Skip the takeout app. This is the kind of meal that makes your house smell like a five-star kitchen while you’re on Zoom calls pretending to listen.

Sticky-sweet, garlicky, and fall-apart tender—without babysitting a pan. You throw it in, go live your life, and return to a dinner that tastes like you actually tried.

It’s the laziest power move you’ll make all week, and yes, it absolutely slaps.

Why This Recipe Never Fails

This is a set-and-forget winner anchored by a bulletproof sauce: honey for sweetness, soy for umami, and garlic for that “who’s cooking?” aroma. The slow cooker turns budget-friendly chicken into soft, shreddable meat that drinks up every drop.

The sauce thickens into a glossy glaze that hugs rice, noodles, or veggies. Plus, the ingredients are pantry staples—no weird runs to specialty markets required.

Honey Garlic Chicken in Crockpot: Set It, Brag Later

Recipe by Wendy CarterCourse: Chicken, Dinner

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

hours

Calories

360

kcal

Ingredients

2–2.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, see notes)
1/2 cup honey
1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup chicken broth
5–6 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
1 tbsp sesame oil (optional but awesome)
1 tsp grated fresh ginger (or 1/2 tsp ground)
1/2 tsp black pepper
1–2 tsp sriracha or chili flakes (optional heat)
2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water (slurry)
Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Cooked rice or noodles for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mix the magic. In a bowl, whisk honey, soy sauce, chicken broth, garlic, vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, pepper, and sriracha if using.
Load the crock. Add chicken to the slow cooker in a single layer. Pour the sauce over to coat every piece.
Cook low and slow. Cover and cook on Low for 6–7 hours or on High for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender and pulls apart with a fork.
Thicken the sauce. Transfer 1 cup of the cooking liquid to a small pot. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer 2–3 minutes until glossy and thick. (FYI: you can also add the slurry straight to the crock on High for 15–20 minutes.)
Shred and glaze. Shred chicken in the crockpot using two forks. Pour the thickened sauce back in and toss until every strand is coated.
Finish strong. Taste and adjust: add a splash more vinegar for brightness or a drizzle of honey if you want it sweeter.
Serve. Spoon over hot rice or noodles. Top with green onions and sesame seeds. Accept compliments with humility (or don’t).

How to Store

Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days. The flavor gets even better on day two.
Freezer: Freeze portions (with sauce) for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth until saucy and steamy.
Meal prep tip: Portion into microwave-safe containers with rice and veggies for grab-and-go lunches.

Healthy Reasons to Try This

High-protein fuel: Chicken thighs deliver satisfying protein for muscle support and satiety.
Smarter sweetness: Honey brings natural sweetness with trace antioxidants, and you control the amount.
Lower sodium option: Using low-sodium soy sauce keeps salt in check without sacrificing flavor.
Balanced plate potential: Pair with brown rice and steamed broccoli for a complete, macro-friendly meal.

Nutrition Stats

These are estimates, IMO close enough for planning. If you need exact macros, plug ingredients into your favorite tracker with your specific brands.

What to Avoid

Overcrowding with frozen chicken: Starting from frozen can keep the crockpot in the danger zone too long.
Thaw safely first.
Skipping the thickener: Without cornstarch (or an alternative), the sauce can be soupy instead of glossy.
High-sodium soy sauce: Regular soy can make it too salty. Stick to low-sodium and adjust at the end.
Overcooking breasts: Breasts dry out faster.
If using them, lean toward the shorter cook times and shred gently.
Burning garlic fear: In a slow cooker, garlic won’t burn like on a pan. Don’t panic and skimp; it’s the star.

Recipe Variations

Sticky Orange Honey Garlic: Add 1/4 cup orange juice and 1 tsp orange zest; finish with extra zest.
Pineapple Teriyaki Twist: Replace broth with pineapple juice and add 1 cup pineapple chunks in the last 30 minutes.
Spicy Gochujang Heat: Stir 1–2 tbsp gochujang into the sauce; bump the honey by 1 tbsp to balance.
Low-Carb/Keto: Use a sugar-free honey substitute and tamari; thicken with xanthan gum (1/4 tsp) instead of cornstarch.
Veggie Boost: Add sliced bell peppers and snap peas in the last hour so they stay crisp-tender.
Breast Swap: Use 2 lbs chicken breasts; cook 2.5–3.5 hours on High or 4–5 on Low, checking early for doneness.

FAQ

Can I make this without a slow cooker?

Yes.

Simmer everything in a Dutch oven at low heat for about 45–55 minutes, covered, until the chicken is tender. Shred, thicken the sauce on the stovetop with the slurry, and toss back together.

Do I have to sear the chicken first?

Nope.

Searing adds a little depth but isn’t required. If you want extra flavor, quickly brown the chicken in a hot pan for 2–3 minutes per side before adding to the crockpot.

Is there a good substitute for soy sauce?

Use low-sodium tamari or coconut aminos.

Tamari tastes closest; coconut aminos are sweeter, so reduce the honey by 1–2 teaspoons.

Can I use frozen chicken?

It’s safer to thaw first for even cooking and food safety. If you must, use an Instant Pot on the pressure cook setting where it reaches safe temps faster.

How do I keep the sauce from being too sweet?

Dial back the honey by 1–2 tablespoons and add an extra teaspoon of vinegar.

A splash of lemon juice at the end also brightens it up fast.

What should I serve this with?

Steamed jasmine or brown rice, garlic noodles, cauliflower rice, or sautéed cabbage. Roasted broccoli or green beans are a perfect, low-effort side.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes—use certified gluten-free tamari and check your broth.

Everything else is naturally gluten-free.

In Conclusion

Honey Garlic Chicken in Crockpot is the dinner hack that makes you look wildly organized with almost zero effort. It’s sweet, savory, sticky, and scalable—from solo meal prep to feeding a crowd.

Keep these pantry staples on deck and you’ve got a weeknight win ready anytime. Set it, forget it, and claim the credit—because you earned it.

Honey Garlic Chicken in Crockpot: Set It, Brag Later

Why This Recipe Never Fails