Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken

Try this incredible Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken! It’s one of our favorite no fuss slow cooker meals for any night of the week. With just 6 ingredients, we know anyone can make this successfully. We find it’s better than our local takeout restaurant too!

When it comes to cooking a fantastic dinner with minimal effort, our Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken is a game changer. We love that all you need to do is toss 6 simple ingredients into the crockpot, and a few hours later, you’ll have tender, juicy chicken in a rich, sticky, delicious sauce.

This slow cooker honey garlic chicken has become a family favorite recipe instead of takeout. We love to serve it over rice, noodles, potatoes or in a lettuce wrap for a complete, easy weeknight dinner!

If you’re a fan of a set-it-and-forget-it crockpot dinners, be sure to check out my Crockpot Mongolian Beef and Slow Cooker Pepper Steak!

Why You’ll like this Recipe

• Minimal prep time. Crockpot honey chicken is an easy recipe requiring minimal prep with only 6 simple ingredients. The crockpot does all the work. It’s stress and hassle-free!
• Just as delicious as your local restaurant. This slow cooker honey garlic chicken recipe is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.
• Versatile for the cut of chicken you prefer. It’s one of the best crockpot recipes with chicken! It works great with thighs or breasts.
• Family-friendly meal everyone will request over and over. A winner winner chicken dinner with both kids and adults. The chicken is succulent, tender, full of flavor and absolutely delicious!

Ingredients

Scroll Down for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Printable Recipe Card Below

• Ketchup: Adds a tangy base with a hint of sweetness.
• Honey or Hot Honey: Balances the tanginess of the ketchup. If you like a bit of heat, hot honey adds a delightful kick.
• Low Sodium Soy Sauce: Brings a savory umami flavor without overwhelming the dish with saltiness.
• Garlic Powder: Infuses the chicken with a warm, aromatic garlic flavor.
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Adds texture, satisfaction, and soaks up the juices of the sauce. Honey garlic chicken thighs are my families favorite!
• Cornstarch: Helps to thicken the sauce.
• Optional: Green Onions and Sesame Seeds: Add a fresh, crunchy texture and a burst of color to the finished dish, making it look as good as it tastes.

Laura Ashley’s Tip: We like to use a mixture of boneless chicken breasts and thighs for this recipe. It tastes just like honey ginger chicken at a restaurant!

Tools You’ll Need

• 6 Quart or Larger Crockpot
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Liquid Measuring Cups
• Cutting Board
• Chef’s Knife

How to Make Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken

1. In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, honey, soy sauce and garlic powder.

2. To a Crockpot, add chicken in one layer. Pour the sauce evenly on top. Cover and cook on low 4-6 hours or high 2-4 hours.

3. Transfer the cooked chicken to a bowl. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water. Whisk the cornstarch slurry into the Crockpot. 

4. Return the chicken back to the Crockpot, breaking into large pieces. Cover and cook on high 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and meld with the chicken.

5. If desired, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Pro Tips and Substitutions

• Use White or Dark Meat. Boneless chicken thighs, breasts, or tenders all work great for this Crockpot dish. The cooking time may vary slightly, as chicken thighs tend to be more tender and may require a shorter cooking time.
• Try using Frozen Chicken if you are in a Pinch on Time. You can use frozen chicken for this recipe as well. However, cooking time will be slightly longer. It’s recommended to thaw the chicken before cooking for more even results.
• Sear the chicken first for even more flavor. Searing the chicken first is optional, but it does add great color and flavor.
• Add some vegetables. Chopped bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms, onions or broccoli are excellent additions. Add them during the last hour of cooking.
• You can easily make the sauce sweeter or spicy. Taste the sauce at the end of cook time and adjust the seasonings as you’d like. Add more honey or brown sugar if you want it sweeter. For extra heat, add black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. You can use 2-4 fresh minced fresh garlic cloves instead of garlic powder.

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken is a flavorful and versatile main dish that pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some delicious options to make it a complete meal:

• White Rice and Brown Rice
• Noodles of all Varieties
• Mashed Potatoes
• Salad
• Quinoa or Couscous
• Garlic Bread
• Cauliflower Rice
• Sautéed Greens
• Vegetables like Garlic Broccoli and Mushrooms, Snap Peas, Crispy Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower and Crispy Green Beans.

Another flavor packed recipe you’ve got to try are these tender, sauce Garlic Chicken Thighs!

Easy Potsticker Soup would also be a great cozy and delicious accompaniment to this dish!

Storage and Freezing

Allow the honey garlic chicken to cool down to room temperature before storing it. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3-4 days.

Store in a freezer-safe container up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight if it was frozen. Once thawed, reheat it thoroughly in a skillet, oven, or microwave until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Easy Crockpot Meals 

• Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
• Crockpot Garlic and Herb Pork Roast
• Crockpot Pork Roast and Gravy
• Crockpot Tomato Basil Chicken
• Sweet and Spicy Crockpot Chicken