I’ve got a game-changer for your dinner rotation: honey garlic chicken in the crockpot. There’s something magical about walking into your home after a long day to the aroma of garlic and sweet honey mingling together. The sauce creates this sticky-sweet glaze that clings to each piece of juicy chicken, practically begging to be spooned over a bed of fluffy rice. Want to know the best part? It takes just minutes to prep, then your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. Ready to make your weeknights a whole lot tastier?
Why You’ll Love this Honey Garlic Chicken
This honey garlic chicken is about to become your new weeknight dinner hero. I’m talking about juicy chicken thighs coated in a sticky-sweet sauce that practically makes itself while you’re busy doing, well, anything else.
What’s not to love? It requires just 8 simple ingredients, most of which are probably already in your pantry. Plus, your crockpot does all the heavy lifting – just dump, set, and forget until dinner time. The combination of honey, soy sauce, and garlic creates this magical balance of sweet and savory that even picky eaters can’t resist.
What Ingredients are in Honey Garlic Chicken?
This honey garlic chicken recipe uses simple, flavor-packed ingredients that combine to create that irresistible sticky-sweet sauce we all crave.
- 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/2 cup low sodium ketchup
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- 1/2 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
For the best results, try to use low-sodium versions of both the ketchup and soy sauce as called for in the recipe, otherwise, your final dish might end up tasting a bit too salty for most palates.
How to Make this Honey Garlic Chicken
Step 1: Prepare Your Slow Cooker
Place all 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer if possible for even cooking.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together 4 minced garlic cloves, 1/3 cup honey, 1/2 cup low sodium ketchup, 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, and 2 tablespoons fresh parsley until well combined.
The sauce should look glossy and smooth.
Step 3: Pour Sauce Over Chicken
Pour the honey garlic sauce mixture evenly over the chicken thighs, making sure each piece gets coated.
Give the slow cooker insert a gentle shake to help distribute the sauce.
Step 4: Set Cooking Time
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set the temperature.
Cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, depending on your schedule and how quickly you need dinner ready.
Step 5: Check for Doneness
Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached 165°F in the thickest part.
This is the magic number for perfectly cooked chicken that’s safe to eat but still juicy.
Step 6: Serve with Style
Remove the chicken thighs from the slow cooker and place them on a serving plate.
Spoon the thick, glossy sauce over the chicken and sprinkle with 1/2 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds for a nutty flavor and beautiful presentation.
For a smoother sauce consistency, you can process it in a food processor or stand mixer before serving.
Step 7: Rest Before Serving
Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving, which helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat for maximum tenderness.
Trust me, your patience will be rewarded with even more flavorful chicken.
Step 8: Storage Tips
If you have leftovers (though that’s rare with something this delicious), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
The flavors actually get even better overnight, making this perfect for meal prep.
What to Serve with Honey Garlic Chicken
This sticky-sweet, savory chicken deserves some perfect sidekicks to round out your dinner plate. Fluffy white rice or brown rice makes an ideal base for soaking up all that delicious honey garlic sauce—why let any of that goodness go to waste?
For something green, steamed broccoli or a simple Asian-inspired slaw with sesame dressing complements the flavors beautifully.
When I’m feeling extra fancy, I’ll whip up some quick garlic green beans or roasted carrots glazed with a touch of honey.
Need something rejuvenating to drink? An iced green tea or light lager beer pairs wonderfully with these bold flavors.
This is definitely a dinner star, but the leftovers make an amazing lunch bowl the next day too.
Honey Garlic Chicken Substitutions and Variations
- Veggie Boost: Toss in bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas during the final 30 minutes of cooking.
- Citrus Fresh: Add orange or lemon zest to brighten the flavors.
- Go Tropical: Substitute pineapple juice for half the honey and add pineapple chunks.
- Garnish Options: Beyond sesame seeds, try sliced green onions, crushed peanuts, or a squeeze of lime juice before serving.
Leftovers and Storage for this Honey Garlic Chicken
This honey garlic chicken stores beautifully, and honestly? The flavors meld and deepen overnight, making day-two chicken sometimes even better than fresh-made.
- Refrigeration: Store cooled leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days. Keep the sauce with the chicken to prevent drying out.
- Freezing Option: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. The sauce helps protect the chicken from freezer burn.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat gently in a covered skillet with a splash of water to create steam. Microwave works too—just cover loosely and heat in 30-second bursts at medium power.
- Meal Prep Tip: Shred cold leftovers for quick sandwich fillings or salad toppers. The sweet-savory sauce makes everything taste amazing!
Final Thoughts
This crockpot honey garlic chicken strikes that perfect balance of convenience and flavor that busy home cooks dream about.
The combination of sticky honey, aromatic garlic, and savory soy sauce creates a dish that’s both deeply satisfying and remarkably simple.
What makes it special isn’t just the sweet-savory profile, but how the slow cooking transforms ordinary chicken thighs into something extraordinary.
Perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner to practically make itself, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.
At the end of a long day, there’s something particularly comforting about walking into a home filled with these irresistible aromas and knowing a homemade meal is ready and waiting.