If you’re looking for a ridiculously tasty, hands-off dinner that’s sure to please the whole table, let me introduce you to Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken. Imagine tender, juicy chicken thighs swimming in a glossy, sweet, and savory sauce that just begs to be spooned over steamed rice or noodles. This dish is a regular in my kitchen, and for good reason: it’s pure comfort food, yet feels a little special each time you serve it. The best part? It basically cooks itself while you go about your day, filling your home with mouthwatering aromas you’ll love coming back to.

Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these simple staples and you’re halfway to creating a crave-worthy Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken. Each one brings an essential flavor, ensuring the final dish is balanced, vibrant, and anything but boring.

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (2 pounds): Thighs become fall-apart tender and stay juicy after slow cooking—perfect for this saucy dish.
Honey (1/2 cup): The star sweetener, honey caramelizes beautifully and adds lovely floral notes.
Low-sodium soy sauce (1/3 cup): Adds the deep umami and just the right saltiness without overpowering.
Ketchup (1/4 cup): Don’t knock it—ketchup brings a subtle tang and body to the sauce.
Hoisin sauce (2 tablespoons): A touch of hoisin delivers a savory-sweet richness that’s irresistible.
Garlic, minced (4 cloves): Fresh garlic is essential for bold flavor and aromatic punch.
Fresh grated ginger (1 tablespoon): Lively, spicy, and bright—ginger wakes everything up.
Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): If you like a little heat, this gives the sauce a gentle kick.
Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): When mixed with water, it thickens the sauce to that glorious, clingy perfection.
Water (2 tablespoons): Needed for the cornstarch slurry—makes the sauce silky.
Green onions, sliced (for garnish): These brighten up the final dish with fresh, zippy color.
Sesame seeds (for garnish): A sprinkle adds a little crunch and a toasty finish.

How to Make Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Layer the Chicken

Place your boneless, skinless chicken thighs directly in the bottom of your crockpot. No need to sear first—the slow cooker handles all the magic for you. Make sure to arrange them in an even layer so every piece gets coated in sauce later. This step ensures the chicken cooks evenly and stays irresistibly moist while soaking up all that flavor.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, ketchup, hoisin sauce, garlic, ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you want a hint of spice). The mixture should look glossy and smell incredible. This fragrant sauce is what gives Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken its unforgettable sweet-savory character.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

Pour your sauce all over the chicken in the crockpot, making sure every piece is nestled in that delicious liquid. Pop the lid on, set it to low for 4–5 hours (or high for 2–3 if you’re in a hurry), and let the Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken do its thing. The chicken will become ultra-tender and the flavors will meld beautifully.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is fully cooked and delightfully tender, lift it out of the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Shredding makes the chicken perfect for soaking up even more of that luscious sauce and makes serving a breeze.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch and water to make a quick slurry. Stir this into the sauce left in the crockpot, turn it up to high, and cook for about 10–15 minutes. The sauce will thicken into a glossy glaze that clings to every shredded morsel of chicken. Bring the chicken back to the pot, stir to coat, and you’re ready to serve Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken at its sauciest best!

How to Serve Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken

Garnishes

Finish your Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken with sliced green onions for freshness and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for just the right hint of crunch. These garnishes don’t just make it look restaurant-worthy—they add bursts of flavor and a satisfying texture contrast.

Side Dishes

This dish practically begs to be served over a fluffy bed of steamed white rice or noodles, letting all that gorgeous sauce shine. Stir-fried veggies—think broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy—make the perfect crisp-tender contrast for the rich, savory chicken. Add a simple cucumber salad or Asian slaw for a cooling, refreshing side.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting or just want to shake things up, pile Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken onto lettuce leaves for fun wraps, or stuff it in warm bao buns. You can also spoon it over quinoa bowls topped with extra veggies, or use it as the star filling in a meal prep lunchbox with rice and pickled veggies on the side. The possibilities really are endless!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any extra Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It reheats like a dream, tasting just as delicious as when it was first made. The flavors actually deepen a bit overnight, making leftovers a real treat!

Freezing

For longer storage, portion the cooled chicken and sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers. Lay the bags flat for quick freezing and easy stacking. It will keep beautifully in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To bring your Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken back to life, gently warm it in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce needs loosening up. Or, microwave in a covered dish in 1-minute bursts, stirring between each, until heated through. Just don’t let it boil too vigorously, to keep the chicken moist and tender.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well, though they’re a bit leaner and can end up less juicy than thighs after slow cooking. To keep them tender, avoid overcooking and be generous with the sauce.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can easily be made gluten-free by swapping regular soy sauce for tamari or another certified gluten-free alternative. Always double-check your hoisin sauce, as some brands include wheat.

Can I add vegetables to the crockpot?

Definitely! Sturdy veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli florets can go in during the last hour of cooking. This saves you time and makes a complete one-pot meal without extra dishes.

Can I make Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken spicy?

For more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes, or even add a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce before cooking. Customizing the spice level is easy, and you can always offer extra hot sauce at the table for those who’d like it spicier.

How do I avoid the chicken getting dry?

The key is not to overcook the chicken, especially if using breasts. Stick to the suggested time and use thighs for the juiciest results. The slow cooker’s gentle heat and the saucy environment make it hard to go wrong, but keeping an eye on the cooking time ensures perfection.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken really is one of those recipes you’ll turn to again and again. It’s simple, forgiving, and always impressive—exactly the kind of meal you’ll look forward to all week. Give it a try, play with the garnishes, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new family staple!

Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 12 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is a flavorful and easy dish that’s perfect for a busy day. Tender chicken thighs are cooked in a sweet and savory sauce until they are melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Sauce:

1/2 cup honey
1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Thickening Agent:

1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water

Garnish:

2 green onions, sliced
Sesame seeds

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Instructions

Place Chicken in Crockpot: Put the chicken thighs in the crockpot.
Make Sauce: Combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, hoisin sauce, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Pour over chicken.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours until chicken is tender.
Shred Chicken: Remove chicken, shred it, and set aside.
Thicken Sauce: Create a slurry with cornstarch and water. Stir into the sauce in the crockpot and cook until thickened.
Combine and Serve: Return shredded chicken to the crockpot, coat with sauce, and serve garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

This dish pairs well with steamed rice or noodles and stir-fried vegetables.
Chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs, but thighs tend to be more tender.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired