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Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken – A Tender, Sweet-and-Savory Comfort Dinner That Practically Cooks Itself

Rich, sticky, and irresistibly comforting, Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is the kind of dinner that makes busy days feel effortless. Tender chicken slowly cooks in a glossy honey-garlic sauce that’s perfectly balanced between sweet and savory, creating a meal that’s deeply satisfying with minimal effort. Just set it, forget it, and come back to a house filled with mouthwatering aroma. What makes this recipe so special is the slow cooking process. As the chicken simmers gently, it absorbs every bit of flavor from the garlic, honey, and savory sauce, becoming fall-apart tender. The sauce thickens beautifully, coating the chicken in a rich glaze that pairs perfectly with rice or vegetables. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, or meal prep, this recipe is naturally high in protein and incredibly versatile. Simple ingredients, big flavor, and a slow cooker doing all the work — Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a true comfort-food favorite.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 5 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Protein
  • 1½ lbs chicken thighs or chicken breasts boneless and skinless
Sauce
  • ½ cup honey
  • ⅓ cup soy sauce
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
Thickener
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
Seasoning & Finish
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • These ingredients come together to create a glossy sweet-and-savory sauce with deep garlic flavor and tender chicken.

Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spoon or tongs

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
  1. In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, black pepper, and olive oil.
Step 2: Add Chicken to Slow Cooker
  1. Place chicken in the slow cooker in an even layer.
Step 3: Pour the Sauce
  1. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken, making sure it’s well coated.
Step 4: Slow Cook
  1. Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
  1. Remove chicken from the slow cooker and set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water until smooth.
  3. Stir the mixture into the sauce in the slow cooker.
  4. Cover and cook on HIGH for 10–15 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
  1. Return chicken to the slow cooker and coat with the thickened sauce.
  2. Serve warm.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Spoon extra sauce over chicken before serving.
🥄 Variations
Extra Garlic: Add more minced garlic
Sweeter Sauce: Increase honey slightly
Meal Prep Friendly: Portion with rice or vegetables
Thicker Glaze: Add more cornstarch slurry
Kid-Friendly: Mild and naturally sweet
Shredded Version: Shred chicken and mix into sauce
❓ 10 FAQs
Is this recipe sweet?
Yes, with balanced savory flavor.
Is it high in protein?
Yes, very protein-rich.
Can kids eat this?
Absolutely.
Does the chicken get tender?
Yes, very soft and juicy.
Can I use chicken breasts?
Yes, both breasts and thighs work.
Is this good for meal prep?
Perfect for it.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, up to 2 months.
Does the sauce thicken well?
Yes, with cornstarch.
Is this beginner-friendly?
Very easy.
What makes it special?
Slow cooking and bold honey-garlic flavor.
🏁 Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is everything you want in an easy, comforting meal — tender chicken, a rich glossy sauce, and effortless preparation. With just a few ingredients and your slow cooker doing the work, you get a dinner that’s satisfying, family-friendly, and perfect for busy days. Simple, reliable, and full of flavor, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.