Slow cooker honey garlic chicken is one of my favorite crockpot chicken recipes that’s quick, flavorful and absolutely delicious. It comes out perfectly tender every time!
Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
I love to have lots of quick and easy slow cooker recipes on hand, especially for those busy weeknights! This dish is one of my go-to’s, along with crockpot lasagna and chicken enchilada soup.
If you know me, you know that I’m all about quick and easy DELICIOUS recipes! And this slow cooker honey garlic chicken recipe is one of those dishes. The sauce has such a unique flavor and leaves your family begging for more! They’ll think you slaved all day in the kitchen. They don’t have to know it only took you five minutes to prep. ;)
There are so many ways to serve this dish to your liking. We love serving with cooked rice (or my easy fried rice recipe) and steamed veggies, but you could easily keep it low carb and serve over lettuce wraps or with cauliflower rice. This honey chicken would even taste delicious on a bun with some crunchy Asian slaw. You really can’t go wrong any way you serve this slow cooker chicken recipe!
Type of Chicken to Use
I prefer to use boneless skinless chicken breasts when making this recipe. They are lean with white meat and are very easy to shred once cooked.
You could also use boneless skinless chicken thighs if you’d like (I prefer those over bone-in). They are a bit more fatty with dark meat, creating a richer taste. You can add the thighs straight to the crockpot, or sear them first for a crispier exterior with a little more flavor.
Honey Garlic Sauce
The honey garlic sauce is the star of the show! It’s sweet, flavorful and has a hint of Asian flavor from the soy sauce. All of the ingredients are simple fridge and pantry staples that you likely already have on hand.
- Soy sauce: Regular soy sauce is typically pretty salty, so I like to use the low sodium soy sauce to cut back on the sodium level. Coconut aminos is also a great substitute for those looking for a soy-free alternative.
- Honey: This helps to naturally sweeten the sauce. Feel free to use more or less to taste, depending on how sweet you prefer the sauce.
- Olive oil: Using a high quality olive oil will give you the best flavor.
- Minced garlic: Freshly minced garlic packs a punch of flavor into the sauce. You could always use garlic powder if you don’t have any fresh garlic on hand, however I prefer the flavor that minced garlic adds. Learn tips for how to mince garlic.
- Spices: A simple mix of onion powder, salt and pepper is all you need to season the sauce.
Sauce Variations
There are a few ways to add an extra boost of flavor to the sauce. Mix in some fresh ginger or add a dash of red pepper flakes or chili sauce for a little heat. Or make a cornstarch slurry to thicken it up a bit more.
You can also double the sauce recipe if you would prefer your chicken extra saucy. That way you’ll have a little more sauce to pour on top of your veggies and rice when serving!
How to Make Honey Chicken in Crockpot
- Mix sauce. Add all of the sauce ingredients in a medium bowl and whisk until well combined.
- Pour over chicken. Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker and pour sauce over top.
- Cook in slow cooker. Cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, or until the meat falls apart.
- Serve. Serve the shredded chicken over rice and add green onions and sesame seeds on top.
Instant Pot Method
If you would prefer to make this honey garlic chicken recipe in the Instant Pot, you can easily do so. Prepare the sauce as directed, then add the chicken to the pot and pour sauce on top. You will also need to add in 1/4 cup water.
Set to high pressure and cook for 15 minutes (frozen chicken will need 25 minutes). Then do a quick release. Once complete, remove and shred the chicken. Discard 1/4 cup of the sauce. Then turn to sauté mode and whisk 2 Tablespoons cornstarch into the remaining sauce. Simmer until thickened, then stir chicken back in.
Favorite Ways to Serve Honey Chicken
- Serve in a bowl over brown or white rice.
- Top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for additional flavor.
- Add in steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. Cook them separately, then add to your bowl before serving.
- Use cooked quinoa or cauliflower rice for a healthier version lower in carbohydrates.
- Serve with a side of chow mein noodles.
- This dish also tastes great in lettuce wraps or over a salad.
- Serve in a sandwich bun with crunchy Asian slaw on top.
FAQs
It can be! Make sure to use a gluten-free soy sauce (most varieties contain wheat) or use coconut aminos for an easy alternative that’s naturally gluten-free. Tamari is also another wheat-free option that tastes similar to soy sauce.
Sure, however you will need to add an extra 1-2 hours to the total cook time. You can also use the Instant Pot method (see notes in recipe card). Cooking frozen chicken in the Instant Pot is quicker and just as easy!
I would suggest cooking your veggies separately about 15 to 30 minutes before serving. Cooking them on low for 3 to 4 hours in the crockpot will result in mushy, overcooked vegetables which no one wants! Making steamed vegetables only takes 15 minutes and is super easy.
Storing + Freezing Leftovers
Any leftover honey chicken will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You may also freeze for up to 3 months. Let thaw in the fridge the night before reheating. Then reheat in the microwave or in a small saucepan on the stove over low heat. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to thin out the sauce a little.
5 star review
“I can honestly say, this is one of my favorite meals I’ve ever made. It’s also one of my husband’s favorites and he’s the one that does the cooking! We absolutely love this. We use Jasmine rice with ours and it’s just perfect :)”
– Steph
More Easy Crockpot Meals
Browse allCheck out a few of my other favorite slow cooker dinner recipes.
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Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2-3 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1.5 pounds chicken breasts
For serving: Cooked rice or Quinoa, Sliced green onions, Sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, stir soy sauce, honey, olive oil, onion powder, garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Place chicken breasts in a slow cooker. Pour sauce over chicken.
- Cook on low 3 to 4 hours, or until the chicken easily falls apart.
- Serve over cooked rice or quinoa. Drizzle with extra sauce and sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- To thicken the sauce: Remove chicken and shred. Remove 1/4 cup sauce and discard. Turn Instant Pot to sauté mode. Whisk in 2 Tablespoons cornstarch into remaining sauce and simmer until slightly thickened. Stir in chicken to serve.
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Such an easy weeknight dinner! Hope you love it :)
I made this garlic honey chicken in the Instapot! It is phenomenal and won the hearts of my children, which is not easy. I used wostershire sauce in place of soy, same amount. I love all of the instapot meat recipes on iheartnaptime! We don’t eat processed deli meats so this is a God-sent 100%. Great for making sandwiches with!
So glad you enjoyed it! The Instant Pot is definitely a favorite kitchen gadget at our house too :)
Do I freeze it in a plastic bag with the sauce around it?
Yes that will work!
Have you ever used coco aminos instead of the soy sauce?
Yes, I have. Still just as delicious :)
Hi there
If I double the soy, honey and olive oil do I double the seasonings as well?
I’m pretty sure that this is dinner tonight!
Thank you!
Yes, you would want to double all of the ingredients :D
If you make this, keep an eye on it and make sure to turn it off as soon as chicken is done. I left it on low for 4.5-5 hrs and the outside of each breast was completely burnt and dried out with this awful soy aftertaste. I followed the recipe exactly but I thought I could leave it in there for a bit longer. Nope. 🤦🏻♀️
The recipe states 3-4 hours. 4.5-5 is probably a bit too long and the reason why it came out dry.
I am a retired husband of a still working wife. Cookink now falls on me and I know next to nothing. We have a 6 qt slow cooker. Does the size of the cooker make a difference in the recipe?
That size will work great!
My family and i love this meal I have made it several times. Now I have to make it once a week for them 🥰
This makes me so happy to hear! Thanks for your comment, Brenda :)