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!

Love easy dinner recipes with this flavor profile? Try honey sesame chicken and my honey garlic meatball recipe, too!

Shredded honey chicken and rice in white bowl.

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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, chicken enchilada soup, and this crack chicken crockpot recipe!

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 it with cooked rice (or my easy fried rice recipe) and steamed veggies, but you could easily keep it low-carb and serve it 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.

Honey chicken ingredients on a wooden cutting board.

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

  • 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 are 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 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

Create the best dinner using your slow cooker with this honey garlic chicken recipe! It is simple to add the ingredients into the slow cooker and allow the chicken to tenderize and soak in all the juices infusing the chicken with so much flavor. Let the crock pot do all the work!

Step by step collage making honey chicken.
  1. Mix sauce. Add all of the sauce ingredients in a medium bowl and whisk until well combined.
  2. Pour over the chicken. Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker and pour sauce over top.
  3. Cook in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, or until the meat falls apart.
  4. 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 the chicken back in.

In the summer, I love to make this honey garlic chicken breast on the grill! Same flavors but with the added char from the grill.

Lifting out honey chicken with tongs from crockpot.

Favorite Ways to Serve Honey Chicken

These are all great ways to make a complete meal! Adding vegetables, making bowls, or enjoying it in a sandwich is the best way to enjoy this honey garlic chicken recipe. Create your favorite way to make this chicken dinner!

  • Chicken bowl. Serve in a bowl over brown rice or white rice. This makes for a great complete meal. Add broccoli or sliced carrots too!
  • Toppings. Top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for additional flavor.
  • Veggies. Add in steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. Cook them separately, then add them to your bowl before serving.
  • Healthy bowl. Use cooked quinoa or cauliflower rice for a healthier version lower in carbohydrates.
  • Chow mein. Serve with a side of chow mein noodles. Add a small bowl for a complete meal with chow mein and chicken plus some veggies!
  • Greens. This dish also tastes great in lettuce wraps or over a salad. We love a light and tasty meal when it comes to lettuce.
  • Bread. For those who love bread and sandwiches, then you need to have this delicious combination! Serve in a sandwich bun with crunchy Asian slaw on top.

Recipe FAQs

Should I brown the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker?

Browning or searing chicken before adding it to a slow cooker isn’t necessary, but it can improve the flavor and appearance of the finished dish. Browning the chicken can also help seal in moisture, speed up cooking time, and improve the visual appearance of the dish. 

Is honey chicken gluten-free?

It can be! Make sure to use a gluten-free soy sauce (most varieties contain wheat) or coconut aminos for an easy alternative that’s naturally gluten-free. Tamari is also another wheat-free option that tastes similar to soy sauce.

Can I use frozen chicken?

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 on recipe card). Cooking frozen chicken in the Instant Pot is quicker and just as easy!

Can I add in extra veggies?

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.

Shredded honey chicken and rice in a white bowl.
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“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

Storing + Freezing Leftovers

Any leftover honey chicken will be kept 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.

Love easy Asian-inspired recipes? Try this sesame chicken, sweet and sour chicken or beef and broccoli crockpot recipe next!

More Easy Crockpot Meals

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Check out a few of my other favorite slow cooker dinner recipes.

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Shredded honey chicken and rice in a white bowl.

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

5 from 128 votes
Recipe by: Jamielyn Nye
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 5
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!
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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 the chicken.
  • Cook on low for 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!

Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.

Notes

Sauce: If you like lots of sauce, feel free to double the recipe. 
Instant Pot: Follow step 2 and add 1/4 cup water to the bottom of the pot. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. If chicken is frozen, set it to 25 minutes. Then do a quick release once the time is up.
  • 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

Calories: 301kcal, Carbohydrates: 30g, Protein: 31g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 87mg, Sodium: 1543mg, Potassium: 622mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 28g, Vitamin A: 42IU, Vitamin C: 2mg, Calcium: 21mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.