Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe – Reviewed By Reddit Users

When the week gets crazy, this cozy slow cooker honey garlic chicken is my go-to dinner. As a mom juggling school runs and work calls, I love having a “takeout” style meal without the actual delivery. The kids even think I ordered it from a restaurant! There’s something so comforting about opening the lid and smelling that sweet-savory garlic aroma filling the kitchen. With minimal effort in the morning, you get a delicious dinner ready by dinnertime.

Slow cooker filled with chicken, carrots, and baby potatoes in a sticky honey-garlic sauce.
I usually brown the thighs a little for color, but you can skip that step to make it a true dump-and-go recipe. Just toss everything into the crockpot, and it does the rest. By evening, the chicken is fall-apart tender and coated in a rich, glossy sauce. It’s the kind of meal that warms you up from the inside out – a little slice of comfort after a busy day.

Simple Pantry-Friendly Ingredients

This recipe uses basics you likely have on hand:

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: These stay extra juicy and tender. (You can use breasts in a pinch, but thighs give more flavor and don’t dry out.)
• Aromatic Flavor Boosters: I throw in minced garlic (or garlic powder if I’m in a rush) and a spoonful of tomato paste. The garlic gives that classic flavor, and the tomato paste adds depth and color.
• Honey & Soy Sauce: These make the sweet-and-salty base of the sauce. The honey caramelizes beautifully during cooking, giving a sticky glaze.
• Rice Vinegar: Just a splash of rice vinegar brightens the sauce so it isn’t too cloyingly sweet. You’d be surprised what a little tang does for the overall flavor!
• Chili Paste (Optional): If you like a little kick, stir in a dash of chili paste or Sriracha. My family likes things just a touch spicy, but it’s totally optional – you can leave it out for a mild crowd-pleaser.
• Extra Liquid (Broth or Water): To make sure there’s enough sauce, I usually add about ¼ cup of chicken broth or water. This helps everything simmer smoothly and prevents burning.

Aside from these, a pinch of salt, pepper, and maybe some ginger or five-spice powder (if you have it) round out the flavors. The beauty is how simple it is: just mix pantry staples for a sauce and let the slow cooker handle the rest.

How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

1. Prepare the Chicken: Place 4–5 boneless skinless chicken thighs in the slow cooker (you can season them lightly with salt and pepper first).
2. Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together ¾ cup honey, ½ cup soy sauce, 4 cloves minced garlic, 2 Tbsp tomato paste, 1 Tbsp rice vinegar, and 1–2 tsp chili paste (if using). Add about ¼ cup chicken broth or water. This sweet-savory sauce is the heart of the dish.
3. Cook: Pour the sauce over the chicken. Cover and set the slow cooker to LOW for about 4–6 hours (or HIGH for 2–3 hours) until the chicken is fall-apart tender. No need to stir during cooking – it’s truly a set-it-and-forget-it meal.
4. Thicken the Sauce: When the chicken is done, remove the meat to a cutting board. In a separate small bowl, whisk 1 Tbsp cornstarch into an equal amount of water to make a slurry. Turn the slow cooker to HIGH (or transfer the sauce to a saucepan on the stove) and stir in the cornstarch slurry. Let the sauce simmer and thicken for a few minutes. It will become glossy and cling to the chicken.
5. Shred and Combine: Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces (you can do this right in the slow cooker if you like). Return the shredded chicken to the thickened sauce and stir to coat every bit of meat. The chicken soaks up all that sweet-garlic goodness.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas to round out the meal:

• Rice or Noodles: I usually ladle this chicken over hot steamed white or brown rice so the grains soak up the extra sauce. You can also toss it with wide rice noodles, ramen, or even quinoa for a twist.
• Vegetables: A side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or snap peas adds color and crunch. Carrots and bell peppers also go well (you could even toss sliced veggies into the slow cooker for the last hour of cooking).
• Other: For a fun variation, serve the chicken in lettuce wraps or on a toasted bun like a slider. Even warmed tortilla shells make tasty wraps with a drizzle of sauce.

And don’t forget the toppings! A sprinkle of sesame seeds and a handful of sliced green onions really make this dish pop. They add a nice crunch and bright flavor. You can also scatter chopped cilantro or crushed peanuts on top, or offer lime wedges on the side for extra zing.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Refrigerate: Let leftovers cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for 3–4 days.
• Reheat: Warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. The chicken will loosen up as it reheats and stay nice and moist.
• Freeze: For make-ahead meals, freeze cooled portions in freezer bags or containers. It keeps for 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above.

Reddit Reviews

• Redditors absolutely loved the recipe