crock pot honey chicken recipe

The Best crock pot honey chicken recipe

I’ve been making this crock pot honey chicken recipe for years, and it’s one of those simple dishes that just works every single time. There’s something about the sweet, sticky glaze that coats the chicken perfectly—it’s tender, flavorful, and it doesn’t require any last-minute rushing. My kids love it because it’s easy to eat, and it’s always a hit at family dinners, whether it’s a weeknight or a special occasion. The honey gives it a natural sweetness that’s so much better than store-bought sauces, and the slow cooking means the chicken stays juicy no matter how long you leave it in there. Plus, it’s flexible—you can serve it over rice, quinoa, or even just straight from the crock pot with a side of steamed veggies.

I love this recipe because it’s so versatile. It’s great for meal prep—you can make a big batch and freeze portions for later, and it reheats beautifully. My husband and I always have it on hand because it’s quick to throw together, and the kids actually want seconds. There’s something comforting about the smell of honey and garlic wafting through the house, and it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies if you’re serving it with roasted potatoes or green beans. Plus, it’s packed with flavor without being overly heavy, so it’s a healthier option than most takeout chicken dishes. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a little treat, but it’s still balanced and nourishing.

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

4.7 from 1401 votes

A tender, flavorful chicken dish marinated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

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Prep Time15 mins

Cook Time3 hours (low) or 1.5 hours (high)

Resting Time0 mins

Total Time1 hour 45 mins

Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce

• 3 tbsp honey
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Optional Add-Ins

• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 red onion, sliced

👨‍🍳Directions

1. 1 In a mixing bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, grated ginger, cornstarch, chicken broth, and apple cider vinegar. Stir well to mix.
2. 2 Place chicken thighs and chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring it is evenly coated.
3. 3 If using optional add-ins, add bell pepper, broccoli, and red onion to the slow cooker with the chicken and sauce.
4. 4 Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 3 hours or on high heat for 1.5 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. 5 Remove the chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with steamed rice or your favorite sides.

🔧Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Garlic mincer or small grater
• Mixing spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 14.5💛Saturated Fat: 3.5❤️Cholesterol: 120🧂Sodium: 850🌾Total Carbs: 30🥦Dietary Fiber: 2🍬Sugars: 18🥩Protein: 45

📝Notes

For extra tenderness, add 1 cup of water to the slow cooker with the chicken.,Adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or reducing soy sauce if preferred.,This recipe can be easily scaled up or down based on your needs.

This honey chicken recipe is always a crowd-pleaser because it’s simple to make ahead and tastes even better the next day—no fuss, just flavor. It’s perfect for family gatherings because it’s tender, sweet, and easy to serve, whether you’re feeding a small group or a big one, and it lets everyone enjoy delicious, hands-off cooking without extra stress. Plus, it’s flexible enough to pair with almost any sides, making it a reliable choice for any occasion.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

How long should I cook the honey chicken in the crock pot for the best results?

For a tender and flavorful honey chicken dish, cook it on low setting for 6-7 hours or high setting for 3-4 hours. If you prefer a slightly firmer texture, you can reduce the time slightly, but 6 hours on low is ideal for most recipes.

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What type of honey should I use for this recipe, and how much should I use?

You can use any honey—manuka, clover, or raw local honey work well. A general guideline is 1-2 tablespoons per pound of chicken. Adjust to taste; a slightly sweeter honey will enhance the flavor more.

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Can I add other ingredients like garlic, ginger, or soy sauce to enhance the flavor?

Absolutely! For extra depth, add 1-2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp grated ginger, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar) to the crock pot with the honey. These ingredients balance sweetness and add aromatic richness.

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What if my chicken isn’t fully cooked through after cooking?

If the chicken is slightly undercooked, you can cover it loosely with foil and continue cooking for an extra 30-60 minutes on low. Alternatively, serve it as a poached or stewed dish—the honey and spices will still make it delicious, even if not fully done.

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Can I make this recipe ahead of time and reheat it?

Yes! This dish tastes even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, transfer to the crock pot on low for 1-2 hours or warm in a microwave (covered) for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.