Looking for an effortless dish that brings together savory and sweet flavors in every bite? This Sticky-Sweet Garlic & Honey Slow Cooker Chicken is just the ticket. With only five main ingredients, it’s the perfect option for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends, delighting everyone’s taste buds and filling the house with a comforting aroma.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
Instructions
Start by arranging the chicken thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ketchup until you have a smooth, glossy sauce. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook for about 4 to 5 hours, or until the chicken is fork-tender. Alternatively, you can set it to high heat and cook for approximately 2 to 3 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, gently stir the chicken in the sauce to distribute flavors and prevent sticking. When it’s finished, the chicken should easily shred or remain in moist, intact pieces—whichever texture you prefer.
Feel free to top it off with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped scallions for a pop of color and fresh crunch. Serve with steamed rice, fluffy quinoa, or a flurry of roasted veggies on the side.
This recipe is wonderful for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or even impressing friends the next time you host. The sweet-savory combo of honey and soy sauce appeals to all ages, and using boneless chicken thighs ensures a consistently tender bite. If you prefer, you can substitute chicken breasts instead, or even swap in tamari for soy sauce to make it gluten-free.
Add a splash of Sriracha if you like a spicy kick, or stir in fresh ginger for an extra punch of flavor. However you choose to make it, this 5-Ingredient Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken is guaranteed to become a staple in your slow cooker rotation.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
