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My kids love chicken, but sometimes plain chicken in a pan is boring and dry. In this recipe, the honey garlic sauce makes every bite flavorful, and the crockpot keeps the meat tender and juicy. The smell filling the kitchen while it cooks always excites them, and they can’t wait to eat right when it’s ready. Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken is one of those comforting meals that’s perfect for busy weekdays. It’s sweet, savory, and has a gentle garlicky kick that everyone in the family loves.

I have tried many slow cooker chicken recipes, but I use this one because it’s simple and forgiving. Always start with fresh ingredients, make sure the sauce is well mixed, and don’t skip the garlic—it makes a huge difference. I also recommend letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking so it absorbs all the flavors.

You can serve this chicken over steamed white or brown rice, some buttery mashed potatoes, or even noodles. It’s also perfect with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the sweet sauce. For extra flair, drizzle a little sauce over the serving plate—it looks glossy and appetizing.

Its Perfect For:

Busy weeknight dinners when you want something quick and tasty
Family gatherings where you need a dish everyone will love
Meal prep for lunches or dinners during the week
Beginner cooks who want a fail-proof chicken recipe
Comfort food nights when you crave warm, savory flavors

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thicker sauce)
Chopped green onions or sesame seeds for garnish

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

Crockpot or slow cooker (at least 4–6 quarts)
Mixing bowl for the sauce
Measuring cups and spoons
Spoon or spatula to stir the sauce
Knife and cutting board for garlic or garnishes
Small bowl for optional cornstarch mixture

How to Make Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken

Step 1

Prepare the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Make sure the mixture is smooth and well combined so every chicken piece will soak up the flavor.

Step 2

Add chicken to crockpot: Place the chicken thighs or breasts in the crockpot in a single layer. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated evenly. Use a spoon or spatula to spread the sauce so none of the chicken is left dry.

Step 3

Cook the chicken: Cover the crockpot with its lid. Cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender enough to shred easily with a fork. Avoid opening the lid too often, as this can extend cooking time.

Step 4

Thicken the sauce (optional): About 15–20 minutes before serving, remove a small amount of the sauce from the crockpot into a separate bowl. Mix the cornstarch with water until smooth, then stir it into the removed sauce. Pour the mixture back into the crockpot and stir well. Cover and cook for an additional 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

Step 5

Serve and garnish: Plate the chicken over steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles. Spoon extra honey garlic sauce on top for maximum flavor. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds to add a fresh, colorful touch that makes the dish visually appealing.

Tips for Best Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken

Choose the right chicken cut: Thighs are juicier than breasts. Breasts are leaner but can dry out, so adjust cooking time slightly.
Layering flavors: Mix honey, soy sauce, and garlic thoroughly. This ensures every chicken piece is coated with flavor evenly.
Don’t overfill the crockpot: Leave space on top for heat circulation. This helps chicken cook evenly without becoming mushy.
Use cornstarch for thick sauce: Mix it with water and stir in during the last 15 minutes. It gives a shiny, restaurant-style glaze.
Adjust sweetness to taste: Some honey is sweeter than others. Taste the sauce before cooking and add more honey or soy if needed.
Garnish last: Sprinkle green onions or sesame seeds at the very end. It keeps them fresh and adds a nice visual contrast.
Keep the lid closed: Opening the crockpot releases heat and increases cooking time. Only check at the end or to stir gently.

Optional Ingredients

Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
Garlic powder to enhance garlic flavor
Fresh ginger for a subtle warmth
Lime juice for a tangy finish
Hoisin sauce for deeper sweetness
Sesame oil for a nutty aroma

How to Serve Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken?

I like to serve this chicken over a bed of fluffy rice because the rice soaks up the sweet and garlicky sauce perfectly, making every bite rich and flavorful. I sometimes drizzle a little extra sauce on top for a glossy, restaurant-style finish. The colors of the sauce against the white rice always look inviting and appetizing.

I also enjoy pairing it with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. The creaminess of the potatoes balances the sticky sweetness of the chicken, while roasted carrots, broccoli, or green beans add freshness and texture. I usually place the vegetables on the side so the plate looks colorful and visually appealing.

I sometimes serve this dish with noodles like spaghetti or egg noodles. The sauce clings to the noodles beautifully, making each bite flavorful and comforting. I like to sprinkle sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top, as it gives the dish a professional look and adds a fresh crunch to every bite. This makes even a simple weekday dinner feel special and celebratory.

Is Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Healthy?

Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken can be part of a healthy meal. Using lean chicken, moderate honey, and plenty of garlic gives protein and flavor without excess fat.

Pairing it with vegetables and brown rice adds fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Just watch portion sizes for rice or potatoes if you’re monitoring carbs. The recipe can easily be adjusted to be lower in sugar by reducing honey slightly.

Variations and Substitutions

Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken: Add more red pepper flakes and a splash of sriracha. The heat balances the sweetness beautifully.
Low-Sugar Version: Replace honey with a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit. Sauce stays flavorful but lighter on sugar.
Soy-Free Option: Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. The sauce will still taste rich and savory.
Lemon Garlic Chicken: Add lemon juice and zest. It gives the sauce a fresh, tangy brightness that complements the garlic.
Vegetable Boost: Toss in carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms during the last hour. They cook in the sauce and add nutrients.
Oven Version: Bake chicken in a covered dish at 375°F for 30–35 minutes. Pour the sauce over and finish under the broiler for caramelized edges.
Crockpot Freezer Meal: Assemble chicken and sauce in a freezer bag. Freeze, then cook straight from frozen for a ready-to-go dinner.
Honey Garlic Chicken Wings: Use wings instead of thighs. Cook on high for 2–3 hours, then toss in sauce for party-style appetizer wings.

How to Store, How to Reheat

Store leftover Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure the sauce covers the chicken to keep it moist. For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.

To reheat, place chicken and sauce in a skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Cover and stir occasionally until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave in a covered dish, stirring halfway through, to prevent drying. Always check that it’s steaming hot before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they are leaner and may dry out faster than thighs. Cook slightly less time and check for doneness. Thighs stay juicier and more tender in the crockpot.

How do I thicken the sauce?
Mix cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the sauce about 15 minutes before serving. Cook until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. This creates a restaurant-style coating that clings to the chicken.

Can I add vegetables while cooking?
Yes, vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms work well. Add them during the last hour of cooking so they stay tender but not mushy. This is an easy way to add color, nutrients, and texture to the meal.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, store the chicken and sauce in airtight containers in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.

Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Recipe by Maria MeyerCourse: Main DishCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

hours

Make Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken easily at home! Tender, juicy chicken in a sweet and savory garlic sauce. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or busy weeknights. Learn tips, variations, and serving ideas.

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thicker sauce)
Chopped green onions or sesame seeds for garnish

Directions

Prepare the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Make sure the mixture is smooth and well combined so every chicken piece will soak up the flavor.
Add chicken to crockpot: Place the chicken thighs or breasts in the crockpot in a single layer. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated evenly. Use a spoon or spatula to spread the sauce so none of the chicken is left dry.
Cook the chicken: Cover the crockpot with its lid. Cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender enough to shred easily with a fork. Avoid opening the lid too often, as this can extend cooking time.
Thicken the sauce (optional): About 15–20 minutes before serving, remove a small amount of the sauce from the crockpot into a separate bowl. Mix the cornstarch with water until smooth, then stir it into the removed sauce. Pour the mixture back into the crockpot and stir well. Cover and cook for an additional 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Serve and garnish: Plate the chicken over steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles. Spoon extra honey garlic sauce on top for maximum flavor. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds to add a fresh, colorful touch that makes the dish visually appealing.