Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken

This Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken is your new go-to recipe when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort. No pre-searing, no complicated techniques—just juicy, tender chicken slow-cooked in a sticky, savory-sweet sauce that tastes like it’s straight out of a restaurant. Set it in the morning, come home to magic in a pot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No searing required—just add and go.
• Packed with deep, complex flavor despite the short ingredient list.
• Perfect for meal prep—leftovers are even better the next day.
• Pairs beautifully with rice and any steamed greens you have on hand.
• Freezer-friendly and kid-approved!

Ingredients

• 800 g (1 lb 12 oz) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch) mixed with 3 tbsp water
• 2 spring onions (scallions), finely sliced
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• steamed jasmine rice, to serve
• steamed greens, to serve

• SAUCE
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) tamari or all-purpose soy sauce
• ⅓ cup (115 g) runny honey
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 2 tbsp rice wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp freshly grated garlic
• 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
• 1 tbsp sesame oil

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken
   Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs directly into the bowl of your slow cooker. Spread them evenly so they cook uniformly.
2. Mix the Sauce
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce (or tamari), honey, ketchup, rice wine vinegar, freshly grated garlic, freshly grated ginger, and sesame oil until fully combined and smooth.
3. Add Sauce to Slow Cooker
   Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring all pieces are coated.
4. Cook the Chicken
   Cover with the lid and cook on high for 3–4 hours or low for 6 hours, depending on your schedule and preference. The chicken should be tender and infused with the flavorful sauce.
5. Thicken the Sauce
   In the final 30 minutes of cooking time, stir the cornflour (cornstarch) and water mixture into the sauce in the slow cooker. This will thicken the sauce to a delicious glaze. Gently baste the chicken with the thickened sauce during this time.
6. Finish and Serve
   Once done, sprinkle the finished chicken with finely sliced spring onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed jasmine rice with a side of steamed greens for a complete and satisfying meal.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Spice it up by adding 1–2 tsp of hot chili sauce, sambal oelek, or a drizzle of chili oil at the end.
• You can prepare the sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge—just pour it in when you’re ready to cook.
• Try with cauliflower rice for a low-carb version or Asian coleslaw for a fresh crunch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish with:

• Steamed jasmine rice
• Steamed Asian greens (like bok choy or broccolini)
• Green beans or broccoli
• Fried rice or cauliflower rice for variations
• Asian-style coleslaw with soy and sesame oil dressing

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
A: Yes, but chicken thighs stay juicier and are recommended for slow cooking.

Can I double the recipe?
A: Absolutely—just make sure your slow cooker has enough room. You may need to add 30 minutes to cooking time.

Can I make this spicy?
A: Yes! Add chili paste or chili oil to the sauce or as a topping.

Conclusion

This Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken is comfort food made effortless. With its sweet-savory sauce and melt-in-your-mouth texture, it’s destined to become a weeknight staple. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish delivers every time.

More recipes you’ll love:

French Dip Sliders for Dinner

Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps

Smothered Chicken Over Rice

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