If you’re craving something that feels like a warm, cozy hug on a plate, then you absolutely have to try this Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with tender chicken soaking up a luscious honey garlic sauce that melts in your mouth. The slow cooking makes the flavors dance together effortlessly, turning a handful of simple ingredients into a meal that feels both special and comfortingly familiar. This dish is a game-changer for busy weeknights or any time you want to impress without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your hands on fresh, quality ingredients is part of what makes this Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe so incredibly delicious. Each component plays a crucial role, from the rich sweetness of honey to the punchy flavor of garlic, and the soy sauce adds that savory depth that ties everything together beautifully.
- Chicken thighs: Six skinless, bone-in thighs provide juicy, flavorful meat, but you can swap for boneless or chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Half a cup gives the dish its salty umami base; gluten-free varieties work wonderfully too.
- Ketchup: One-third cup adds tang and color, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
- Honey: One-third cup brings that signature sweet glaze that caramelizes gently during cooking.
- Garlic cloves: Six minced cloves pack a flavorful punch without overpowering the dish.
- Cornstarch: Two tablespoons to thicken the sauce into a lovely, glossy coating.
- Water: Two tablespoons of cold water to blend with cornstarch and avoid clumps.
- Sesame seeds: Half a tablespoon to toast up as a nutty garnish, adding a nice crunch.
- Green onion: One sliced green onion brightens the dish visually and with fresh flavor.
How to Make Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Sauce
Start by combining the soy sauce, ketchup, honey, and minced garlic in a bowl. Whisking these together creates a cohesive sauce that’s bursting with that sweet and savory balance we’re aiming for in this Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe. It’s easy and quick, but sets the whole tone for the dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Crockpot
Give your crockpot a quick spritz with nonstick spray. This simple step prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, so you can focus on enjoying the meal later on without any hassle.
Step 3: Arrange the Chicken
Place the chicken thighs in an even layer at the bottom of the crockpot. This ensures that each piece cooks evenly and is coated well with the flavorful sauce that’s coming next.
Step 4: Coat with Sauce
Pour your homemade honey garlic sauce over the chicken, then toss gently to make sure every piece is bathed in that delectable glaze. This step is where the magic starts as the chicken begins to soak up all those vibrant flavors.
Step 5: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours or on low for 4 to 5 hours. Patience is key here to reach that perfect internal temperature of 165°F. The slow cooking process breaks down the meat for ultimate tenderness while infusing it with the luscious sauce.
Step 6: Remove Chicken
Once cooked, take the chicken out and set it aside temporarily. This allows you to focus on thickening the sauce without overcooking the chicken.
Step 7: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the crockpot sauce, cover, and cook for an additional 15 minutes. This will give you a gorgeous, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken.
Step 8: Toss and Garnish
Add the chicken back into the crockpot and toss it thoroughly in the thickened sauce. Finally, sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions to add texture and a pop of fresh flavor. Now, your Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is ready to serve!
How to Serve Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t skip the sesame seeds and green onions—they’re small touches that make a big difference visually and taste-wise. For a little extra flair, feel free to add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or fresh chopped cilantro for color and a hint of brightness.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, fluffy mashed potatoes, or even a simple stir-fried vegetable medley. The sweet garlic sauce pairs well with mild sides that soak up its richness and create a perfectly balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this dish over a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist or stuff the tender chicken into a soft wrap along with shredded cabbage and carrots for a fun, hand-held dinner. It also makes a fantastic topping for a fresh green salad or a vibrant rice bowl with crunchy veggies.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, so leftovers can be even more delicious!
Freezing
This Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe freezes exceptionally well. Portion portions into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well, but they cook a bit faster, so aim for about 2 to 3 hours on low or 1.5 to 2 hours on high to prevent drying out.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be, if you use gluten-free soy sauce and ketchup. Double-check labels to keep it safe if you’re avoiding gluten.
Can I add vegetables to the crockpot with the chicken?
Yes! Vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas can be added for extra nutrition and color—just add them about halfway through cooking to avoid over-softening.
How thick should the sauce be?
The sauce should be glossy, slightly thickened, but still pourable enough to coat the chicken beautifully. The cornstarch mixture helps achieve that perfect consistency.
What can I substitute for cornstarch?
You can use arrowroot powder or potato starch as a thickener if you prefer or if you’re avoiding cornstarch. Use the same ratio to water for best results.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to dinners because it’s so fuss-free yet full of wonderful layers of flavor. If you’re looking for a meal that tastes like a homemade treat but saves you precious time, this recipe is an absolute winner. Give it a try—you might find yourself making it again and again!
Print
Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American Asian Fusion
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken recipe features tender, flavorful chicken thighs slow-cooked in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, the chicken is cooked to perfection in a crockpot and finished with a thickened glaze, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions for an irresistible finish.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 6 skinless, bone-in chicken thighs (or use boneless thighs or chicken breasts; adjust cooking time accordingly)
Sauce
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce (gluten-free if needed)
- â…“ cup ketchup
- â…“ cup honey
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
Thickener & Garnish
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp cold water
- ½ tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 green onion, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, ketchup, honey, and minced garlic until well combined, creating the flavorful honey garlic sauce.
- Prepare Crockpot: Spray the crockpot insert with nonstick spray to prevent sticking and facilitate easier cleanup.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in an even layer at the bottom of the crockpot to ensure even cooking.
- Add Sauce: Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce over the chicken, then gently toss to coat all pieces evenly with the sauce.
- Cook Chicken: Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 4-5 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is tender.
- Remove Chicken: After cooking, carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot and set aside to keep warm.
- Thicken Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the sauce remaining in the crockpot.
- Cook Sauce: Cover and cook for another 15 minutes on high, allowing the sauce to thicken into a glossy glaze.
- Combine & Garnish: Return the chicken to the crockpot and toss gently to coat with the thickened sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
- Bone-in chicken thighs provide more flavor, but boneless thighs or breasts can be used; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- For gluten-free option, use gluten-free soy sauce.
- Do not use hot water for the cornstarch slurry to avoid clumping.
- Serve with steamed rice or vegetables for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
