If you’re craving tender chicken bathed in a sweet, garlicky sauce, this slow cooker recipe is the answer. It strikes a perfect balance of savory and sweet, making it a crowd-pleaser for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends alike. Bonus: your home will smell incredible all day long!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced (optional)
- Salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening, if desired)
Instructions
1. Prepare the chicken: Lightly season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. If you prefer a little crisp and color, you can sear them in a hot pan with a touch of oil for about two minutes per side, but it’s completely optional.
2. Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and ginger (if using). Pour this mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring each piece is coated with the sauce.
3. Cook low and slow: Cover with the lid and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours (or on high for 2 to 3 hours). The chicken is ready when it’s fork-tender and the sauce is fragrant.
4. Thicken the sauce (optional): If you’d like a thicker, stickier sauce, whisk the cornstarch with water to form a slurry. Stir it into the sauce in the slow cooker and let it cook uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
5. Serve and garnish: Plate the chicken with steamed rice or noodles and spoon plenty of sauce over the top. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for a little extra flair.
This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves a no-fuss meal with big flavor. It’s especially helpful for busy folks since you can “set it and forget it.” Health-conscious cooks can opt for chicken breasts or use low-sodium ingredients to manage salt intake. Feel free to experiment with other sweeteners—like maple syrup—or add a pinch of chili flakes if you love a hint of spice. The real beauty of this dish is how easy it is to tweak to suit your tastes. From a hearty family dinner to an impressive dish for entertaining, this slow cooker honey garlic chicken always delivers on comfort and flavor.
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.
