Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
Recipe Tested & Approved by Mia Hartwell
Every recipe is developed, cooked, and tested by Mia in a real home kitchen using everyday ingredients to ensure reliable, repeatable results.
Tender chicken in a sticky-sweet honey garlic sauce, made effortlessly in the slow cooker. The sauce reduces into a glossy glaze that's perfect spooned over rice.
By Mia HartwellUpdated November 20, 2025
Developed using tested cooking methods — cook to the temperatures given and adjust times to your equipment.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Sticky honey garlic chicken with 10 minutes of prep
- 35g of protein per serving
- A glossy glaze that tastes like takeout
- Hands-off and family-approved
Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
4 hr 10 min totalServes 5
Nutrition (per serving)
Values are estimates. See our disclaimer for details.
- Calories
- 360kcal
- Protein
- 35g
- Carbs
- 24g
- Fat
- 14g
- Fiber
- 0g
- Sugar
- 19g
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1
Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
- 2
Whisk together the honey, soy sauce, garlic, ketchup, rice vinegar, and ginger, and pour over the chicken.
- 3
Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2.5-3 hours, until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and is tender.
- 4
Remove the chicken. Whisk the cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water, stir into the sauce, and cook on HIGH 10-15 minutes until thickened and glossy.
- 5
Return the chicken (whole or sliced) and coat in the glaze.
- 6
Garnish with green onion and sesame seeds and serve over rice.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Thighs stay juicy and soak up the glaze better than breasts, but either works.
- Thicken the sauce at the end with cornstarch for that signature sticky glaze.
- Low-sodium soy sauce keeps the glaze balanced as it cooks down.
- Thaw chicken fully before slow cooking for safe, even cooking.
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How to Cook Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
New to this dish? Follow along with the detailed guide below — we break down each stage so you get perfect results the very first time.
Add chicken and sauce
Whisk together the honey-garlic-soy sauce and pour it over the thighs. The slow cooker melds these simple ingredients into a deeply flavored sauce while the chicken turns tender.
Cook until tender
Slow cook until the chicken reaches a safe 165°F (74°C) and pulls apart easily. Thighs are the most forgiving cut and stay juicy even toward the end of the cook.
Thicken into a glaze
The cooking liquid is thin on its own, so stir in a cornstarch slurry at the end and cook until it turns into a glossy, sticky glaze that clings to the chicken. Spoon it over rice and finish with green onion and sesame.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently with a splash of water to loosen the glaze.
Serving Suggestions
This crockpot honey garlic chicken pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, crusty bread, or your favorite grain. Add a simple side of roasted vegetables for a complete, satisfying dinner the whole family will enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts?+
Yes — reduce the time slightly and pull them at 165°F (74°C) so they stay tender.
How do I make it less sweet?+
Reduce the honey to 1/3 cup; the soy and vinegar keep it balanced.
Can I freeze it?+
Yes — it freezes well for up to 3 months. Reheat gently and add a splash of water to loosen the glaze.
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