Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken made with tender boneless chicken thighs simmered in a rich garlic, soy, and honey sauce. Easy crockpot dinner recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Serve with rice and top with sesame seeds and scallions for a simple Asian-inspired meal. Great for meal prep and freezer-friendly.

Tender chicken thighs slow-cooked in a sticky, flavorful honey garlic sauce—perfect for serving over fluffy rice and topped with scallions and sesame seeds.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) skinless, boneless chicken thigh fillets, trimmed and quartered
• 2 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch in the USA)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika

For the Sauce:

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or substitute apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp dark soy sauce
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
• 120 ml (½ cup) chicken stock
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• 165 ml (½ cup) honey

To Serve:

• Boiled rice or egg fried rice
• Chopped spring onions (scallions)
• Sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken
   Place the chicken thigh pieces into the slow cooker.
2. Mix the Sauce
   In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cornflour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, and minced garlic until smooth and well combined.
3. Add Liquids
   Stir in the chicken stock, chopped butter, and honey. Don’t worry if the butter is lumpy—it will melt as it cooks.
4. Combine Everything
   Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker and mix gently to coat all the pieces evenly.
5. Cook
   Cover with a lid and cook on:
   • High for 3–4 hours, or
   • Low for 5–6 hours.
     If possible, stir once during the last 1–2 hours of cooking. If not, give it a good stir at the end.
6. Serve
   Spoon the chicken and sauce over rice and garnish with chopped spring onions and sesame seeds.

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Tips

• Cut the chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Low-sodium soy sauce can be used if you’re watching your salt intake.
• If the sauce seems too thin at the end, remove the lid and cook for an extra 15–20 minutes on high to reduce it slightly.
• Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and freeze beautifully.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Protein: Swap chicken thighs with boneless chicken breasts or even pork shoulder.
• Sweetness: Use maple syrup or agave syrup instead of honey for a slightly different flavor.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or cauliflower florets and use vegetable stock.
• Add heat: Stir in some chili flakes or a dash of sriracha for a spicy kick.

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FAQs

Can I make this without a slow cooker?
Yes! Simmer everything in a large pan over medium-low heat for about 25–30 minutes until the chicken is tender and the sauce thickens.

Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Add sliced bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots during the last hour of cooking for a complete one-pot meal.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes. Let it cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve over steamed jasmine or basmati rice, or go for egg fried rice for extra flavor.
• Add a side of stir-fried greens like bok choy or sugar snap peas.
• Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and extra chopped scallions for texture and freshness.
• For a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice or steamed zucchini noodles.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless: Let the slow cooker do all the work while you go about your day.
• Flavor-packed: Rich, sweet, and garlicky with a balanced umami depth.
• Family-friendly: Loved by both adults and kids alike.
• Flexible: Easily adaptable for different diets and preferences.
• Perfect for meal prep: Make a big batch and enjoy it over several days.