Table of Contents: Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
Whip up a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal with this Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken! Perfectly tender chicken thighs or breasts bathed in a sticky, sweet, and savory sauce—this easy Asian chicken recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even casual gatherings.
Introduction: Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
There’s something magical about coming home to the aroma of a slow-cooked meal. This Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug—effortless yet irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this easy Asian chicken recipe is guaranteed to impress.
Made with simple ingredients like honey, soy sauce, and garlic, this dish combines sweet and savory flavors in the most delightful way. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, transforming ordinary slow cooker chicken thighs into a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a hands-off dinner, family gatherings where you want to impress without the stress, or even meal prep for the week ahead. Pair it with steamed rice and your favorite veggies for a complete meal that everyone will love.
Alternate Names & Variations
This recipe is a versatile gem that goes by many names. You might also find it called Sweet and Savory Crock Pot Chicken, Easy Honey Garlic Chicken, or Slow Cooker Asian Chicken Thighs.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping the chicken thighs for chicken breasts, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. You can even turn this into a honey garlic chicken stir-fry by skipping the slow cooker and cooking everything in a skillet for a quick 20-minute version.
Ingredients

Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken (serves 4):
- – 1½ pounds skinless chicken (thighs or breasts, your choice)
- – Honey Garlic Sauce:
- – ½ cup ketchup
- – ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- – ¼ cup honey
- – 2–4 cloves garlic (crushed or minced)
- – ½ teaspoon basil (optional, for extra flavor)
- – Optional thickening:
- – 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- – 2 tablespoons cold water
- – For serving: cooked rice
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the skinless chicken thighs or breasts in the crock pot.
2. Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the ketchup, soy sauce, honey, crushed garlic, and basil (if using). Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
3. Cook: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. The chicken should be tender and easy to shred.
4. Optional Thickening: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl. Stir it into the crock pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
5. Serve: Serve the chicken over cooked rice, drizzled with the delicious honey garlic sauce.
Chef Tip: For extra depth of flavor, brown the chicken in a skillet before adding it to the crock pot.
Recipe Card Block
This Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken takes just 10 minutes to prepare and 6 hours to cook, making it a total time commitment of 6 hours and 10 minutes. It serves 4 people and clocks in at approximately 300 calories per serving.
Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips
What makes this Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken stand out is its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. The combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates a sauce that’s both rich and comforting.
Pro Tips:
– Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness, as they hold up better in the slow cooker.
– Double the sauce if you love a saucier dish—it’s great for drizzling over rice or veggies.
– Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips
– Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
– Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
– Reheating: Warm the chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until heated through.
People Also Ask: Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
What Cut of Chicken Is Best for the Crock Pot?
Chicken thighs are ideal for the crock pot because they remain tender and juicy during long cooking times. However, chicken breasts work well too, especially if you prefer leaner meat.
Do I Need to Brown the Chicken Before Putting It in the Crock Pot?
Browning the chicken beforehand is optional but highly recommended. It adds extra flavor and texture to the dish.
What Can I Serve with Honey Garlic Chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables. For a low-carb option, serve it over cauliflower rice.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in the Crock Pot?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it first to ensure even cooking. If using frozen chicken, extend the cooking time by 1–2 hours.
Conclusion: Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
This Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is a must-try recipe that checks all the boxes—easy, delicious, and family-friendly. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
We’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Share your results in the comments, and don’t forget to pin this recipe to your favorite board for later.
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Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is a sweet, savory, and tender slow-cooked dish. It’s perfect for busy days and pairs beautifully with rice or veggies for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 120ml honey
- 60ml soy sauce
- 60ml ketchup
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- Optional: sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of the crock pot.
- In a small bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, garlic, oregano, and black pepper.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken, making sure it’s coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- Remove chicken and set aside. Pour the remaining sauce into a saucepan.
- Mix cornstarch with water, then stir into the sauce. Simmer until thickened.
- Return chicken to the crock pot or serve with sauce poured over the top.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.
Notes
This recipe works great with chicken breasts too. Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: crock pot honey garlic chicken, slow cooker chicken, easy chicken recipe, sweet garlic chicken