This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is your answer to busy weeknights—minimal prep, incredible flavor, and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
With garlic-infused honey soy sauce and a hint of chili heat, this dish is simple comfort food with a bold twist.
Serve over rice with veggies for a satisfying meal that practically cooks itself.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Set it and forget it – The slow cooker does all the work
Perfectly tender chicken – Easy to shred and soak up the sauce
Flavorful garlic-honey glaze – Sweet, savory, and slightly spicy
Versatile – Works with breasts or thighs
Great for meal prep – Tastes even better the next day
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Boneless chicken breasts or thighs – Lean protein that slow cooks to perfection
Garlic – Fresh minced garlic gives a rich base flavor
Honey – Natural sweetness that balances the salt and spice
Soy sauce – Adds umami and depth
Chili garlic sauce – A kick of heat for balance
Cornstarch (optional) – For thickening the sauce at the end
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use tamari for a gluten-free version
Chicken thighs give a juicier result, but breasts also work well
Adjust chili garlic sauce to your heat preference
Double the recipe for easy lunches and leftovers
Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for color and crunch
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Step 1: Make the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together: 3 tbsp minced garlic, ½ cup honey
½ cup soy sauce (or tamari), 2 tsp chili garlic sauce
Mix until the honey dissolves and everything is well combined.
Step 2: Add Chicken to the Slow Cooker
Place 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into the slow cooker.
Pour the sauce over the chicken.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours,
Until chicken is fully cooked (internal temp of 165ºF).
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Shred using two forks. Set aside.
Step 5: Optional – Thicken the Sauce
If you’d like a thicker sauce, remove ¼ cup of the cooking liquid and whisk in ½ tbsp cornstarch.
Pour it back into the slow cooker and stir well.
Let cook on HIGH for 10 more minutes.
Step 6: Return and Serve
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and toss with the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Steamed jasmine or brown rice
Quinoa or cauliflower rice
Stir-fried or roasted vegetables
Lettuce wraps for a low-carb option
Variations / Substitutions
Swap soy sauce for coconut aminos if soy-free
Add grated ginger for extra depth
Stir in sriracha for more spice
Mix in pineapple chunks for sweet tropical twist
Storage & Reheating Tips
Fridge – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Freeze – Freeze in portions for up to 3 months
Reheat – Microwave or reheat in a skillet until hot
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
It’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking in the slow cooker.
Can I make this in the Instant Pot?
Yes! Pressure cook for 10–12 minutes on HIGH, then shred and sauté to thicken the sauce.
Is this recipe spicy?
Mild to medium. Adjust chili garlic sauce for your spice level.
Can I meal prep this?
Absolutely—it’s perfect for lunchboxes and reheats beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is sweet, savory, and always a crowd-pleaser.
With just a handful of ingredients and a set-it-and-forget-it process, you’ll have tender, flavorful chicken ready for any occasion.
