Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Slow cooker honey garlic chicken simmered in a sweet, savory glaze. An easy, flavor-packed dinner that’s tender, juicy, and irresistible.
Ingredients
- 2 to 2.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- ½ cup honey
- ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 1.5 tablespoons)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for body and color)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ¼ cup water or low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions, for garnish
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Instructions
- Prep the sauce: In a bowl, whisk honey, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, tomato paste, sesame oil, ginger, red pepper flakes, and water/broth until smooth.
- Season the chicken: Pat chicken dry and sprinkle lightly with salt and black pepper. Place in the slow cooker in a single layer if possible.
- Pour and cook: Pour the sauce over the chicken. Cover and cook on Low for 4–5 hours or High for 2.5–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily pulls apart.
- Thicken the sauce: Transfer the chicken to a plate. Whisk cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker juices, cover, and cook on High for 10–15 minutes until glossy and slightly thick.
- Shred and return: Shred the chicken with two forks. Return it to the slow cooker and toss to coat in the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with a splash more soy, vinegar, or honey as needed.
- Serve: Spoon over rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Add steamed broccoli or snap peas on the side for color and crunch.
