Name: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 10 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 pounds (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs; ½ cup honey; ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce; ¼ cup ketchup; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 5 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening sauce); 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening sauce); Chopped green onions or sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Hey y'all! If you're looking for a cozy, fuss-free dinner that wins over everyone at the table, this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken will become your new go-to favorite. It’s irresistibly juicy and coated in a sticky, sweet-savory sauce that makes you want to lick your plate clean. Whether you’re feeding a crowd on game day, enjoying a laid-back weeknight dinner, or meal prepping for the week, this dish brings big flavor with minimal effort. Let’s get cooking!

Why You'll Love This

Set-it-and-forget-it: Minimal prep and the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting.
Tender and juicy: Chicken thighs cook until fall-apart tender in a flavorful sauce.
Perfectly balanced sauce: Sweet honey, tangy soy, and garlic make an addictive glaze.
Versatile: Great over rice, noodles, or even shredded in sandwiches or salads.
Meal prep friendly: Leftovers taste even better the next day!

Ingredients

2 pounds (900g) boneless, skinless Chicken thighs
½ cup honey
¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
¼ cup ketchup
1 tablespoon olive oil
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon kosher salt
2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening sauce)
2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening sauce)
Chopped green onions or sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Assemble Your Ingredients (5 minutes)

Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and place them in the bottom of your slow cooker in a single layer.

Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, black pepper, and kosher salt until well combined.

Step 3: Cook in the Slow Cooker (6 hours)

Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken thighs. Cover and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours, or on HIGH for 2.5 to 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken to a plate. Whisk together cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then stir into the sauce in the slow cooker. Turn to HIGH and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes until thickened, then return chicken to soak in the sauce.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or steamed veggies.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can sear the chicken thighs briefly in a skillet before adding to the slow cooker.
If using chicken breasts, adjust cook time to avoid drying out (4-5 hours on LOW).
Make ahead: This dish reheats beautifully, so prep it a day in advance!

Variations

Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken: Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Crispy Finish: Broil the cooked chicken for 2-3 minutes to caramelize the top before serving.
Vegetable Boost: Add chopped bell peppers or snap peas during the last hour of cooking for extra color and nutrition.

Required Equipment

6-quart slow cooker
Mixing bowls
Whisk and tongs
Measuring cups and spoons

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in single-serve portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Pairings & Serving Recommendations

Serve over steamed jasmine or brown rice to soak up the sauce.
Delicious with stir-fried vegetables or a simple side salad.
Try spooning leftovers onto a toasted bun for an easy sandwich lunch.

Pro Tips

Trim excess fat from chicken thighs to keep the sauce from becoming greasy.
Line your slow cooker with a liner for effortless cleanup.
Let chicken rest in the sauce for 10 minutes before serving to soak up even more flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken breasts work well, but reduce the cooking time to 4-5 hours on LOW for best texture.

How do I keep the chicken from drying out?

Slow cooking on LOW with plenty of sauce keeps the chicken moist and tender. Avoid overcooking for best results.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to keep this dish gluten-free.