Dreamy Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand simple, delectable solutions that pack a flavor punch, and this honey garlic slow cooker chicken recipe delivers exactly what busy home cooks need.

Tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich, sweet-savory sauce become the star of your dinner table.

The combination of honey and garlic creates an irresistible glaze that coats each succulent bite with mouthwatering goodness.

slow cooking ensures the meat remains incredibly juicy and infused with deep, complex flavors.

This no-fuss meal comes together with minimal effort, making it perfect for hectic schedules.

Serve this delightful dish over steamed rice or with roasted vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Get ready to add this recipe to your weeknight dinner rotation and watch it become an instant favorite.

Equipment for Slow Cooking Honey Garlic Chicken

• Slow Cooker (6-qt): Essential for cooking the chicken to tender perfection.
• Large Pan or Skillet: Key for searing chicken and preparing the flavorful sauce.
• Pot: Needed for reducing and thickening the sauce.
• Baking Sheet: Used for final broiling to create crispy edges.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending cornstarch slurry and mixing sauce.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Cutting Board: Helpful for preparing ingredients.
• Tongs: Great for handling and turning chicken during cooking.
• Foil: Used to tent and rest the cooked chicken.
• Paper Towels: Useful for patting chicken dry before seasoning.

Instructions for Cooking This Chicken in a Slow Cooker

Honey Garlic Chicken Adventure

• Chicken Prep Moment

Grab your chicken thighs and pat them dry. Create a flavorful spice blend that will make your taste buds dance with excitement.

• Flavor Enhancement

Optional sizzle step where you quickly brown the chicken in a hot pan to lock in those incredible flavors. This isn’t mandatory but totally recommended for maximum deliciousness.

• Slow Cooker Magic

Transfer the chicken into your slow cooker. Whip up a mouthwatering sauce with honey, garlic, and secret spices that will transform your ordinary chicken into something extraordinary.

• Cooking Transformation

Let the slow cooker work its magic. Low and slow is the secret – allowing flavors to meld together perfectly. Depending on your schedule, cook for 2-3 hours on high or 5-6 hours on low.

• Sauce Perfection

After cooking, create a luxurious sauce by simmering the cooking juices. A quick cornstarch trick will give you a glossy, restaurant-worthy finish that’ll impress everyone at the table.

• Final Flourish

For an epic finale, broil the chicken briefly to create crispy, caramelized edges. Drizzle with that incredible sauce and get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll make your meal unforgettable.

Flavor Enhancements for Honey Garlic Chicken

• Marinate chicken thighs overnight in the honey garlic sauce for more intense taste and tenderness.
• Adjust heat by adding red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a spicier kick that matches your preference.
• Replace chicken thighs with chicken breasts, pork tenderloin, or even firm tofu for versatile meal variations.
• Double the sauce recipe and freeze extra portions for future quick weeknight dinners, saving time and effort.
• Sprinkle chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or fresh cilantro on top to add bright colors and extra layers of flavor.

Serving Honey Garlic Chicken Options

• Flavor Fusion Plating: Create a stunning presentation by arranging the honey garlic chicken over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice, allowing the rich sauce to cascade down the sides and infuse each grain with its delectable essence.
• Hearty Meal Companion: Pair the chicken with roasted seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus to add color, nutrition, and a complementary texture that enhances the main dish's savory profile.
• Garnish Glory: Sprinkle fresh chopped green onions or cilantro on top of the sliced chicken to introduce a bright, herbaceous note that cuts through the rich sauce and provides a beautiful green contrast to the golden-brown meat.
• Weekend Crowd-Pleaser: Serve this dish at family gatherings or potlucks, as the tender chicken and irresistible sauce will make it an instant favorite that disappears quickly from the serving table.

Proper Storage for Honey Garlic Chicken

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep leftover chicken in an airtight container, refrigerated for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to maintain moisture and prevent flavor loss.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Cool chicken completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Stays delicious for 2-3 months when properly sealed and labeled with date.
• Reheating Magic: Warm chicken gently in microwave with a splash of broth or sauce to prevent drying. Use 50% power in 30-second intervals, checking moisture and temperature carefully.
• Meal Prep Brilliance: Prepare extra chicken during cooking and portion into individual containers for quick lunches or dinner shortcuts. Separate sauce to keep chicken from getting soggy during storage.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 5-6 hours

Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 526 kcal

Servings: 5

Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Essentials

• Chicken Thighs: Tender protein that absorbs flavors beautifully, choose bone-in for richer taste and juiciness.
• Olive Oil: Helps create golden crust and prevents sticking during searing.

• Butter: Creates rich, velvety sauce base with deep caramelized notes.
• Garlic: Aromatic powerhouse that infuses intense depth into the dish.
• Honey: Natural sweetener providing balanced glaze and caramelization.
• Soy Sauce: Delivers umami and deepens overall flavor profile.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds tangy brightness to cut through richness.

• Cornstarch: Magical thickening agent transforming liquid into silky sauce.
• Chicken Broth or Water: Helps create smooth, consistent sauce texture.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning for balancing and elevating entire dish's taste.

Mouthwatering Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Home cooks adore this honey garlic slow cooker chicken recipe for its rich, caramelized flavors and hassle-free preparation. Simmering tender chicken in a sweet and savory sauce makes dinner effortless and delicious for anyone seeking comfort on their plate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 large chicken thighs (skinless and bone-in)
• ½ cup honey
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 2 tbsps low sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsps cider vinegar
• 6 cloves garlic (finely chopped or minced)
• ¼ cup water or chicken broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp paprika (mild or smoked)
• 1 tsp coarse salt
• ½ tsp brown sugar
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp cracked pepper
• ¼ tsp cracked pepper
• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 pinch salt

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels, creating an optimal surface for seasoning and flavor absorption.
2. Seasoning: Massage olive oil and selected spices into chicken thighs, ensuring comprehensive coverage and deep flavor penetration.
3. Searing: Brown chicken in a hot skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes per side, developing a rich caramelized exterior and sealing in moisture.
4. Sauce Creation: In the same skillet, melt butter, sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then combine remaining sauce ingredients, allowing flavors to meld for one minute.
5. Slow Cooking: Transfer seared chicken to slow cooker, pour sauce evenly over the meat, and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or LOW for 5-6 hours, occasionally basting to maintain moisture.
6. Finishing: Remove chicken and rest under foil, transforming cooking liquid into a glossy sauce by creating a cornstarch slurry and simmering to desired consistency.
7. Caramelization: Broil chicken briefly on a lined baking sheet, basting with sauce to create crispy, caramelized edges.
8. Serving: Plate chicken immediately, drizzling with the reduced sauce to preserve optimal flavor and temperature.

Notes

• Moisture Management: Thoroughly dry chicken thighs with paper towels to ensure perfect seasoning absorption and prevent soggy texture.
• Flavor Layering: Sear chicken before slow cooking to develop deep caramelized notes and lock in rich, complex taste profiles.
• Sauce Technique: Create a cornstarch slurry to transform cooking liquid into a glossy, restaurant-quality sauce with ideal thickness.
• Finishing Touch: Brief broiling after slow cooking adds crispy caramelized edges, elevating the overall taste and visual appeal of the dish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 5-6 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 526
• Sugar: 27 g
• Sodium: 640 mg
• Fat: 37 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 123 mg