Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours
Total Time: 5 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 6

Few recipes deliver the perfect balance of effortless preparation, deep flavor, and family-friendly appeal quite like Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken. This slow cooker favorite combines tender chicken thighs with a glossy, sweet-savory honey garlic sauce that tastes like it simmered all day—because it did. With just a handful of pantry staples and minimal prep, this dish transforms busy weeknights into comforting, home-cooked dinners without the stress.

What makes Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken so irresistible is its versatility. It’s equally suited for casual family dinners, meal prep for the week ahead, or even entertaining guests when you want something reliable yet impressive. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, gently cooking the chicken until it’s fork-tender while the sauce thickens into a rich glaze that coats every bite.

This recipe is designed to be simple, customizable, and consistently delicious, making it a staple you’ll come back to again and again. Whether served over rice, noodles, quinoa, or vegetables, Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken delivers bold flavor with minimal effort—exactly what modern home cooking is all about.

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Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken

There are countless slow cooker chicken recipes out there, but this Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken stands out for several reasons:

It’s truly hands-off.
Once the ingredients are added to the crockpot, there’s nothing left to do but wait. No browning, no stirring, no babysitting the stove.

Big flavor with pantry ingredients.
Honey, garlic, soy sauce, and ketchup combine to create a surprisingly complex sauce that’s sweet, savory, slightly tangy, and deeply satisfying.

Perfectly tender chicken every time.
Slow cooking ensures the chicken thighs remain juicy and tender, even after hours of cooking.

Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing.
The mild sweetness appeals to kids, while the garlic and soy sauce add enough depth to satisfy adults.

Meal-prep friendly.
This recipe reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for lunches and make-ahead dinners.

Endlessly adaptable.
From spicy variations to low-sodium swaps, Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken can be customized to fit nearly any dietary preference.

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Ingredients for Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken (With Tips)

One of the biggest advantages of Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken is how approachable the ingredient list is. You likely already have most of these items in your kitchen.

Chicken

6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Chicken thighs are ideal for slow cooking because they stay moist and tender. You can substitute chicken breasts, but thighs deliver better texture and flavor.

Tip: If using chicken breasts, consider cutting them in half to prevent overcooking.

Garlic

4 garlic cloves, minced
Fresh garlic provides the signature aroma and depth of flavor.

Tip: For a milder garlic flavor, reduce to 2–3 cloves. For garlic lovers, add an extra clove.

Honey

⅓ cup honey
Honey brings natural sweetness and helps create that sticky, glossy sauce.

Tip: Use pure honey for the best flavor. Avoid honey substitutes if possible.

Ketchup

½ cup low-sodium ketchup
Ketchup adds tang, sweetness, and body to the sauce.

Tip: Choose low-sodium ketchup to keep the dish from becoming too salty.

Soy Sauce

½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
Soy sauce provides umami and balances the sweetness.

Tip: Tamari or coconut aminos can be used for gluten-free or lower-sodium options.

Seasoning

½ teaspoon dried oregano
Oregano adds subtle herbal notes that round out the sauce.

Tip: You can substitute dried basil or Italian seasoning if desired.

Fresh Herbs & Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
½ tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)

These add freshness, color, and a light nutty crunch.

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How to Make Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken (Step-by-Step)

This Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is designed for simplicity, but each step plays a role in building flavor and texture.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker. This ensures even cooking and allows the sauce to fully coat each piece.

Pro Tip: Lightly spray the slow cooker with nonstick spray for easier cleanup.

Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, honey, ketchup, soy sauce, oregano, and parsley until fully combined.

This sauce may seem simple, but once slow-cooked, it transforms into a deeply flavorful glaze.

Step 3: Add the Sauce

Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken thighs, ensuring all pieces are well coated.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook:

• LOW: 4–5 hours

• HIGH: 3–4 hours

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and easily pulls apart with a fork.

Step 5: Serve

Transfer the chicken to a serving plate, spoon the sauce generously over the top, and garnish with toasted sesame seeds if using.

Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

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Optional: How to Thicken the Sauce

The sauce in Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken is naturally glossy, but if you prefer a thicker, stickier glaze, this simple step makes a big difference.

1. In a small bowl, whisk 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water to create a slurry.

2. About 30 minutes before cooking is done, stir the slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker.

3. Cover and continue cooking until the sauce thickens.

Tip: For a smoother sauce, remove the chicken temporarily while thickening, then return it to the crockpot.

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Best Tips for Perfect Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken

Don’t overcook.
Even in a slow cooker, chicken can overcook. Check doneness early if your slow cooker runs hot.

Use low-sodium ingredients.
This keeps the sauce balanced and prevents overpowering saltiness.

Let it rest.
Allowing the chicken to rest before serving helps lock in moisture.

Double the sauce if needed.
If serving over rice or noodles, consider increasing the sauce by 50%.

Finish with freshness.
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions brightens the entire dish.

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Variations to Try

One of the reasons Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken is so popular is how easily it adapts to different tastes.

Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken

Add ½–1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or a tablespoon of sriracha to the sauce.

Asian-Inspired Twist

Add a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger and finish with sliced green onions.

Lemon Honey Garlic Chicken

Stir in 1–2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice at the end for a brighter flavor.

BBQ Honey Garlic Chicken

Replace half the ketchup with your favorite barbecue sauce for smoky sweetness.

Low-Sugar Option

Reduce honey to ¼ cup and increase garlic slightly to maintain flavor balance.

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What to Serve With Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken

This dish pairs beautifully with a wide variety of sides:

• Steamed white or brown rice

• Jasmine or basmati rice

• Rice noodles or lo mein

• Quinoa or couscous

• Mashed potatoes

• Roasted or steamed broccoli

• Green beans or snap peas

• Simple side salad

The sauce is rich and flavorful, so neutral sides work best to soak it up.

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Storage & Reheating

Storage

Store leftover Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well. Cool completely, then freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally.

• Stovetop: Reheat gently over medium-low heat with a splash of water if needed.

Print

Nutrition Information (Approximate, Per Serving)

• Calories: 227 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 23 g

• Protein: 25 g

• Fat: 3 g

• Saturated Fat: 0 g

• Cholesterol: 72 mg

• Sodium: 1022 mg

• Potassium: 544 mg

• Fiber: 0 g

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Final Thoughts

Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken is the kind of recipe that earns a permanent place in your dinner rotation. It’s reliable, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable—everything a great slow cooker meal should be. With minimal prep and maximum payoff, this dish proves that home-cooked comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated.

What truly sets Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken apart is its balance. The sweetness of honey, the savory depth of soy sauce, the tang of ketchup, and the bold aroma of garlic come together in perfect harmony. Slow cooking allows these flavors to meld and deepen, creating a sauce that tastes far more complex than the ingredient list suggests.

This recipe also meets the realities of modern life. Whether you’re juggling work, family, or simply want dinner ready without hovering over the stove, Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken delivers every time. It’s equally suited for a quiet weeknight, meal prep for busy days ahead, or serving guests with confidence.