INTRODUCTION
Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken is a small set-and-forget meal you can trust any night. It uses a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker to make tender, sweet, and savory chicken. The sauce needs only honey, soy sauce, and garlic, and the crockpot does the rest. If you like easy one-pot dinners, you may also enjoy a similar simple dish like one-pan honey butter garlic chicken and rice, which uses many of the same flavors in a quick pan meal.
This recipe works for busy days, for casual family nights, and for meal prep. You can walk away and come back to a warm, saucy main that pairs well with many sides. The directions below are clear and short. You will like how little work you must do to get a big flavor result.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this recipe because it is quick to start, needs little skill, and tastes great. The sauce is both sweet and salty, and the garlic makes it savory. The crockpot cooks the chicken slowly until it is soft and juicy. You do not need to watch the pot or turn the chicken. Just mix, add, and cook.
If you enjoy other easy slow-cooked chicken meals, this recipe fits the same simple style and comfort as dishes like garlic parmesan chicken pasta made in a crockpot. Both are low-effort and high-comfort, but this honey garlic dish brings a sweeter, brighter taste.
HOW TO MAKE Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
Making this chicken is simple and direct. Start by mixing the sauce ingredients in a bowl or directly in the slow cooker. Place the chicken in the sauce and turn it so the sauce covers the chicken. Set the slow cooker for low or high depending on time, and cook until the chicken is cooked through and tender. If you want the sauce thicker, you can add a cornstarch slurry at the end and let it cook for a short time more.
You can also shred the chicken in the pot for sandwiches or bowls. Shredded chicken soaks up the sauce, and slices or whole breasts make a nice plated main. For a change of texture, try coating the chicken with a thin layer of cornstarch before cooking to give the sauce a slightly thicker coat when done. If you like bolder spice, add a small dash of red pepper flakes during cooking for a mild heat similar to some skillet dishes like cheesy cajun garlic chicken rotini that layer in different spices.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Slow cooker (crockpot) — a 4 to 6 quart is ideal for 4 breasts.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- A small bowl and a spoon for mixing sauce if you prefer.
- Tongs or a large spoon to move the chicken.
- A small cup and whisk for the cornstarch slurry, if you use it.
- Cutting board and knife for garnish and any trimming.
These basic tools are all you need. No special gear is required.
Ingredients You’ll Need :
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- In a slow cooker, combine honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Mix well.
- Add the chicken breasts to the sauce and make sure they are well coated.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- If a thicker sauce is desired, remove the chicken once cooked, and stir in cornstarch mixed with a little water. Cook on high for an additional 30 minutes.
- Shred the chicken if desired or serve whole, spooning sauce over the top.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
HOW TO SERVE Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
Serve this chicken over steamed rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes. The sauce pairs well with plain grains that soak up the sweet soy mix. You can also serve the chicken with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad for a lighter meal.
For sandwiches, shred the chicken and pile it on toasted rolls. Add a few crisp pickles or a bit of coleslaw for texture. For a bowl meal, add roasted vegetables, rice, and a drizzle of extra sauce. If you want a classic comfort pairing, try it with creamy sides similar to how slow-cooked chicken and gravy work in some recipes like crockpot chicken and gravy, where the starch plays a key role in rounding out the sauce.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
To store, let the chicken cool to room temperature, then place it in an airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The sauce will soak into the chicken as it rests, which makes leftovers even more flavorful.
To freeze, put the cooled chicken and sauce into a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce is too thick.
When you reheat from frozen without thawing, use the defrost setting in the microwave or heat slowly on the stove to avoid drying the chicken.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Over white rice or brown rice for a classic plate.
- On top of egg noodles or udon for a noodle bowl.
- With mashed potatoes for a cozy meal.
- Over a bed of roasted or steamed vegetables for a lighter plate.
- In wraps or sliders with shredded cabbage for crunch.
Keep sides simple to let the honey garlic sauce shine. A pinch of fresh herbs or green onions adds color and a fresh note.
VARIATIONS
- Spicy: Add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for heat.
- Tangy: Stir in 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a bright finish.
- Thicker sauce from the start: Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with a little cold water and add to the sauce before cooking. This may give a thicker coating as it cooks.
- Sesame twist: Add 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil and 1 tablespoon sesame seeds near the end for a nutty flavor.
- Citrus touch: Add a tablespoon of orange juice or zest to lift the flavors with citrus notes.
These small changes let you tailor the dish to your taste or use what you have in the pantry.
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes. Bone-in or boneless thighs work well. They may need the same cook time or a little less if boneless. Thighs are often more tender and stay moist.
Q: Do I need to brown the chicken first?
A: No. Browning is optional. The slow cooker will make the chicken tender without searing. Browning adds color and extra flavor but is not required.
Q: How can I make the sauce thicker without corn starch?
A: Simmer the sauce in a saucepan after removing the chicken. Reduce it over medium heat until it thickens. You can also mix a small amount of flour with water to make a slurry.
Q: Is this recipe safe for meal prep?
A: Yes. It stores well in the fridge and freezes well. Divide into meal-sized containers and then reheat when ready to eat.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes. Use a larger slow cooker and make sure the chicken fits in a single layer or close to it. You can also cook in batches if needed.
Q: How do I prevent the sauce from getting too sweet?
A: Reduce the honey slightly or increase the soy sauce a bit. Adding a splash of vinegar can also balance the sweetness.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
You can mix the sauce in a jar and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before cooking. Place the chicken in the slow cooker, pour the sauce over it, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, set the crockpot to cook time as directed, but you may need to add 30 to 60 minutes if the chicken is very cold.
For busy weeks, fully cook and cool the chicken, then portion it into containers for meals. Reheat gently and add fresh green onions or sesame seeds to refresh the taste.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken is a simple, homely recipe that gives you tender chicken and a rich sauce with very little fuss. For a similar take on slow cooker honey garlic chicken, you can find a useful guide and variations in the detailed Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe | Diethood. For a healthier slow cooker version with tips on timing and sides, see this helpful write-up on Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken | Easy, Healthy Crockpot Recipe.
Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- In a slow cooker, combine honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Mix well.
- Add the chicken breasts to the sauce and ensure they are well coated.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- If a thicker sauce is desired, remove the chicken once cooked, and stir in cornstarch mixed with a little water. Cook on high for an additional 30 minutes.
- Shred the chicken if desired or serve whole, spooning sauce over the top.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.