Name: Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 300 min
Total time: 310 min
Ingredients: 2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs ((900 g)); 1/2 cup honey ((120 ml)); 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce ((80 ml)); 1/4 cup ketchup ((60 ml)); 6 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1/2 tsp ground ginger; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 2 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp cold water); to serve sesame seeds, sliced green onions

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Crockpot honey garlic chicken is sweet, savory and sticky, a takeout-style dinner you can start in 10 minutes. Chicken thighs cook in a simple sauce of honey, soy sauce, lots of garlic and a little ketchup, then a quick cornstarch slurry turns the juices into a glossy glaze.

Serve it over rice with steamed broccoli.

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Why You Will Love This Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken

Better than takeout. Sweet, salty and garlicky.
10-minute prep. Whisk the sauce, add the chicken.
Glossy glaze. The slurry thickens it at the end.
Kid favorite. Sweet but not spicy.

Ingredients for Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken

Chicken thighs: 2 lb (900 g) boneless skinless. Breasts work but cook faster.
Sauce: Honey, low-sodium soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, garlic and ginger.

How to Make Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Mix the sauce

Whisk the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, vinegar, ginger and pepper flakes.

Step 2: Add the chicken

Place the chicken in a slow cooker and pour the sauce over.

Step 3: Slow cook

Cover and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours, until 165°F (74°C).

Step 4: Thicken

Move the chicken to a plate. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the sauce and cook on HIGH, uncovered, for 15 minutes until glossy.

Step 5: Glaze and serve

Return the chicken, spoon the sauce over, and top with sesame seeds and green onions.

Tips for the Best Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken

Thighs over breasts. Thighs stay juicy in the sweet sauce.
Low-sodium soy. Regular soy sauce can make the glaze too salty.
Broil for sticky edges. Broil the glazed thighs 2 to 3 minutes.
Use fresh garlic. It is the star of the dish.

What to Serve with Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken

Serve over steamed rice with broccoli, green beans or a crunchy slaw. For more ideas, see crockpot chicken thigh recipes.

Easy Variations

Gluten-free. Use tamari.
Spicy. Add 1 tbsp sriracha.
Sesame. Add 1 tsp toasted sesame oil at the end.

How to Store and Reheat

Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze in the sauce up to 3 months.

Equipment I Used

4 to 6-quart slow cooker: the right size for this recipe. Fill it between half and two-thirds full for even cooking.
3-piece ceramic serving bowl set: takes food straight from the crock to the table.
Stainless steel measuring cups and spoons: for sauces and spice blends.
Wooden cutting board with handle: for slicing and serving right at the table.

Planning a busy week? The Slow Cooking for Busy Days guide covers time-saving slow cooker recipes and meal planning.

Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken

Sticky, sweet and savory crockpot honey garlic chicken thighs in a glossy soy garlic sauce. Better than takeout and ready with 10 minutes of prep.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 5

Total Time 5 10

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Asian-American

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs (900 g)
1/2 cup honey (120 ml)
1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce (80 ml)
1/4 cup ketchup (60 ml)
6 cloves garlic minced
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water
to serve sesame seeds, sliced green onions

Method

Whisk the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, vinegar, ginger and pepper flakes.
Place the chicken in a slow cooker and pour the sauce over.
Cover and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours, until 165°F (74°C).
Move the chicken to a plate. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the sauce and cook on HIGH, uncovered, for 15 minutes until glossy.
Return the chicken, spoon the sauce over, and top with sesame seeds and green onions.

Notes

Cook time is for LOW. On HIGH, 3 hours.

Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken FAQ

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes. Cook breasts 3 to 4 hours on LOW so they do not dry out.

How do I thicken honey garlic sauce in a crockpot?

Stir in a cornstarch slurry and cook uncovered on HIGH for 15 minutes.

Is honey garlic chicken healthy?

It is high in protein; the honey adds sugar, so serve with vegetables and watch portion sizes.

Can I freeze it?

Yes, in the sauce for up to 3 months.