use chicken breasts or add steamed broccoli during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
- Sweet Twist: Swap honey with pure maple syrup for a deeper flavor.
- Family Comfort: Serve over buttery noodles or creamy mashed potatoes.
If you enjoy sweet and tangy chicken flavors, my Mississippi Chicken Crock Pot is another great dinner idea that uses pantry ingredients and bold flavor.
Serving, Sides, and Storage Tips for Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken is the kind of dish that fits any table. The sauce is sticky and rich, and the chicken melts apart with every bite. Once your slow cooker has done the work, all that’s left is to serve it up with the perfect sides.
Best Ways to Serve Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides that soak up the sweet garlic sauce. Here are a few serving ideas your family will love:
- Over Rice: Spoon the chicken and sauce on top of white or jasmine rice. The grains absorb every drop of flavor.
- With Noodles: Toss it with egg noodles or rice noodles for an easy stir-fry twist.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Serve next to broccoli, carrots, or green beans for color and texture.
- Over Mashed Potatoes: If you prefer a creamy base, this chicken tastes amazing over buttery potatoes.
If you enjoy chicken dinners with a sweet and savory kick, you’ll love my Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken for another easy weeknight favorite.
Creative Add-Ons and Variations
Turn your Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken into something new every time with these easy adjustments:
- Add pineapple chunks during the last hour for a tropical touch.
- Stir in steamed broccoli or snap peas before serving for a full one-pot meal.
- Mix the leftover sauce with rice or quinoa for quick lunches the next day.
- Sprinkle green onions and a bit of sesame oil for extra flavor.
These tweaks keep the recipe fresh while keeping prep simple.
How to Store and Reheat Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
Leftovers are where this recipe shines. The flavors deepen as they rest, making it even better the next day.
- To store: Place cooled chicken and sauce in airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to four days.
- To reheat: Warm on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes until hot.
- To freeze: Store portions in freezer-safe bags, removing extra air. Freeze for up to three months.
Tip: Reheat with a splash of water or chicken broth to keep the sauce smooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long should I cook Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken?
Cook on Low for 4–5 hours or High for 3 hours. Every slow cooker heats differently, so always check that the chicken reaches 165°F for safety.
2. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes. Chicken breasts work beautifully. Reduce cooking time by 30–45 minutes to prevent drying out. The sauce keeps them juicy.
3. How do I store or freeze leftovers?
Store cooked chicken in airtight containers for up to 4 days. To freeze, cool completely, then seal in freezer bags. Reheat on the stove or microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
4. What sides go best with Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken?
It’s delicious with rice, noodles, or roasted veggies. Try it with Garlic Butter Broccoli for a quick and healthy combo.
Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken is more than an easy slow-cooker recipe — it’s the kind of dinner that brings comfort after a long day. The sticky, garlicky sauce, the tender chicken, and the simplicity of the method make it a true family favorite.