Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken: A Sweet and Savory Dream

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Hey there, friend! If you’re looking for a dish that’s equal parts comforting and effortless, you’ve come to the right place.

This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day.

Imagine tender, juicy chicken thighs bathed in a sticky-sweet garlicky glaze that’s so good, you’ll want to lick the plate clean.

The best part? Your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, leaving you with more time to relax or tackle that never-ending to-do list.

Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy Sunday, this recipe is your shortcut to a meal that feels downright special.

How to Make It

Note: This is an overview. See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.

1. Prep the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, and a touch of paprika. This simple seasoning blend adds a subtle depth of flavor and ensures the chicken is perfectly seasoned from the inside out. If you’re feeling fancy, you can also pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning to help the spices stick better.

2. Whisk the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. The honey brings sweetness, the soy sauce adds umami richness, the garlic provides a punch of flavor, and the vinegar balances it all with a hint of tanginess. Taste the sauce and adjust the flavors if needed—this is your chance to make it perfect!

3. Layer and Cook
Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the slow cooker and pour the honey garlic sauce over the top. Use a spoon or tongs to gently toss the chicken in the sauce, making sure each piece is well-coated. This step ensures every bite is infused with that irresistible sweet and savory flavor. Set the slow cooker to low for a longer, slower cook or high if you’re short on time. Either way, the result will be tender, juicy chicken that practically falls apart.

4. Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a plate and pour the remaining sauce into a saucepan. Simmer the sauce over medium heat until it reduces and thickens into a rich, glossy glaze. If you’re in a hurry, you can mix a bit of cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce to speed up the thickening process. This step is optional but highly recommended for that restaurant-quality finish.

5. Serve and Enjoy
Drizzle the thickened sauce over the chicken and garnish with fresh parsley or sesame seeds for a pop of color and flavor. Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy rice, quinoa, or your favorite grain, and don’t forget to spoon extra sauce over the top. Pair it with steamed veggies or a crisp salad for a complete meal that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make.

Pro Tips

• For extra flavor, sear the chicken thighs in a hot skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Don’t skip the fresh garlic—it makes all the difference in this recipe!

Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to avoid overcooking the chicken.
• This dish freezes well! Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken: A Sweet and Savory Dream

Cooking Method: Simmering, Slow Cooking Cuisine: Asian Flavors Courses: Main Courses

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 4 hrs Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 4 hrs 15 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 320

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Dietary:

Dairy Free

Description

This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is the ultimate hands-off dinner recipe. With just a handful of everyday ingredients and your trusty slow cooker, you can create a dish that’s bursting with sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors.

Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this meal is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it over rice or with your favorite veggies for a complete, comforting feast.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

• ¹⁄₂ tsp salt

• ¹⁄₄ tsp black pepper

• ¹⁄₂ tsp paprika

• ¹⁄₃ cup honey

• ¹⁄₄ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

• 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)

• Fresh parsley or sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

1. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, and apple cider vinegar.
3. Place the chicken in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over the top. Stir to coat.
4. Cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
5. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and set aside.
6. Pour the sauce into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat until thickened, about 5-7 minutes. (Optional: Mix cornstarch and water, then stir into the sauce to thicken faster.)
7. Drizzle the thickened sauce over the chicken and garnish with parsley or sesame seeds. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 32kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 8g13%

Total Carbohydrate 28g10%

Sugars 24g

Protein 32g64%

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* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Substitute chicken breasts for thighs if preferred, but reduce cooking time to avoid drying out.
• Serve with rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

These values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used. Always check your ingredient labels for precise nutrition details.

Keywords: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken, Easy Chicken Dinner, Sweet and Savory Chicken