Name: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 10 min
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients: 1 kg (2.2 lbs) skinless boneless chicken thigh fillets, trimmed and quartered; 2 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch in USA); ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp pepper; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp paprika; 1 tbsp rice vinegar (can substitute with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar); 1 tbsp sesame oil; 2 tbsp dark soy sauce; 4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced; 120 ml (½ cup) chicken stock; 2 tbsp unsalted butter, chopped into small pieces; 165 ml (½ cup) honey; Boiled rice or egg fried rice; Chopped spring onions (scallions); Sesame seeds

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 62 reviews

If you are searching for a dish that combines comfort, flavor, and ease, the Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is an absolute game-changer. This recipe brings together tender chicken thighs bathed in a luscious honey garlic sauce that simmers to perfection right in your slow cooker. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a busy day, requiring minimal effort but delivering maximum taste. Whether you’re feeding the family or impressing friends, this dish promises juicy, flavorful bites with every forkful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white plate filled with raw light pink chicken pieces sits in the center on a rough wooden surface. To the left, there is a small white plate with two pale yellow butter slabs, a dark glass bottle of soy sauce, and a clear bottle of light green rice vinegar. Above the chicken plate is a small glass of amber liquid and five purple garlic cloves. To the right side of the chicken plate, a small white plate holds five piles of spices in white, black, yellow, and orange colors. Next to this are two bottles: a large, clear honey bottle with golden amber honey and a dark bottle of toasted sesame oil. The scene is arranged neatly with warm, natural lighting photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of the Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, from the sweetness of honey to the savory depth of soy sauce and the gentle sharpness of garlic. These ingredients also contribute texture and color, making this dish as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.

Chicken thighs (1 kg / 2.2 lbs): Skinless and boneless for tenderness and to soak up all the delicious sauce.
Cornflour (2 tbsp): Helps thicken the sauce for that perfect glaze.
Salt (½ tsp) and pepper (½ tsp): Basic but necessary for seasoning the chicken evenly.
Garlic powder (½ tsp): Adds a subtle background garlic flavor.
Paprika (½ tsp): Brings a mild smoky warmth and beautiful color.
Rice vinegar (1 tbsp): Balances sweetness with a touch of bright acidity.
Sesame oil (1 tbsp): Infuses a nutty aroma that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Dark soy sauce (2 tbsp): Adds deep umami and a rich, dark hue to the sauce.
Fresh garlic (4 cloves, minced): Provides that essential fresh pungency and flavor punch.
Chicken stock (120 ml / ½ cup): Keeps the chicken moist and adds savory depth.
Unsalted butter (2 tbsp): Melts into the sauce, giving it silkiness and richness.
Honey (165 ml / ½ cup): The star sweetener that caramelizes beautifully.

How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by trimming and quartering your skinless, boneless chicken thighs so that each piece cooks evenly and absorbs plenty of that fantastic honey garlic sauce. Place the chicken into your slow cooker as the base for this dish.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornflour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, rice vinegar, sesame oil, dark soy sauce, and minced fresh garlic. This mixture doesn’t just flavor the chicken, it also thickens and transforms into a sticky, irresistible glaze through slow cooking.

Step 3: Add Stock, Butter, and Honey

Stir in the chicken stock, butter pieces, and honey to your sauce mix. Don’t stress about unmelted butter bits here — they will slowly blend into the sauce during cooking, ensuring it becomes rich and velvety.

Step 4: Combine and Cook

Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken in your slow cooker, gently stirring to coat every piece in the flavorful mixture. Place the lid on and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or on low for 5 to 6 hours. If you can, stir it once or twice in the last hour to ensure the sauce evenly coats the chicken, but if not, a good stir at the end is perfectly fine.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

A black bowl filled with two main layers: the bottom layer is light brown fried rice with some green peas mixed in, showing a soft and slightly oily texture; on top, there are many pieces of shiny, brown glazed chicken with a smooth, wet surface, sprinkled with small white sesame seeds and bright green chopped scallions centered on the chicken. Light wooden chopsticks rest on the edge of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To complement the savory-sweet chicken, sprinkle chopped spring onions and toasted sesame seeds on top just before serving. These garnishes add fresh crunch and a hint of nuttiness that elevate every bite.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with simple boiled rice or the more flavorful egg fried rice. The rice serves as the perfect blank canvas to soak up every drop of that luscious honey garlic sauce, making each mouthful a delight.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun and inviting presentation, serve the chicken in a large, shallow dish topped with colorful garnishes. Alternatively, scoop the tender chicken and sauce over a bed of steamed vegetables or noodles for a fresh twist. This recipe is versatile enough to let your creativity shine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because of the honey’s natural sugars, the sauce may thicken or harden slightly upon cooling—just gently reheat to restore its original lusciousness.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well, too. Portion the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating slowly to maintain the tender texture and vibrant flavor.

Reheating

When reheating, do so gently on the stove or in the microwave at medium power to avoid drying out the chicken. Stir occasionally to redistribute the sauce and add a splash of chicken stock or water if the sauce gets too thick.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken thighs are preferred here because they stay moister and absorb the sauce better during slow cooking. If using breasts, keep an eye on cooking time as they can dry out more easily.

Is there a substitute for cornflour/cornstarch?

You can use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch in the same quantity as a thickening substitute if cornflour is not available.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Definitely! Use the sauté function to brown the chicken first for extra flavor, then cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes, followed by a quick release. You may need to thicken the sauce afterward.

What if I want the sauce less sweet?

Simply reduce the honey by 25% or balance it with a touch of extra vinegar for a tangier profile. Adjust according to your taste preferences.

Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?

Absolutely! Veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli florets make great additions. Add them about halfway through cooking so they remain crisp and vibrant.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe truly embodies the perfect weeknight dinner: effortless preparation paired with rich, comforting flavors that everyone will adore. Give it a try and watch your slow cooker turn simple ingredients into a meal that feels special every single time.

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need