Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

If you have been searching for a dish that combines sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors in an effortless way, this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s a comforting, tender, and delicious meal that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma, while the slow cooker does all the hard work for you. With juicy chicken thighs bathed in a sticky honey garlic sauce, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. Once you try it, it becomes one of those trusty go-to recipes you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe lies in its simple but powerful ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, bringing depth, richness, and the iconic honey garlic glaze that clings to every bite.

• Chicken thigh fillets (1 kg / 2.2 lbs, skinless and boneless): These are tender, juicy, and so much more forgiving than chicken breast, ensuring your dish stays moist throughout the slow cooking process.
• Cornflour (2 tbsp): Acts as a thickener to give the sauce a luscious, silk-like texture without any clumps.
• Salt (½ tsp): Enhances all the flavors and brings out the natural taste of the chicken.
• Pepper (½ tsp): Adds a gentle heat and balances the sweetness in the sauce.
• Garlic powder (½ tsp): Boosts the garlic flavor for more depth alongside the fresh minced garlic.
• Paprika (½ tsp): Adds a subtle smoky warmth and beautiful color.
• Rice vinegar (1 tbsp): Introduces a mild acidity that cuts through the richness and lifts the overall taste; you can substitute apple cider or white wine vinegar if needed.
• Sesame oil (1 tbsp): Gives a nutty aroma that complements the soy and honey beautifully.
• Dark soy sauce (2 tbsp): Provides umami depth and a darker, richer hue to the sauce.
• Garlic cloves (4, peeled and minced): Fresh garlic is essential for that bold, vibrant kick we all crave in a honey garlic dish.
• Chicken stock (120 ml / ½ cup): Adds savoriness and moisture to the sauce so it’s full-bodied without being watery.
• Unsalted butter (2 tbsp, chopped): Melts into the sauce for a velvety finish that perfectly balances the acidity and sweetness.
• Honey (165 ml / ½ cup): This is the star that gives the sauce its signature sticky sweetness and gorgeous glaze.
• Boiled rice or egg fried rice: To soak up all the delicious sauce and round out the meal.
• Chopped spring onions (scallions): For a fresh, crisp garnish that adds color and mild onion flavor.
• Sesame seeds: A final sprinkle for crunch and that authentic touch you’ll love.

How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by trimming and quartering the chicken thigh fillets to create evenly sized pieces that cook uniformly in the slow cooker. Place the chicken in the base of your slow cooker, which will be ready to soak up the honey garlic sauce.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a bowl, combine the cornflour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, rice vinegar, sesame oil, dark soy sauce, and the minced garlic. Stir well until the cornflour is fully absorbed – this mixture will thicken and beautifully coat your chicken as it cooks, giving that irresistible sticky finish we all love.

Step 3: Add Stock, Butter, and Honey

Next, stir in the chicken stock, chopped butter, and honey. Don’t worry if the butter pieces seem chunky at this point, as they will melt slowly as your recipe cooks, enriching the sauce and creating a luscious consistency.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Pour the honey garlic sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Give everything a good stir to make sure the chicken is well coated in the sauce, which guarantees even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover with the lid and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or on low for 5 to 6 hours. If you get a chance, stir once in the last hour or two to help the sauce thicken and coat the chicken even better, but don’t stress if you can’t – simply mixing it well at the end works just as fine.

Step 6: Ready to Serve!

Your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is now perfectly tender, flavorful, and sticky, ready to be served.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped spring onions and toasted sesame seeds generously over the chicken. The fresh green bursts of spring onion brighten up the rich sauce, while the sesame seeds add a delightful texture and that authentic touch every honey garlic chicken deserves.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs perfectly with steamed boiled rice or egg fried rice. The rice soaks up the luscious honey garlic sauce, turning each forkful into a comforting and satisfying bite. For a lighter option, serve with stir-fried veggies or steamed greens to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this dish with a side of crunchy pickled cucumbers or a refreshing cabbage slaw to cut through the sweetness. You can also plate it over cauliflower rice or add a sprinkle of crushed peanuts over the top for a delightful crunch and extra flavor twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken and sauce will keep well for up to 3 to 4 days, making it a great option for meal prep or quick lunches during the week.

Freezing

This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe freezes beautifully. Place cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags, and they will keep their flavor and texture for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to make sure the sauce heats evenly. If the sauce is too thick after refrigeration, add a splash of water or stock to loosen it back up while warming.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thigh fillets?

Absolutely, but keep in mind that chicken breast can dry out more easily in the slow cooker. If you use breast, reduce the cooking time slightly and consider adding a bit more liquid to keep it moist.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Yes! You can adapt the recipe by using the sauté function to brown the chicken first, then pressure cook on high for about 10 minutes. Don’t forget to quick-release the pressure and stir in the sauce well afterwards.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely. Simply swap the dark soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, and use cornflour or cornstarch labeled gluten-free to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

Can I use fresh ginger in this recipe?

Yes, fresh ginger would add a wonderful warmth and zing. Add about 1 teaspoon of finely grated ginger along with the garlic to the sauce mixture for a slightly different flair.

How thick should the sauce be when the dish is finished?

The sauce should be glossy and thick enough to coat the chicken nicely without being too gloopy. If it seems thin, uncover and cook on high for a little longer, stirring occasionally, to reduce and thicken.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—simple ingredients come together to create big bold flavors with minimal effort. It’s perfect for those days when you want something comforting, satisfying, and a little special without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll quickly become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection.

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