Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken (5-Ingredients!)

This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a flavorful, tender, and saucy dish made with just five simple ingredients. It’s the perfect fuss-free dinner for busy weeknights, bringing together sweet and savory flavors that melt into the chicken during slow cooking. With minimal prep and ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, this dish is a lifesaver when you need a hearty meal without the hassle.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Made with just 5 pantry-friendly ingredients
• Requires minimal prep—just toss everything in the slow cooker
• Deliciously sweet, savory, and garlicky sauce
• Family-friendly and kid-approved
• Versatile – pairs with rice, noodles, or vegetables
• Great for meal prep and leftovers
• Freezer-friendly
• No need to brown the chicken beforehand
• Naturally gluten-free with simple substitutions
• Perfect balance of sweet and umami flavors

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Garlic (minced)
• Ketchup

directions

1. Place the chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ketchup.
3. Pour the sauce over the chicken, making sure it’s well coated.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
5. Once cooked, remove the chicken, shred it or leave whole as desired.
6. If you’d like to thicken the sauce, transfer it to a saucepan and simmer until reduced, or mix a little cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce in the slow cooker, cooking until thickened.
7. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours (on low) or 3–4 hours (on high)
Total Time: 6–7 hours

Variations

• Use chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner option
• Add a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice for a tangy twist
• Stir in red pepper flakes for a little heat
• Add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli in the last hour of cooking
• Use low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos to reduce sodium
• Swap ketchup with chili sauce for extra flavor
• Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions before serving
• Serve over quinoa, mashed potatoes, or inside lettuce wraps

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through.
You can also freeze the cooked chicken (and sauce) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

What kind of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for slow cooking because they stay juicy, but chicken breasts can also be used if you prefer leaner meat.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and store it separately or even freeze everything uncooked in a freezer bag for an easy dump-and-go meal later.

Can I cook this on the stovetop or in the oven?

Yes, but the flavors develop best in the slow cooker. If cooking on the stovetop, simmer the chicken in the sauce for about 25–30 minutes until fully cooked.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Just use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make it suitable for a gluten-free diet.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely. Add veggies like bell peppers, snow peas, or broccoli in the last hour of cooking to keep them tender-crisp.

How do I thicken the sauce?

To thicken the sauce, remove it from the slow cooker and simmer it on the stove, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water) into the slow cooker and cook until thickened.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just make sure your slow cooker is large enough and adjust cooking time if needed. Doubling the sauce may also be a good idea.

What should I serve with honey garlic chicken?

It pairs well with rice, noodles, steamed vegetables, or even mashed potatoes.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat when ready to eat.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Using chicken thighs helps retain moisture. If using breasts, avoid overcooking and consider cooking on low for better texture.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a simple, flavorful, and stress-free meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. With just five ingredients and almost no prep, it’s a go-to for busy days when you still want a homemade meal. Whether you serve it over rice, noodles, or with veggies, this dish delivers comfort and flavor in every bite.

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