I am excited to share my version of Easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken. Using tender chicken breasts or thighs, sweet honey, tangy soy sauce, minced garlic, and a touch of ketchup, this slow cooked dish only takes minutes of prep. It makes a satisfying family meal perfect with rice or quinoa.

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I recently discovered this amazing Slow Cooker Honey Chicken recipe that’s become one of my go-to dinners. I was looking for something quick to prep and found out this recipe only needs about 10 minutes of hands-on time.

I used 2 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs because they turn out super tender, but you can also use chicken breasts if that’s what you prefer. Then it’s all about the sauce – I mixed 1/2 cup honey, 1/3 cup soy sauce (or tamari for those needing a gluten free option), 4 cloves of minced garlic, and 2 tablespoons ketchup.

The flavor combo is so unique and tasty that it really makes a simple meal feel special without fussing too much. This recipe is also great if you’re planning dinner for your family or need something easy to whip up for meal prep.

Trust me its a game changer for easy slow cooker dinners.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s super simple. I can just throw all the ingredients in the slow cooker and then sit back while it does all the work. It’s perfect for those busy days when i dont have a lot of time.

I also really like how the sweet and tangy sauce turns out. The honey with garlic and soy sauce mix together in a way that makes every bite tasty, especially when the chicken gets all shredded up.

Another reason i dig this recipe is that its really versatile. Whether i serve it over rice, quinoa or even with a salad, it never gets boring. I like knowing i can change it up if i’m in the mood for something different.

And lastly, i love that it only takes a few ingredients and a little hands-on time. It’s a great recipe for meal prep or when i have extra guests over, so i dont have to stress about cooking.

Ingredients

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This Slow Cooker Honey Chicken recipe brings together a mix of savory and sweet flavors that truly wow your taste buds.

The ingredients work in harmony to boost taste and nutrition while keeping the dish comfortingly simple.

They each add something special to the table, whether it’s protein, a burst of aroma, or that signature tangy-sweet twist.

Enjoy how these elements meld together after hours of slow cooking, making a meal that’s both hearty and balanced.

Here’s a quick look at some key ingredients:

Chicken: High protein, lean meat that makes the meal filling.
Honey: Natural sweetness for energy and a delicious finish.
Soy Sauce: Salty, umami flavor that deepens the dish.
Garlic: Aromatic, boosts taste and supports the immune system.
Ketchup: Tangy and sweet, adds color and a slight acidity.

Ingredient Quantities

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (whichever you prefer)

1/2 cup honey

1/3 cup soy sauce (use tamari if you need it gluten free)

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons ketchup

How to Make this

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1. Put the chicken in your slow cooker evenly so they cook the same
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the honey, soy sauce (or tamari if you need gluten free), minced garlic, and ketchup until it’s well blended

3. Pour the mixture all over the chicken making sure every piece gets a good coating

4. Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through

5. After cooking, check that the chicken is fully cooked; if you like you can stir the sauce a bit to get a mix of flavors

6. If you want, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker then stir it in the extra sauce

7. Serve your honey chicken over rice, quinoa or any side dish you like, and enjoy the yummy sauce with each bite

Equipment Needed

1. Slow cooker
2. Medium bowl for mixing
3. Measuring cups and spoons
4. Stirring utensils like a spoon or spatula
5. Two forks for shredding the chicken and testing its tenderness
6. Serving dish to present your meal

FAQ

Can I use chicken breasts and thighs interchangeably?

Yeah, both work great. Just keep in mind that thighs may need a little extra time if you like them super tender.

How long should I cook it on low?

Usually 4 hours on low gets you tender chicken, but if your slow cooker runs a bit cool, you might need 5 or so hours.

Can I add veggies to this recipe?

Sure thing, just toss in your fave veggies like bell peppers or broccoli during the last couple of hours so they dont turn to mush.

How can I thicken the sauce after it's done cooking?

You can simmer the sauce on the stove for a few minutes, or mix a tsp of cornstarch with a little water and stir it in until it gets a thicker consistency.

Is it easy to make this recipe gluten free?

Absolutely, just swap out the soy sauce for tamari and its all good to go!

Slow Cooker Honey Chicken Recipe Substitutions and Variations

For the chicken, you can try using pork chops or even firm tofu if you want to switch things up a bit.
If you ran out of honey, maple syrup or agave nectar can do the trick just as well.
If soy sauce isn’t available or you need a gluten free option, coconut aminos is a pretty neat substitute.
Instead of mincing fresh garlic, garlic powder can work in a pinch—just use about 1/4 teaspoon per clove.
And if you don’t have ketchup, you could mix tomato paste with a tiny bit of vinegar and sugar to mimic its tangy sweetness.

Pro Tips

1. Try marinating the chicken in most of that sweet and savory mix for a few hours in the fridge before tossing it in the slow cooker – it’ll help the flavors really soak in.
2. If you like a thicker, more concentrated sauce, you can take out a little of it near the end of the cook time and mix in a small amount of cornstarch dissolved in water, then stir it back in and let it heat a bit more.
3. For an extra kick of garlic flavor, add one more minced clove halfway through the cooking process – it’s a neat little trick to brighten things up.
4. When the dish is done, instead of shredding the chicken right away, let it rest for a few minutes in the sauce; this helps it soak up even more flavor and stay super juicy.

Slow Cooker Honey Chicken Recipe

Recipe by Francis Mead

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

350

kcal

Equipment: 1. Slow cooker
2. Medium bowl for mixing
3. Measuring cups and spoons
4. Stirring utensils like a spoon or spatula
5. Two forks for shredding the chicken and testing its tenderness
6. Serving dish to present your meal

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (whichever you prefer)
1/2 cup honey
1/3 cup soy sauce (use tamari if you need it gluten free)
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons ketchup

Directions

Put the chicken in your slow cooker evenly so they cook the same
In a medium bowl, mix together the honey, soy sauce (or tamari if you need gluten free), minced garlic, and ketchup until it's well blended
Pour the mixture all over the chicken making sure every piece gets a good coating
Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through
After cooking, check that the chicken is fully cooked; if you like you can stir the sauce a bit to get a mix of flavors
If you want, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker then stir it in the extra sauce
Serve your honey chicken over rice, quinoa or any side dish you like, and enjoy the yummy sauce with each bite

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.