Discover the joys of a succulent, hands-off dinner with this Honey-Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken recipe. The sweet, sticky glaze and hint of garlic meld together beautifully, creating fork-tender chicken that’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend feasts.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or your favorite hot sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Rinse and pat dry the chicken, then season lightly with salt and pepper. Arrange the pieces evenly in the bowl of your slow cooker. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and sriracha if you’d like a bit of heat.
Pour the honey-garlic mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated. Cover and cook on low for about 4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork. For extra tenderness, you can occasionally spoon the glaze over the chicken as it cooks.
Once the chicken is fully cooked, whisk the cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker juices, then turn the heat to high for 10–15 minutes, until the sauce thickens and becomes irresistibly glossy.
Serve your honey-garlic chicken with rice or steamed veggies, spooning that sticky, savory sauce on top for full effect.
The real magic of this dish is its simplicity and crowd-pleasing flavor. Adults and kids alike can appreciate the sweet-spicy balance, and with only a few minutes of prep, there’s more time to relax. For a healthier spin, opt for skinless chicken thighs or breasts. Feel free to swap hot sauce for dried chili flakes, or trade honey for maple syrup if that’s what you have on hand. Let your tastes and pantry guide you, and enjoy a comforting meal without the fuss.
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.
