If you’re craving something incredibly flavorful yet effortlessly simple, this Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort meal. Imagine tender, juicy chicken slow-cooked to perfection in a sticky-sweet and garlicky sauce that clings to every bite. It’s the kind of dish that fills your home with an irresistible aroma and brings friends and family right to the table, eager for seconds. Whether you’re a busy weekday warrior or just want to treat yourself to a cozy, homemade dinner, this recipe offers all the heartiness and flavor you need with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully straightforward but packed with purpose. Each one plays a starring role in building the rich, savory-sweet sauce and perfectly cooked chicken that makes this dish so memorable. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why each element matters.
- 6 skinless, bone-in chicken thighs: Bone-in thighs add incredible flavor and stay juicy while slow cooking, but you can swap with boneless or chicken breasts for convenience.
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce: Provides the salty, umami backbone to balance the sweetness of honey perfectly. Gluten-free soy sauce works great too.
- ⅓ cup ketchup: Adds tangy depth and a touch of acidity to lift the sauce’s flavor profile.
- ⅓ cup honey: The star of the show, honey creates that luscious sticky glaze with subtle floral sweetness.
- 6 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic infuses the sauce with warmth and allure, making every bite fragrant and delicious.
- 2 tbsp cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce into a beautiful coating that sticks to the chicken like a dream.
- 2 tbsp cold water: Used to dissolve the cornstarch smoothly so no lumps appear in your sauce.
- ½ tbsp sesame seeds: Adds a subtle crunch and nutty flavor that’s visually appealing too.
- 1 green onion (sliced): Brings freshness and color to balance the rich sauce and finish the dish perfectly.
How to Make Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Whisk together the sauces and garlic
Start by combining the soy sauce, ketchup, honey, and minced garlic in a bowl. Whisk these powerhouse ingredients together until smooth and well-blended. This mixture holds all the magic, setting the tone for that sweet but savory flavor you’re chasing.
Step 2: Prepare the crockpot
Spray your crockpot insert with a bit of nonstick spray. This quick step prevents the chicken and sauce from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze—a win when cooking slow and easy.
Step 3: Arrange the chicken in an even layer
Place your chicken thighs at the bottom of the crockpot in a single even layer. This allows every piece to cook evenly and soak up the honey garlic sauce beautifully.
Step 4: Pour and toss
Pour the sauce over the chicken and use a spoon or tongs to toss everything gently. Make sure each piece is well coated—the sauce will turn into a delicious glaze as it cooks low and slow.
Step 5: Cook low and slow
Cover the crockpot and cook the chicken on high for 2 to 3 hours, or if you’re around longer, on low for 4 to 5 hours. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F—this ensures it’s perfectly juicy and safe to eat.
Step 6: Remove chicken and thicken the sauce
Once cooked, carefully take the chicken out and set it aside. Next, mix the cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl. Stir this slurry into the sauce left behind in the crockpot. Cover and cook it for another 15 minutes to thicken the sauce to that irresistible glossy texture.
Step 7: Toss chicken back with thickened sauce and garnish
Return the chicken to the crockpot and toss it in the thickened honey garlic sauce, ensuring every bite is coated. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for that perfect finishing touch.
How to Serve Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is your chance to add texture, color, and an extra flavor pop. I love sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and finely sliced green onions right before serving—they bring a lovely crunch and freshness that brighten the rich sauce impeccably.
Side Dishes
This chicken shines alongside steamed jasmine rice or fluffy mashed potatoes, soaking up every bit of the saucy goodness. For a veggie boost, try simple roasted broccoli or crisp snap peas to add a vibrant green contrast and balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get a little adventurous, serve this delicious chicken over a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb spin. Alternatively, pile it on soft bao buns with some crunchy pickled veggies for a fun, Asian-inspired slider that’s perfect for casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can easily store any leftover Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next meal even tastier.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish longer, freeze the cooked chicken with sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers slowly on the stovetop over medium heat to warm the chicken while keeping it moist and tender. Add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. Microwave works too but stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just fine, but they usually require a shorter cooking time since they’re leaner and can dry out if overcooked. Keep an eye on the internal temperature and aim for 165°F.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe in no time.
Can I double the recipe for a bigger crowd?
You sure can. Just make sure your crockpot is large enough to hold twice the ingredients without overcrowding so the chicken cooks evenly and the sauce thickens properly.
What if I want a thicker sauce?
If you prefer your sauce extra thick, increase the cornstarch to 3 tablespoons, but mix it with cold water to avoid lumps. Cook it a little longer after adding the slurry until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Can I add vegetables to the crockpot?
Definitely! Adding hearty veggies like carrots or bell peppers can add nutrition and flavor. Just be mindful of cooking times as they might soften more quickly than the chicken, so add them accordingly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about a meal that feels effortless yet delivers bold, memorable flavor—and that’s exactly what this Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe achieves. It’s the kind of dish that invites smiles around the table and makes leftovers just as exciting as the first serving. So go ahead, give it a try, and watch it quickly become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.
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Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs cooked low and slow in a flavorful honey garlic sauce. The combination of soy sauce, honey, ketchup, and garlic creates a sweet and savory glaze that perfectly coats the chicken. Finished with a thickened sauce, sesame seeds, and fresh green onions, this easy slow cooker meal is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 6 skinless, bone-in chicken thighs (or boneless thighs/chicken breasts)
Sauce
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce (gluten free if needed)
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- ⅓ cup honey
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
For Thickening and Garnish
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp cold water
- ½ tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 green onion, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, ketchup, honey, and minced garlic until well combined to make the flavorful honey garlic sauce.
- Prepare Crockpot: Spray the crockpot insert with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking during cooking.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in an even layer at the bottom of the crockpot to ensure even cooking.
- Add Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken thighs and toss gently to coat all pieces evenly with the sauce.
- Cook Chicken: Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-5 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is tender.
- Remove Chicken: Take the cooked chicken out of the crockpot and set aside to prepare the sauce.
- Thicken Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the sauce remaining in the crockpot. Cover and cook for an additional 15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Combine and Garnish: Return the chicken to the crockpot, toss to coat in the thickened sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
- Bone-in chicken thighs provide the best flavor and remain juicy; boneless chicken or breasts can be used but require shorter cooking time.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness and make it gluten free if necessary.
- Make sure to use cold water when mixing cornstarch to avoid clumps.
- Adjust cooking times based on your crockpot’s heat settings and thickness of chicken.
- Serve with steamed rice or vegetables for a complete meal.
