Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken: Easy Weeknight Meal

Imagine coming home to the sweet and savory aroma of a delicious dinner, ready to serve with minimal effort. This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken recipe delivers exactly that! With tender chicken drenched in a sticky, irresistible sauce, it is the ultimate stress-free solution for busy weeknights. Let your slow cooker do all the hard work while you enjoy a flavorful meal the whole family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

This recipe isn’t just easy; it’s a game-changer for your dinner routine. Here’s why this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken will quickly become a family favorite:

• Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: You only need a few simple items to create a truly delicious dish.
• Effortless Prep and Hands-Off Cooking: Spend minutes on prep, then let your slow cooker do all the hard work while you enjoy a flavorful meal the whole family will love.
• Tender, Juicy Chicken Every Time: The slow cooking method ensures perfectly moist chicken that practically melts in your mouth.
• Versatile for Various Sides: It pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or your favorite vegetables, making it easy to adapt.

Ingredients

Making this flavorful Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken starts with high-quality ingredients. Gather these simple items to create a truly delicious meal:

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/2 cup low sodium ketchup
• 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Notes & Substitutions

We recommend boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe because they stay incredibly juicy and tender during the slow cooking process. Their rich flavor holds up beautifully to the sweet and savory sauce. You can easily substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option, or even bone-in thighs for extra flavor, though cooking times may vary slightly. For a different sweetness, try maple syrup in place of honey. If you need a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce, tamari or coconut aminos work perfectly. Feel free to add a pinch of dried ginger or red pepper flakes for an extra kick, or explore other chicken casserole recipes for variety!

Equipment

You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this delightful slow cooker meal.

• Slow cooker (Crockpot, 6-quart recommended)
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Meat thermometer

Instructions

Creating this incredible Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is straightforward. Just follow these simple steps to a tender, flavorful meal.

1. Arrange Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs evenly on the bottom of your slow cooker. This ensures even cooking.
2. Prepare Sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, honey, low sodium ketchup, low sodium soy sauce, and dried oregano. Add one tablespoon of the fresh parsley. Whisk all the ingredients together thoroughly until the sauce is well-combined and smooth.
3. Add Sauce and Cook: Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Make sure all the chicken is coated. Close the slow cooker with a lid and cook on the LOW setting for 4 to 5 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
4. Remove Chicken: Once cooked, carefully remove the lid and transfer the tender chicken thighs to a clean serving plate or platter.
5. Thicken Sauce (Optional, but recommended): If you prefer a thicker sauce for your slow cooker honey garlic chicken, proceed to the “How to Make a Cornstarch Slurry” steps below.
6. Garnish and Serve: Spoon the delicious sauce from the slow cooker generously over the chicken. Sprinkle the remaining fresh parsley and toasted sesame seeds over the top for garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to Make a Cornstarch Slurry

To thicken the sauce for your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken, a cornstarch slurry works wonders.

1. In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water.
2. Whisk until smooth, ensuring no lumps remain.
3. Pour this slurry into the simmering sauce in the slow cooker after removing the chicken.
4. Stir continuously and cook on HIGH for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieving perfectly cooked chicken every time is easy with a few simple tricks. For optimal food safety, the USDA recommends that all poultry reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Always use a reliable meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This guarantees safe and tender results for your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken. Monitor your slow cooker’s timing, as different models can vary slightly in cooking speed.

If your sauce seems too watery, incorporating the cornstarch slurry (detailed above) will create a beautifully thick, glossy finish. For extra depth, you can sauté a bit of fresh ginger with the garlic. Always taste and adjust seasonings at the end; you might want a pinch more salt, a dash of pepper, or a squeeze of lime to brighten the flavors.

Serving, Storage, & Variations

This versatile Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve it over fluffy white rice, brown rice, or even noodles to soak up all that incredible sauce. Steamed broccoli, green beans, or snap peas make excellent complementary vegetables, adding freshness and crunch to your meal.

For leftovers, allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly and consume within 3-4 days. You can also freeze cooked Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken for longer storage; place it in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

To vary the dish, try adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end for a citrusy zing. For a spicier kick, include a teaspoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes in the sauce. You can also add chopped bell peppers or pineapple chunks to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking for extra flavor and texture.

Nutrition

Enjoying a homemade meal often comes with knowing what you’re eating. Here is an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this delicious Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken:

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	227 kcal
Carbohydrates	23 g
Protein	25 g
Fat	3 g
Saturated Fat	0 g
Cholesterol	72 mg
Sodium	1022 mg
Potassium	544 mg
Fiber	0 g
Sugar	20 g
Vitamin A	250 IU
Vitamin C	4.5 mg
Calcium	27 mg
Iron	1.3 mg

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and ingredient modifications. This estimate does not include any side dishes.

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but ensure it is completely thawed before adding it to the slow cooker to avoid a watery sauce and ensure proper cooking. Thawing also helps the chicken absorb the delicious honey garlic flavors better.

How can I make the sauce less sweet or more savory?

To reduce sweetness, slightly decrease the honey and consider adding an extra tablespoon of soy sauce or a splash of rice vinegar. For more savoriness, increase the garlic and oregano, or add a dash of Worcestershire sauce.

Can I use bone-in chicken?

Absolutely! Bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks work well, but they might require an additional 30-60 minutes of cooking time. Always check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is not inherently gluten-free due to soy sauce. To make this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken gluten-free, substitute low-sodium soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.

How can I meal prep this dish?

Cook the chicken as directed, then shred or dice it and store it with the sauce in individual portions in airtight containers. It reheats beautifully and is perfect for lunches throughout the week.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken recipe truly embodies simplicity and incredible flavor. It takes minimal effort to prepare, allowing you to enjoy more time with your family while a delicious meal cooks itself. The tender, juicy chicken swimming in its sweet and savory sauce is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that simplifies even the busiest of weeknights. Give this ultimate weeknight meal a try and experience the magic of effortless cooking. We’d love to hear how it turned out for you!