I don’t know about you, but some days I just need a recipe that practically cooks itself. Between juggling work, and errands, and keeping everyone at home happy, the last thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. That’s where this crockpot honey garlic chicken recipe comes in. It’s one of those meals that I know I can toss together in the morning and forget about until dinner.
The first time I made honey garlic chicken, I was skeptical. Could such simple ingredients deliver that much flavor? Turns out, they absolutely can. The chicken comes out tender and coated in a sauce that’s the perfect mix of sweet and savory. Best of all, everyone in my family loves it—even the picky eaters.
| Servings | Total |
| 6 | 5hrs 10mins |
Where Did You Learn This Recipe?
This recipe isn’t something I grew up with, but it feels like it could be. I stumbled upon the idea while looking for easy slow-cooker meals online. At first, I followed the recipe exactly, but as I got more comfortable with it, I started making little tweaks to suit my taste.
Over time, I’ve added a bit more garlic (because can you ever have too much?), balanced the sweetness of the honey with a splash of vinegar, and occasionally throw in some red pepper flakes for a little heat. Now, it’s one of my go-to recipes for busy days.
Why Honey Garlic Chicken?
Honey garlic chicken is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and satisfying. It’s one of those meals that feels like comfort food but isn’t heavy or overly complicated. Plus, it’s versatile—you can serve it over rice, noodles, or even a bed of steamed vegetables.
For me, it’s also about the ease of preparation. The crockpot does all the work, and the ingredients are the ones I usually have on hand. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, honey garlic chicken is a recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket.
What Is Honey Garlic Chicken Made Of?
This recipe keeps things simple with a short list of ingredients that pack a big flavor punch:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts work best.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create a sticky glaze.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is essential for that bold, savory flavor.
- Soy Sauce: Balances the sweetness with a rich, salty note.
- Ketchup: Adds tanginess and helps thicken the sauce.
- Optional Additions: Rice vinegar for a bit of acidity or red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
What to Have with Honey Garlic Chicken
This dish is incredibly versatile, so you can pair it with just about anything. Here are a few ideas:
- Rice: White, brown, or even cauliflower rice works well.
- Mashed Potatoes: For a comforting, hearty side.
- Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or roasted carrots complement the sweetness of the chicken.
- Noodles: Toss the chicken and sauce with cooked noodles for an easy honey garlic pasta.
Is Honey Garlic Chicken Healthy?
Honey garlic chicken can fit into a healthy diet. Using boneless, skinless chicken keeps it lean, and the sauce relies on natural honey for sweetness instead of refined sugar. If you want to lighten it up further, opt for low-sodium soy sauce and pair the dish with plenty of vegetables or whole grains.
Kitchen Equipment
Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe:
- A crockpot (slow cooker)
- A cutting board and knife for prepping ingredients
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A whisk or spoon for mixing the sauce
- Tongs or a fork for handling the chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (optional)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Optional Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Directions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken thighs or breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ketchup, rice vinegar (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using).
Step 3: Assemble the Crockpot
- Place the chicken in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken from the crockpot and transfer the sauce to a small saucepan.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5-7 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Pour the thickened sauce back over the chicken.
Step 6: Serve
- Transfer the chicken to a serving dish and spoon the sauce over the top.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. Serve with your favorite side dishes.
Tips
- Use Thighs for Juicier Meat: Chicken thighs stay moist and tender during slow cooking.
- Don’t Overcook: Check the chicken for doneness around the recommended cooking time to avoid drying it out.
- Double the Sauce: If you love extra sauce for your rice or veggies, consider doubling the sauce ingredients.
- Make It Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but increase the cooking time slightly and make sure the chicken is fully cooked before serving.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! The chicken can be reheated gently in the sauce on the stovetop or in the microwave.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
Conclusion
Crockpot honey garlic chicken is the kind of recipe that fits perfectly into a busy lifestyle. It’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and tastes amazing every time. Whether you’re serving it to your family, meal-prepping for the week, or just looking for a fuss-free dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised when everyone asks for seconds!
MORE RECIPES
Easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- A crockpot (slow cooker)
- A cutting board and knife for prepping ingredients
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A whisk or spoon for mixing the sauce
- Tongs or a fork for handling the chicken
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (optional)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Season the chicken thighs or breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ketchup, rice vinegar (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Place the chicken in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken from the crockpot and transfer the sauce to a small saucepan.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5-7 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Pour the thickened sauce back over the chicken.
- Transfer the chicken to a serving dish and spoon the sauce over the top.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. Serve with your favorite side dishes.