When I’m craving something sweet, savory, and effortless, this Juicy Honey Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot is my go‑to. It’s got that sticky glaze you’d expect from takeout—but done in the slow cooker with minimal effort. The flavors meld while you’re off doing something else, and when dinner time arrives, you’re rewarded with tender chicken coated in a mouthwatering honey garlic sauce. Serve over rice or noodles for the ultimate comfort. It’s a cozy twist on crockpot classics like Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken Thighs (Dump & Go), but with a sweet, sticky upgrade.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts) | 2 lb (≈ 900 g) |
| Honey | ⅓ cup (≈ 80 ml) |
| Soy sauce (or halal alternative) | ¼ cup (≈ 60 ml) |
| Ketchup | 2 Tbsp |
| Minced garlic | 3 cloves |
| Rice vinegar (or white vinegar) | 1 Tbsp |
| Water or chicken broth | ½ cup (≈ 120 ml) |
| Cornstarch (for slurry) | 2 Tbsp |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste |
| Green onions or sesame seeds (for garnish) | a few Tbsp |
Instructions
- Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker.
- Season the chicken thighs with a pinch of salt and pepper and place them in the pot.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, vinegar, and water or broth.
- Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on Low for 5–6 hours or High for 2½–3 hours until tender.
- Remove the chicken and set it aside. Mix cornstarch with a few tablespoons of cooking liquid to make a slurry.
- Stir the slurry into the remaining sauce in the crockpot to thicken it.
- Return the chicken, coat with the glaze, garnish with green onions or sesame seeds, and serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
- Over basmati or jasmine rice
- With steamed broccoli or snap peas
- As a topping for ramen or rice noodles
- Served in lettuce wraps for a lighter version
For another family-friendly take, check out Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs or this easy one-pot honey garlic chicken & rice.
Estimated Nutrition (per serving, serves 6)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ≈ 400 kcal |
| Protein | ≈ 33 g |
| Carbohydrates | ≈ 18 g |
| Total Fat | ≈ 20 g |
| Sodium | High (soy sauce based) |
Tips & Variations
- Chicken breasts work too but are slightly drier—reduce cook time a bit.
- Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free or lower-sodium option.
- Add chili flakes or sriracha for a little heat.
- Double the sauce for more to drizzle over your rice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead?
Yes, but reduce cook time and monitor for dryness.
Is this gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free soy sauce like tamari and double-check your ketchup ingredients.
Can I cook this in an Instant Pot?
Yes, pressure cook on high for 10 minutes, then thicken the sauce using the sauté setting.
How long do leftovers last?
Up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water.
Can I freeze this dish?
Absolutely! Let cool, then freeze in portions. Thaw overnight and reheat on stovetop or microwave.
Juicy Honey Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot
- Total Time: 6 hrs 5 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Juicy Honey Garlic Chicken made effortlessly in your crockpot. Sweet, sticky glaze and tender chicken thighs make this a better-than-takeout family dinner with just a few pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts) – 2 lb
Honey – ⅓ cup
Soy sauce (or halal alternative) – ¼ cup
Ketchup – 2 Tbsp
Minced garlic – 3 cloves
Rice vinegar (or white vinegar) – 1 Tbsp
Water or chicken broth – ½ cup
Cornstarch – 2 Tbsp (for slurry)
Salt and black pepper – to taste
Green onions or sesame seeds – for garnish
Instructions
1. Lightly grease your slow cooker.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Place in crockpot.
3. Mix honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, vinegar, and water/broth in a bowl.
4. Pour the sauce over the chicken.
5. Cover and cook on Low for 5–6 hrs or High for 2.5–3 hrs.
6. Remove chicken. Mix cornstarch with cooking liquid to make slurry.
7. Stir slurry into the sauce in the pot and let it thicken.
8. Return chicken to coat in glaze. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds.
Notes
Use tamari for gluten-free version.
Double the sauce to drizzle over rice or veggies.
Add chili flakes for a spicy version.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: honey garlic chicken, crockpot garlic chicken, juicy crockpot chicken, sticky chicken thighs
Conclusion
This Juicy Honey Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot is sweet, sticky, and satisfying. Just a few ingredients, a set-and-forget method, and you’ll end the day with a better-than-takeout dinner everyone at the table will love.