If you’ve ever wished for a dinner that practically cooks itself, you’re in for a treat with this Easy Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken. This beginner-level dinner recipe takes just 10 minutes of hands-on prep time before you let your slow cooker work its magic for about 5 hours. Whether you’re racing home from work, juggling family schedules, or just craving something warm and satisfying, this dish delivers succulent chicken breasts bathed in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. The combination of honey, soy sauce, and a touch of ketchup creates a perfectly balanced flavor profile that clings to tender, juicy chicken. With only a short 10-minute rest time at the end, you’ll plate up a crowd-pleasing meal in no time, and at just 320 calories per serving, you can indulge without guilt.
This recipe is not only delicious but also flexible. You can swap in chicken thighs for an even richer, more succulent result, or dial up the heat with extra crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little kick. Garnishing with chopped green onions and sesame seeds adds a pop of color and texture that makes every bite feel like a celebration. Perfectly paired with steamed rice, noodles, or a crisp side salad, this family-friendly dish earns rave reviews from picky eaters and food lovers alike. So grab your slow cooker, and let’s make dinner effortless and unforgettable!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CROCK POT HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN
Before you dive into the slow cooker, it helps to gather the star players that make this dish so irresistible. Each ingredient has a special role, from building rich savory notes to providing subtle sweetness and texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why these components are essential for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
- Chicken breasts
These lean cuts of boneless, skinless chicken deliver tender, juicy meat that soaks up the honey garlic sauce beautifully without being too fatty.
- Honey
The natural sweetness deepens the sauce, balancing salty and tangy flavors while giving the chicken a glossy finish.
- Soy sauce
This umami powerhouse brings a salty, savory backbone that enhances the overall taste and helps season the sauce.
- Ketchup
Adds tangy complexity and thickness, helping to bind all the flavors together into a cohesive, velvety sauce.
- Olive oil
A light cooking oil that prevents sticking and helps distribute flavor when mixing the sauce ingredients.
- Garlic cloves
Freshly minced garlic infuses the sauce with aromatic depth, ensuring each bite has a pronounced garlicky punch.
- Dried oregano
Offers a subtle herbaceous note that brightens the richness of the sauce.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Provides a gentle heat that wakes up the palate, customizable to your preferred spice level.
- Salt and pepper
Simple seasonings that enhance all other flavors and ensure the chicken is perfectly seasoned from the inside out.
- Cornstarch
Acts as a thickening agent for the sauce, giving it that restaurant-style consistency.
- Cold water
Helps dissolve the cornstarch for a smooth slurry, preventing lumps when you thicken the sauce.
- Green onions (optional)
Fresh garnish that adds color, crunch, and a mild onion flavor for contrast.
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Tiny toasty seeds that add a delightful nutty crunch and visual appeal.
HOW TO MAKE CROCK POT HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN
Ready to transform these ingredients into a delicious, stress-free dinner? Follow these steps to let your slow cooker work its magic, delivering tender chicken and a luscious honey garlic sauce with minimal effort.
1. Begin by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in the bottom of the crock pot, arranging them in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes until the mixture is smooth and cohesive, creating that signature sweet-savory blend.
3. Pour the honey garlic mixture evenly over the top of the chicken breasts in the crock pot, making sure each piece is well coated in the sauce.
4. Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 4–5 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and tender enough to shred with a fork.
5. Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and feels tender, remove it from the crock pot and place it on a plate. Cover the plate with aluminum foil to keep the chicken warm and juicy.
6. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the cold water until smooth, forming a slurry. This step guarantees a silky sauce without lumps.
7. Slowly stir the cornstarch slurry into the crock pot juices, then switch the crock pot to high. Let the sauce simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally until it reaches your desired thickness.
8. Return the chicken to the crock pot and gently coat each piece with the thickened sauce, ensuring every nook is covered in that delicious glaze.
9. Just before serving, garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a fresh crunch and extra flair.
10. Serve the honey garlic chicken over steamed rice or your favorite noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CROCK POT HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN
When it’s time to bring this honey garlic masterpiece to the table, the right accompaniments can elevate your dining experience. From vibrant veggies to simple grains, here are a few ideas to serve your chicken like a pro and ensure every plate is instagram-worthy.
- Steamed jasmine rice
Fluffy, fragrant rice soaks up the rich sauce perfectly, creating a comforting base that balances the sweet and savory flavors.
- Stir-fried vegetables
Crisp bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots tossed in a light garlic-soy drizzle add color, crunch, and a boost of nutrients to your meal.
- Buttered noodles
Egg noodles or spaghetti lightly coated in butter and a sprinkle of parsley provide a simple, kid-friendly alternative to rice.
- Fresh green salad
A mix of crisp lettuce, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes with a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the warm, glazed chicken.
HOW TO STORE CROCK POT HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN
Leftovers of this honey garlic chicken can be just as delightful as the first serving, provided you store them correctly. Proper storage keeps flavors vibrant and textures appealing, so you can enjoy your effort-saving dinner later in the week.
- Airtight containers
Transfer cooled chicken and sauce into a sealed, BPA-free container. This method preserves moisture and prevents odors from other foods in the fridge.
- Refrigeration
Store the airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before reheating, give the sauce a quick stir to loosen any settled juices.
- Freezing
For longer storage, place portions of chicken and sauce in freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove excess air, label with the date, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating tips
Gently reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even warming without drying out the chicken.
CONCLUSION
This recipe for Easy Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is the ultimate solution for busy weeknights, offering a blend of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. From the initial seasoning of the chicken breasts to the final drizzle of thickened honey garlic sauce, each step builds upon the last to create a rich, restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort. By mastering the art of slow cooking, you unlock a world of convenience: toss in your ingredients, set the timer, and let your crock pot do the heavy lifting. Whether you serve it over rice, noodles, or alongside vibrant veggies, this dish adapts effortlessly to your weeknight routine. Don’t forget that you can print this entire article—yes, every tip, suggestion, and technique—and save it for easy reference next time you need a surefire crowd-pleaser. Plus, below you’ll find a handy FAQ section addressing common questions that might pop up as you cook.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this deep dive into crafting the perfect honey garlic chicken in your slow cooker. If you decide to try the recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your comments, questions, or any feedback on adjustments you made—did you spice it up with extra red pepper flakes, or perhaps tried chicken thighs instead of breasts? Your experiences help make our cooking community even richer and more creative. Feel free to reach out if you need any clarification or just want to chat about your favorite weeknight meals. Happy cooking!
Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
Description
Enjoy succulent chicken breasts simmered in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. This dish is perfect for busy nights and pairs beautifully with rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Begin by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in the bottom of the crock pot.
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In a small bowl, mix together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes until well combined.
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Pour the honey garlic mixture evenly over the top of the chicken breasts in the crock pot.
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Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
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Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crock pot and place it on a plate. Cover the plate with aluminum foil to keep the chicken warm.
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In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the cold water until smooth. Slowly stir this mixture into the crock pot juices to thicken the sauce.
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Turn the crock pot to high and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired consistency.
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Return the chicken to the crock pot and coat with the thickened sauce.
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Just before serving, garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
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Serve the honey garlic chicken over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Note
- For added flavor, grill the chicken briefly before placing it in the crock pot.
- Substitute chicken thighs if you prefer a different cut of meat.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preferred level of spiciness.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
