If you’re like me, always on the lookout for dinner ideas that are simple to prepare, yet delicious enough to impress your family, this Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is about to become your new favorite. This dish combines the sweet, sticky goodness of honey with the bold, savory kick of garlic, all slow-cooked to tender perfection. It’s truly one of the best crockpot dishes you’ll ever try.
This recipe is perfect for those busy days when you don’t have time to fuss over the stove. It’s a classic crockpot dump honey garlic chicken dish—just toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker, and let it work its magic. Whether you call it honey garlic chicken in a crockpot, garlic chicken slow cooker, or just plain slow-cooked chicken, one thing’s for sure: it’s easy, fuss-free, and packed with flavor.
Why This Recipe is a Winner
Let’s be real—finding a recipe that checks all the boxes isn’t easy. But this one? It does it all:
- Quick to prep: A true easy crockpot honey garlic chicken dish. Prep time is minimal, leaving you more time to focus on your day.
- Kid-approved: My kids absolutely love this, especially with the sticky and flavorful honey garlic sauce. It’s a dinner win every time.
- Healthier option: Looking for low-calorie honey garlic chicken? This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients, and you can even customize it to suit your dietary needs.
- Versatile: Serve it with rice, noodles, or steamed veggies—whatever your family loves most.
Why I Love It
As a mom of three, dinnertime can feel like the most hectic part of the day. Between homework, after-school activities, and general chaos, I don’t always have the energy for elaborate meals. That’s why this easy crockpot honey garlic chicken recipe is a lifesaver. I can toss everything into the crockpot in the morning, and by the time dinner rolls around, I have a meal that tastes like I spent hours in the kitchen.
What makes it even better is how versatile it is. Some nights, I serve this garlic chicken recipe over rice with a sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds. Other times, I’ll shred the chicken and use it as a filling for wraps or sandwiches. It’s like having multiple dinners in one recipe!
And let’s not forget about the leftovers—if there are any. This slow cooker honey garlic chicken tastes even better the next day. Just warm it up, and you’ve got a ready-to-eat meal that still feels special.
What Makes It Special
This isn’t just another slow cooker dinner—it’s a dish that brings comfort, flavor, and convenience together. The honey garlic sauce is the star, balancing sweetness and savory umami in every bite. Plus, using a crockpot ensures that the chicken stays juicy and tender, whether you’re using thighs or breasts.
Even if you’re new to slow cooking, this recipe is foolproof. It’s one of those crockpot chicken recipes honey garlic lovers will keep coming back to because it’s so simple and satisfying.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken thighs or breasts – 4 to 6 pieces (boneless, skinless is best)
- Honey – ½ cup (it’s the star of the sauce)
- Soy sauce – ⅓ cup (low-sodium works great)
- Garlic – 4 cloves, minced (fresh is always best!)
- Ketchup – ¼ cup (adds a tangy touch)
- Rice vinegar – 2 tablespoons (for that subtle zing)
- Cornstarch – 2 tablespoons (optional, for thickening)
- Water – 2 tablespoons (for the slurry)
- Salt and pepper – to season the chicken
- Green onions and sesame seeds – for garnish (optional, but makes it fancy!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper on both sides. Nothing fancy here – just enough to give it a bit of flavor.
Step 2: Whisk the Sauce Together
In a mixing bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ketchup, and rice vinegar. Whisk it until it’s smooth and all the flavors are blended together. It already smells amazing at this point!
Step 3: Add Everything to the Crockpot
Place the chicken pieces in the bottom of your crockpot. Pour that delicious honey garlic sauce right over the top, making sure all the chicken is coated.
Step 4: Let the Magic Happen
Cover your crockpot with the lid and set it to cook. Here’s the timing:
- Low: 6-7 hours (perfect for a long day)
- High: 3-4 hours (great for when you’re in a rush)
The chicken will become tender and soak up all those sweet and savory flavors.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you like your sauce thicker, here’s a little trick. About 30 minutes before the chicken is done, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to make a slurry. Stir it into the crockpot and let it thicken up while it finishes cooking.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
When it’s ready, use a spoon to drizzle extra sauce over the chicken. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for that restaurant-quality vibe. Serve it over rice, noodles, or with steamed veggies. I usually go with jasmine rice because it soaks up the sauce perfectly.
Tips from My Kitchen
- Chicken thighs are the way to go: They stay juicy and tender, even with the long cooking time.
- Double the sauce: My kids love extra sauce to drizzle over their rice, so I always make a little more.
- Veggies for a one-pot meal: You can toss in some carrots or broccoli during the last hour of cooking for a balanced dinner.
Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting slow cooker dinner or looking to try something new, this Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is the answer. It’s flavorful, effortless, and guaranteed to bring smiles to your dinner table.
Give it a try and see why it’s one of the most loved garlic chicken recipes out there. Don’t forget to let me know in the comments how your family enjoyed it—I love hearing from you!
Recipe Card for Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
- 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger optional
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch for thickening, optional
- 1 tablespoon water for cornstarch slurry, optional
- Chopped green onions for garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium-sized bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, rice vinegar, ground ginger, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Stir until fully combined.
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the crockpot. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken, making sure it’s evenly coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the crockpot with the lid. Set the crockpot on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours. The chicken should be tender and cooked through.
- Optional Thickening: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the sauce and cook on high for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Serve: Shred the chicken with two forks or serve it whole. Drizzle some of the sauce over the chicken and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over rice or with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yep! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and always check that it’s fully cooked (165°F inside).
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove. The flavors get even better the next day!
Can I make this spicy?
Totally! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce if you like a little heat.
There you have it – the ultimate crockpot honey garlic chicken easy recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re calling it crockpot honey and garlic chicken, honey garlic chicken in a crockpot, or simply the best crockpot honey garlic chicken, this dish ticks all the boxes. It’s flavorful, versatile, and perfect for busy days when you need an easy crockpot honey garlic chicken meal without the stress.
This recipe is a shining star among crockpot dump honey garlic chicken dishes because it’s effortless and tastes incredible. From its rich, savory-sweet honey garlic sauce to its tender, slow-cooked chicken, it’s one of the best easy crockpot recipes honey garlic chicken lovers can add to their meal rotation.
For those seeking comfort food with minimal effort, this honey garlic chicken in the crockpot is your answer. It’s a lifesaver for anyone juggling busy schedules but still craving delicious garlic honey chicken in a crockpot or a hearty crockpot meal honey garlic chicken Quick Slow Cooker Meals.
From Garlic Chicken Slow Cooker classics to this standout Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken, nothing beats the simplicity of delicious slow cooker recipes like this one. If you’re a fan of slow-cooked chicken, love experimenting with garlic chicken recipes, or even want a break from the usual pot roast slow cooker meals, this recipe is a must-try.
Make it your go-to slow cooker dinner for weeknights, special occasions, or meal prep. Whether you’re savoring the flavors of crockpot honey garlic chicken soy sauce, spicing it up for a honey chipotle crockpot chicken variation, or exploring other crockpot honey chicken recipes, this dish never disappoints.
So, gather your ingredients, grab your slow cooker, and enjoy one of the easiest, tastiest chicken crockpot recipes out there. And don’t forget to share your success with family and friends—it’s too good to keep to yourself. This is one easy crockpot dinner that deserves a permanent spot on your meal plan!
Leave a Reply