Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Juicy, fall-apart Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken—aka the easiest, most flavor-packed dinner you’ll make this week!
Just throw everything in the crockpot, let it do its thing, and boom—tender, saucy, sweet-savory perfection.
Made with just a handful of pantry staples, this recipe is pure magic for busy nights.
Bonus? It’s ridiculously versatile—serve it with rice, veggies, or stuff it in a sandwich.
Minimal effort, MAXIMUM flavor. Let’s do this!
For Honey Garlic Chicken
- Chicken – Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the juiciest results, but chicken breasts work too!
- Garlic – Freshly minced garlic adds bold, aromatic flavor to the sauce.
- Honey – Brings natural sweetness and helps create a sticky, glossy sauce.
- Soy Sauce – Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness while adding umami depth.
- Ketchup – Gives the sauce a rich tangy base with a hint of sweetness.
- Dried Oregano – Adds a subtle earthy flavor to balance the sweetness.
- Fresh Parsley – A pop of freshness to brighten the dish.
- Toasted Sesame Seeds – For a nutty crunch and extra flavor.
For Thickening the Sauce (Optional)
- Cornstarch – Mix with cold water to make a slurry, which thickens the sauce for a glossy finish.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs*
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ⅓ cup honey
- ½ cup low-sodium ketchup
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ tsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk together the garlic, honey, ketchup, soy sauce, oregano, and parsley until well combined.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).**
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving plate and spoon the sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and serve.
Notes
- You can use bone-in or skin-on chicken thighs or substitute with chicken breasts if preferred.
- Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker model. Check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve with rice, steamed veggies, or noodles for a complete meal.
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours (on LOW) or 3-4 hours (on HIGH)
Optional: Thicken the Sauce
To thicken the sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water to form a slurry.
Common Questions About Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
- Can I put raw chicken straight into the slow cooker?
Yep! No need to pre-cook—just toss it in and let the slow cooker do its thing. If you’re using frozen chicken, make sure it’s fully thawed first for even cooking.
- Do I really need to sear the chicken first?
Not a must, but totally worth it! A quick sear adds extra flavor and helps lock in the juices. If you’ve got the time, give it a quick pan-fry before slow cooking.
- How do I know when the chicken is done?
Cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until the internal temp hits 165°F (74°C). Slow cookers can vary, so check early if yours runs hot!
- How do I make the sauce thicker?
Easy fix! Whisk together 1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the sauce 30 minutes before the cooking time is up. Let it simmer and thicken!
- What should I serve with it?
This beauty goes with just about anything—rice, quinoa, roasted veggies, or even stuffed into a sandwich. Want to switch it up? Shred the chicken and make tacos!
