If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then you absolutely must try this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with the sweetest, most inviting aromas and delivers tender, flavorful chicken coated in a glossy, perfectly balanced honey garlic sauce. Easy to prepare and even easier to love, this dish brings together just the right mix of sweet, savory, and herbal notes that make dinner effortless and unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Whipping up this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is delightfully simple thanks to a handful of everyday ingredients. Each one plays a clever role, from adding depth and richness to contributing vibrant color and the perfect hint of herbs.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the show, these cook tender and juicy as they soak up every bit of sauce.
- 1/2 cup honey: Adds that natural sweetness and helps create a shiny, irresistible glaze.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or coconut aminos for gluten-free): Brings a salty umami depth that complements the sweetness beautifully.
- 1/4 cup ketchup: Introduces tang and a subtle tomato richness, balancing the flavors perfectly.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is the soul of this recipe, infusing it with irresistible aroma and warmth.
- 1/2 tsp dried basil: Adds a gentle herbal note that rounds out the sweetness and savoriness.
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano: Offers a slightly earthy flavor that deepens the sauce’s complexity.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: A mild kick that enhances all the other flavors without overpowering them.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening sauce): Use this to create a luscious, restaurant-style sauce consistency.
- 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening sauce): Helps mix the cornstarch smoothly without lumps for the perfect sauce texture.
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. This will be the bed that soaks up all that tasty sauce, keeping the chicken moist and tender as it cooks low and slow.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, basil, oregano, and black pepper until they blend into a silky, fragrant sauce. This mixture brings together sweetness, tang, and herbal notes that make this dish so memorable.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Pour your lovingly mixed sauce over the chicken breasts, making sure each piece is well coated. The sauce will seep into the chicken during cooking, turning it incredibly flavorful.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. The slow heat gently breaks down the chicken fibers, resulting in tender, juicy meat ready to melt in your mouth.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you prefer your sauce with a luscious, thick texture, mix the cornstarch and water to make a slurry, then stir it into the slow cooker. Let it cook for another 10 minutes before serving, allowing the sauce to thicken beautifully.
Step 6: Serve the Chicken
When everything is ready, spoon the sticky, shiny honey garlic sauce over the chicken breasts and get ready to dig in!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions or parsley on top to add a burst of color and a fresh, vibrant flavor that contrasts beautifully with the rich sauce. Toasted sesame seeds are another fantastic option, adding subtle crunch and a nutty accent.
Side Dishes
This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with a bed of fluffy white or brown rice to soak up every drop of the sauce. Steamed or roasted vegetables, like broccoli or snap peas, bring out crisp freshness and balance the meal perfectly. For a lighter option, a simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style dinner, serve the chicken atop a large platter with sauce drizzled over and sides on the same plate—everyone can help themselves. For a more refined presentation, slice the chicken and fan it over rice, garnish elegantly with herbs and sesame seeds, or even use the chicken as a protein topping for a vibrant Asian-inspired grain bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover honey garlic chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen, making it even tastier the next day, and it’s perfect for quick lunches or dinner again.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully! Place the cooled chicken along with its sauce in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. This will ensure the chicken stays moist and the sauce maintains a smooth consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe, offering extra juiciness and a richer flavor that pairs perfectly with the honey garlic sauce.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if you substitute regular soy sauce with coconut aminos, this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe becomes naturally gluten-free without losing any flavor.
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop?
You certainly can. Simmer the sauce ingredients in a pan, add the chicken, cover, and cook gently over low heat for about 30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
How thick should the sauce be?
The sauce should be silky and coat the chicken beautifully without being too runny or overly thick. Using cornstarch slurry is optional but recommended if you prefer a richer, thicker sauce.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Yes! Adding chunky vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or onions can turn this recipe into a full meal in one pot, cooking alongside the chicken and enhancing the flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe has a special place in my heart for all the right reasons—it’s hands-off, incredibly flavorful, and endlessly comforting. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or treating yourself after a long day, this dish hits every note of deliciousness. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a beloved favorite in your home too.
Print
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts slow-cooked in a flavorful honey garlic sauce with hints of soy, basil, and oregano. Perfect for a hands-off, delicious meal served with rice, vegetables, or salad.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or coconut aminos for gluten-free option)
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Optional Thickener
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
- Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, making sure each piece is well coated with the sauce.
- Cook low and slow: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook the chicken on the low setting for 4 to 6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Optional sauce thickening: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with water to form a slurry, then stir this into the sauce in the slow cooker. Continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.
- Serve: Spoon the honey garlic sauce over the chicken breasts and serve hot alongside rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with coconut aminos.
- Do not open the slow cooker frequently, as it extends cooking time.
- You can double the sauce ingredients if you prefer extra sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Adjust black pepper and garlic according to taste preference.
