This year has been my slow cooker and Instant Pot era. With every kid in one or two sports, evenings are a blur and I need dinners that are fast to prep and reliably delicious. I’ve been using the slow cooker several times a week, and this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken has become a favorite. It takes under five minutes to combine the ingredients, and the result is tender, flavorful chicken the whole family will enjoy.
The method is straightforward: place the chicken in the slow cooker, whisk together the sauce ingredients, pour over the meat, and top with pats of butter. Cook on high for about four hours or on low for around six hours. I like to serve this shredded over jasmine rice with roasted or steamed broccoli. The sweet-savory sauce pairs beautifully with plain rice and a green vegetable for a complete, family-friendly meal.
Recipes for Busy Weeknights
- Ketchup Sloppy Joes
- Instant Pot Chicken Taco and Rice Skillet
- Slow Cooker Mississippi Pot Roast
- Instant Pot Chicken Tetrazzini
- Slow Cooker Pork Roast and Gravy
- Instant Pot Lentils with Chicken and Sweet Potato
Step-by-Step Photos for How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Tips for How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Tips for How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken- Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup, especially when cooking sweeter sauces that can stick.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work well; thighs tend to remain juicier, breasts will shred nicely if not overcooked.
- If you start with frozen chicken, add about an hour of cooking time and ensure the meat reaches a safe temperature before shredding.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper or cayenne if you like a bit of heat.
- If you don’t have rice wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar is an easy substitute and keeps the sauce balanced.
- To thicken the sauce, remove the chicken when cooked, then simmer the sauce on the stovetop to reduce, or whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water) and simmer until thickened.
- Serve over jasmine rice, coconut rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
Chef’s Tools:
Chef’s Tools:- Slow cooker
- Slow cooker liners (optional)
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Whisk
More Recipes for Busy Schedules
Slow Cooker Pineapple Salsa Chicken aka Mexican Delight
Slow Cooker Hobo Dinner
Workman’s Roast {Crock Pot Recipe}- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp seasoned rice wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 6 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 5–6 tbsp butter, cut into pats
- Place the chicken in the slow cooker in a single layer if possible.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, honey, crushed garlic, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken, making sure pieces are evenly coated.
- Dot the top of the chicken with pats of butter.
- Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6 hours. If using frozen chicken, add approximately 1 hour to the cooking time.
- When the chicken is done, it should be very tender and easy to shred with two forks.
- Shred the chicken right in the slow cooker and stir to coat it in the sauce, or remove the chicken and reduce the sauce on the stovetop if you prefer a thicker glaze.
- Serve over cooked rice with a green vegetable or side salad.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
If you like this, you’ll love these
Chicken Tikka Masala {TMH}
Baked Honey Curry Chicken with Green Beans
Broccoli Casserole with Chicken (30 minutes or less)