Crock-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

This incredibly delicious Crock-Pot honey garlic chicken is packed with the perfect blend of sweet, umami flavors, it’s a dish that will become a staple in your home and a family favorite that you’ll look forward to making over and over again.

Disclosure: This post is a sponsored post on behalf of Crock-Pot. As always, all opinions are my own.

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If you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner that practically cooks itself, this Crock-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is it. Tender, juicy chicken thighs slow-cooked in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce with soy sauce, hoisin, and plenty of fresh garlic. The sauce thickens into a glossy glaze that coats every bite, making this one of those dinners you’ll want to spoon over a big bowl of rice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy, hands-off cooking. Toss everything into the slow cooker, cover, and let it do its thing. No standing over the stove or juggling multiple pans.
• Sweet, savory, and garlicky. Honey brings sweetness, soy sauce adds a salty, savory depth, and hoisin sauce gives the sauce a rich, slightly tangy flavor.
• A sauce worth saving. The honey garlic sauce thickens into a glossy coating that’s perfect for drizzling over chicken, rice, and vegetables.
• Great for meal prep. Make a batch at the beginning of the week and use it for quick lunches and dinners. It reheats beautifully with a little extra sauce.

Ingredient Notes:

Chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are my go-to for this recipe because they stay juicy and tender during slow cooking. You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, too, but keep an eye on the cooking time since they can dry out more easily.

Soy sauce: This gives the sauce its salty, umami-rich flavor. Regular soy sauce works well, but low-sodium soy sauce is a great option if you’d like more control over the saltiness.

Hoisin sauce: Thick, sweet, and savory, hoisin adds depth to the honey garlic sauce. It’s an important ingredient for that takeout-inspired flavor, so I wouldn’t skip it.

Honey: Honey balances the salty soy sauce and gives the sauce its signature sweetness. Start with the amount listed, then adjust it to your taste the next time you make it.

Unsalted butter: Melted butter adds richness and helps round out the sauce. Using unsalted butter also gives you more control over the final seasoning.

Garlic: Freshly minced garlic makes a big difference here. Six cloves give the sauce plenty of garlicky flavor without overpowering the honey and hoisin.

Cornstarch: A cornstarch slurry thickens the cooking liquid into a glossy sauce that clings to the chicken instead of pooling at the bottom of the bowl. Always whisk it with cold water before adding it to the slow cooker to prevent lumps.

Toasted sesame seeds and green onions: These finishing touches add nuttiness, a little crunch, and fresh flavor. Sprinkle them over the chicken just before serving.

How To Make Honey Garlic Chicken In The Crock-Pot

Step 1: Place the chicken thighs in your Crock-Pot.

Step 2: In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, melted butter, minced garlic, and your desired spices (if using). Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken thighs..

Step 3: Gently toss the chicken to coat it evenly with the sauce.

Step 4: Cover the Crock-Pot and cook on low heat for 4-5 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Pour it over the chicken and gently toss until the slurry is well incorporated into the sauce. Cook for 15 more minutes to let the sauce thicken up.

Step 6: Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the Crock-Pot. Season with salt, to taste.

Step 7: Garnish your Crock-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken with toasted sesame seeds and green onions. Serve alongside a bed of rice and/or steamed broccoli.

The Perfect Crock-Pot = The Perfect Chicken Dinner

Not your classic Crock-Pot. This beauty comes in a rich, beautiful Ponderosa Green color, has a streamlined silhouette, and is part of the Crock-Pot® Design Series. The removable stoneware bowl and glass lid are dishwasher safe and makes clean up a breeze. For my family, nutritious home-cooked meals are easily achievable without having to slave away in the kitchen for the same results. And it looks great on my countertop too! LINK: Crock-Pot 4.5 Quart Slow Cooker

FAQs:

Can I make this recipe without a Crock-Pot? Absolutely! Just throw everything (but the cornstarch) in a medium baking dish and cover with foil, bake at 375F for about 45-60 minutes or until the chicken falls apart and shreds easily. I like to remove about 1/4 cup of liquid from the dish and whisk the cornstarch into that then I add it to the dish while its still hot, this way the sauce thickens up pretty quickly without needing to heat it up again.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Although chicken breasts could be an option, they tend to dry out more easily in slow cookers. For the juiciest and most flavorful result, I highly recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs.

Can I adjust the sweetness of the dish? Feel free to adjust the amount of honey used to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a sweeter dish, add a bit more honey, and if you prefer a milder sweetness, reduce the amount accordingly.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time? This recipe is perfect for meal prep. The chicken can sit in the fridge in the honey garlic sauce for up to two days before being cooked in the Crock-Pot. Or simply cook the chicken as directed, let it cool, then refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat it gently in the microwave or oven.

What To Serve With Honey Garlic Chicken

Asian-inspired cucumber salad: Crisp cucumbers tossed with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Stir-fried vegetables: Carrots, bell peppers, snap peas, and mushrooms make an easy vegetable side.

Egg rolls or spring rolls: Add your favorite takeout-style appetizer for a fun dinner spread. Serve with a dipping sauce on the side.

If You Love This Sweet Honey Garlic Chicken, Check Out A Few Of My Favorites:

• Spicy Gochujang Chicken Broth Bowl
• Roasted Tomato Soup With Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
• Zuppa Toscana Soup
• Coconut Thai Curry Beef Broth Bowls
• Ham And Cheese Croissant Bake

If you make this Crock-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I’d love to hear what you think about it, or better yet, see what you’re cooking! Tag me on Instagram, @fettysfoodblog with your creation.