Some days, dinner needs to be more “set it and forget it” and less “stand over a hot stove for an hour.” That’s where Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken swoops in like your culinary superhero—cape optional, deliciousness guaranteed.
This dish is the ultimate blend of tender chicken, sticky-sweet honey, and savory garlic that fills your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma. Whether you’re feeding a busy family on a weeknight or looking to impress guests without the stress, this recipe has your back. And the best part? The slow cooker does most of the work while you go about your day.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
- Effortless prep – You can throw it together in 10 minutes flat.
- Versatile serving options – Pair it with rice, noodles, or roasted veggies.
- Family-friendly flavor – Kids love the sweet tang; adults love the garlicky depth.
- Stress-free cooking – Your crock pot handles the heavy lifting while you handle… everything else.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 4-6)
- 6 skinless, bone-in chicken thighs (or boneless thighs/breasts — just shorten the cooking time slightly)
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce (use gluten-free if needed)
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- ⅓ cup honey
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- ½ tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 green onion, sliced
Step-by-Step : How To Make Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
1. Mix the Magic
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, ketchup, honey, and minced garlic. This is your flavor powerhouse—sweet, salty, and garlicky all in one.
2. Prep Your Crock Pot
Spray the insert with nonstick spray so cleanup stays easy (because nobody likes scrubbing stuck-on sauce after dinner).
3. Layer the Chicken
Arrange chicken thighs evenly in the bottom of the crock pot. Pour your sauce over the top and give everything a gentle toss so each piece gets coated.
4. Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on high for 2–3 hours or low for 4–5 hours, until the chicken’s internal temperature hits 165°F.
5. Thicken the Sauce
Remove the chicken and set it aside. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water (cold is key here to avoid clumps). Stir it into the sauce in your crock pot, cover, and cook for another 15 minutes until it thickens.
6. Bring It All Together
Return the chicken to the pot, coat it in that glossy sauce, then garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve warm and enjoy the applause.
Aneta’s Kitchen Tip
If your sauce tastes a bit too salty for your liking, add a splash of water or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end—it balances the flavors beautifully. And don’t stress if your sauce looks thin before adding the cornstarch; that’s just the slow cooker being its laid-back self.
A Little Story From My Table
The first time I made this for my family, my kids dubbed it “sticky chicken” and started asking for it weekly. My husband? He ate so much he “accidentally” skipped dessert. This recipe quickly became my secret weapon for weeknights when I wanted something homemade but had zero energy to fuss over the stove.
FAQs About Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but I recommend thawing it first for even cooking and better texture.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Pop them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Mix the sauce and prep the chicken the night before, then dump it in the crock pot in the morning.
Bringing It All Home
Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken isn’t just dinner—it’s a weeknight lifesaver wrapped in a blanket of sweet and savory goodness. One bite and you’ll understand why it’s earned a permanent spot in my meal rotation. Serve it over fluffy rice, alongside crisp veggies, or just eat it straight from the pot while standing in the kitchen (no judgment here).
More Delicious Slow Cooker and Chicken Recipes to Try
If you loved this Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken, you might also enjoy exploring these flavorful, easy-to-make recipes that bring the same level of comfort and taste to your table:
- For another sweet-and-savory favorite, try my Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken—a tropical twist that’s just as easy to make.
- Craving a creamy comfort dish? My Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is rich, indulgent, and perfect for pasta night.
- Want something with a zesty kick? This Slow Cooker Orange Chicken is a tangy-sweet dinner the whole family will love.
- If you enjoy bold Asian-inspired flavors, you’ll love the Dump-and-Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken for a fuss-free meal packed with umami goodness.
Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (low) or 2 hours 40 minutes (high)
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
This Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is tender, juicy, and coated in a sweet-savory garlic sauce. A family-friendly slow cooker dinner that’s easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
6 skinless, bone-in chicken thighs (or boneless thighs/breasts – reduce cook time slightly)
½ cup low-sodium soy sauce (use gluten-free if needed)
⅓ cup ketchup
⅓ cup honey
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water
½ tablespoon sesame seeds
1 green onion, sliced
Instructions
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, ketchup, honey, and minced garlic.
Spray crock pot insert with nonstick spray. Arrange chicken in an even layer.
Pour sauce over chicken and toss to coat.
Cover and cook on high for 2–3 hours or low for 4–5 hours, until chicken reaches 165°F.
Remove chicken and set aside. Whisk cornstarch and cold water together, then stir into sauce in crock pot. Cover and cook for another 15 minutes until thickened.
Return chicken to sauce, toss to coat, and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve warm.
Notes
For a less salty flavor, add a splash of water or lemon juice at the end.
Serve over rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Boneless chicken will cook faster, so check for doneness earlier.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (on low) or 2.5 hours (on high)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece chicken + sauce
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 740 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg