This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is your answer to busy weeknights—minimal prep, incredible flavor, and melt-in-your-mouth texture.

With garlic-infused honey soy sauce and a hint of chili heat, this dish is simple comfort food with a bold twist.

Serve over rice with veggies for a satisfying meal that practically cooks itself.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Set it and forget it – The slow cooker does all the work

Perfectly tender chicken – Easy to shred and soak up the sauce

Flavorful garlic-honey glaze – Sweet, savory, and slightly spicy

Versatile – Works with breasts or thighs

Great for meal prep – Tastes even better the next day

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Boneless chicken breasts or thighs – Lean protein that slow cooks to perfection

Garlic – Fresh minced garlic gives a rich base flavor

Honey – Natural sweetness that balances the salt and spice

Soy sauce – Adds umami and depth

Chili garlic sauce – A kick of heat for balance

Cornstarch (optional) – For thickening the sauce at the end

Pro Tips Before You Start

Use tamari for a gluten-free version

Chicken thighs give a juicier result, but breasts also work well

Adjust chili garlic sauce to your heat preference

Double the recipe for easy lunches and leftovers

Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for color and crunch

How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Make the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together: 3 tbsp minced garlic, ½ cup honey

½ cup soy sauce (or tamari), 2 tsp chili garlic sauce

Mix until the honey dissolves and everything is well combined.

Step 2: Add Chicken to the Slow Cooker
Place 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into the slow cooker.

Pour the sauce over the chicken.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours,

Until chicken is fully cooked (internal temp of 165ºF).

Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Shred using two forks. Set aside.

Step 5: Optional – Thicken the Sauce
If you’d like a thicker sauce, remove ¼ cup of the cooking liquid and whisk in ½ tbsp cornstarch.

Pour it back into the slow cooker and stir well.

Let cook on HIGH for 10 more minutes.

Step 6: Return and Serve
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and toss with the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Steamed jasmine or brown rice

Quinoa or cauliflower rice

Stir-fried or roasted vegetables

Lettuce wraps for a low-carb option

Variations / Substitutions

Swap soy sauce for coconut aminos if soy-free

Add grated ginger for extra depth

Stir in sriracha for more spice

Mix in pineapple chunks for sweet tropical twist

Storage & Reheating Tips

Fridge – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days

Freeze – Freeze in portions for up to 3 months

Reheat – Microwave or reheat in a skillet until hot

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?
It’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking in the slow cooker.

Can I make this in the Instant Pot?
Yes! Pressure cook for 10–12 minutes on HIGH, then shred and sauté to thicken the sauce.

Is this recipe spicy?
Mild to medium. Adjust chili garlic sauce for your spice level.

Can I meal prep this?
Absolutely—it’s perfect for lunchboxes and reheats beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is sweet, savory, and always a crowd-pleaser.

With just a handful of ingredients and a set-it-and-forget-it process, you’ll have tender, flavorful chicken ready for any occasion.