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Transform your hectic weeknights into stress-free dinner victories with this incredibly simple Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken recipe. This dish combines tender chicken with a glossy, sweet-savory sauce that rivals your favorite takeout, all while you go about your day. Whether you’re searching for healthy dinner ideas, quick dinner ideas, or cheap dinners for a family, this recipe checks every box without compromising on flavor.
Table of Contents
Why This Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe Works
This honey garlic chicken stands out among dinner ideas recipes for several compelling reasons. First, it requires just five core ingredients plus chicken, making it budget-friendly and pantry-friendly. Second, the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, freeing you to tackle your to-do list while dinner practically cooks itself. Third, the combination of honey’s natural sweetness, garlic’s aromatic punch, and soy sauce’s umami depth creates a sauce so irresistible that even picky eaters will ask for seconds.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Use chicken thighs for ultra-tender, juicy results, or opt for chicken breasts if you prefer leaner protein. Both work beautifully in this forgiving recipe, making it ideal for lazy dinners when you want maximum flavor with minimum fuss.
Essential Equipment for Success
Before you begin, gather these essential tools to make preparation seamless. You’ll need a quality slow cooker (6-quart or larger works best), a reliable set of measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient ratios, sturdy mixing bowls for combining your sauce, and a sharp chef’s knife for mincing garlic. A cutting board and basic kitchen utensils complete your setup. If you want perfectly thickened sauce, keep a small pot handy for stovetop reduction.
Ingredient Breakdown
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts | 1½ pounds | Protein base that stays tender during slow cooking |
| Low-sodium soy sauce | ⅓ cup | Provides umami and saltiness |
| Honey | ⅓ cup | Adds natural sweetness and helps create glaze |
| Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons | Contributes depth and body to sauce |
| Chili paste (sambal oelek or sriracha) | 2 teaspoons | Brings balanced heat |
| Garlic, minced | 4 cloves | Delivers aromatic flavor |
| Rice vinegar | 1 tablespoon | Adds brightness and balances sweetness |
| Cornstarch | 2 tablespoons | Thickens sauce to perfect consistency |
Optional Serving Components
- Prepared brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice
- Toasted sesame seeds for garnish
- Chopped green onion for freshness
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Preparation Phase
Start by placing your chicken pieces in the bottom of your slow cooker. There’s no need to brown the meat first one of the many time-saving benefits of this recipe. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, tomato paste, chili paste, minced garlic (use a garlic press for easier prep), and rice vinegar until completely smooth. Pour this aromatic mixture evenly over the chicken.
Slow Cooking Process
Cover your slow cooker and select your cooking time based on your schedule. For LOW setting, cook for 4 to 5 hours; for HIGH setting, cook for 2 to 3 hours. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F on an instant-read thermometer. If possible, flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even coating, though this step is optional your dinner will still be delicious if you skip it.
Sauce Thickening Technique
Once the chicken is cooked through, carefully transfer it to a plate using kitchen utensils and let it rest briefly. Whisk the cornstarch directly into the hot cooking liquid remaining in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH for 15 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.
For a faster alternative, you can reduce the sauce on your stovetop. After whisking in the cornstarch, transfer the liquid to a medium pot and cook over medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently. This method gives you more control over the final consistency.
Final Assembly
Using two forks or your fingers (if the chicken has cooled sufficiently), shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir thoroughly to coat every piece with that gorgeous glossy sauce. If you thickened the sauce on the stovetop, add it back now.
Serving Suggestions for Family Dinners
This slow cooker honey garlic chicken shines as one of the most adaptable supper ideas in your rotation. Serve it over fluffy brown rice for a wholesome meal, or choose quinoa for added protein and nutrients. For those following low-carb eating plans, cauliflower rice makes an excellent base that still soaks up all that incredible sauce.
Complete your dinner dishes with simple sides like steamed broccoli, roasted green beans, or a crisp Asian-inspired cucumber salad. The chicken’s sweet-savory profile pairs beautifully with fresh vegetables. Don’t forget to garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for restaurant-quality presentation.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Chicken Selection: Thighs remain juicier than breasts during extended cooking, making them ideal for kid friendly dinners where texture matters. However, breasts work perfectly if your family prefers white meat.
Sauce Consistency Control: If your sauce seems thin after the initial thickening, continue cooking uncovered on HIGH for an additional 10-15 minutes. The liquid will reduce naturally, concentrating those flavors beautifully.
Make-Ahead Magic: This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Cook on Sunday, portion into containers, and you’ve got healthy dinner ideas ready for the entire week. The flavors actually deepen after a day in the refrigerator.
Spice Level Adjustment: Control the heat by adjusting the chili paste amount. Start with 1 teaspoon for mild flavor suitable for children, or increase to 1 tablespoon if your family loves bold, spicy food.
Vegetable Additions: Transform this into a complete one-pot meal by adding bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli florets during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
While fresh chicken yields the best texture, you can use frozen chicken in a pinch. Add an extra hour to the LOW cooking time or 30-45 minutes to the HIGH cooking time, and ensure the chicken reaches 165°F internally before serving.
What can I substitute for rice vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar work well as substitutes. Use the same amount, though you might want to add a tiny pinch of sugar to mimic rice vinegar’s subtle sweetness.
How do I store leftovers?
Store cooled chicken and sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe doubles beautifully for larger families or meal prep. Just ensure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the increased volume without overfilling leave at least 2 inches of space at the top.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce (or tamari) and ensure your chili paste doesn’t contain gluten additives. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy adaptation for dietary restrictions.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot instead?
Yes! Use the Pressure Cook function on HIGH for 10 minutes with natural release. Then switch to Sauté mode, stir in the cornstarch slurry, and cook until thickened.
Nutritional Benefits
This recipe delivers substantial protein essential for maintaining energy throughout busy days while the honey provides natural sweetness without refined sugars. By serving over brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice, you’ll add fiber and additional nutrients to make this truly one of your go-to healthy dinner ideas.
The garlic offers immune-supporting properties, while the minimal oil content keeps this dish lighter than comparable takeout options. For those watching sodium intake, using low-sodium soy sauce significantly reduces salt levels without sacrificing flavor.
Why This Belongs in Your Easy Weeknight Dinners Rotation
In the constant search for dinner ideas for family meals that satisfy everyone without exhausting the cook, this slow cooker honey garlic chicken emerges as a true champion. It transforms inexpensive ingredients into something special, requires minimal active cooking time, and produces consistently delicious results that make it one of the most reliable cheap dinners for a family you’ll ever make.
The set-it-and-forget-it nature makes it perfect for those chaotic days when you’re juggling work, kids’ activities, and household responsibilities. Simply load the slow cooker in the morning, and return home to the tantalizing aroma of garlic and honey filling your kitchen. That’s the definition of lazy dinners done right minimal effort, maximum reward.
This recipe also excels at winning over reluctant eaters. The familiar flavors, tender texture, and slightly sweet sauce appeal to children and adults alike, cementing its place among the best kid friendly dinners available. Even vegetables-averse family members will happily eat their greens when they’re drizzled with this incredible sauce.
Equipment Used in This Recipe
- Slow Cooker/Pots – Essential for hands-off cooking
- Chef’s Knives – For mincing garlic and prep work
- Cutting Board – Safe prep surface
- Measuring Cups and Spoons Set – Accurate ingredient measurements
- Mixing Bowls – For combining sauce ingredients
- Kitchen Utensils – For stirring and serving
- Garlic Press – Quick garlic prep
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken (Weeknight Winner!)
Tender slow cooker honey garlic chicken simmered in a sweet-savory glaze with honey, soy sauce, and garlic. This easy weeknight dinner requires just 5 ingredients and delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients
1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts
⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
⅓ cup honey
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons chili paste (sambal oelek, sriracha, or hot sauce of choice)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
Prepared brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice (for serving)
Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Chopped green onion (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Place the chicken in the bottom of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. In a medium mixing bowl or very large measuring cup, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, tomato paste, chili paste, garlic, and rice vinegar. Pour over the chicken. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer. If you are available, flip the chicken over once halfway through to coat both sides.
2. Remove the chicken to a plate and let cool slightly. Whisk the cornstarch into the slow cooker cooking liquid. Cover and cook on HIGH for 15 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly, stirring occasionally. If you’d like the sauce particularly thick, you can cook it for a full 30 minutes in the slow cooker.
3. For quicker sauce thickening, reduce the sauce on the stove: After whisking in the cornstarch, transfer the cooking liquid to a medium saucepan. Cook on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring often until the sauce thickens, 5 to 10 minutes.
4. With two forks or your fingers if the chicken is cool enough, shred the chicken and place it in the slow cooker. If you reduced the sauce on the stove, add it back to the slow cooker now. Stir to coat the chicken with the sauce. Serve over rice, sprinkled with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
Chicken thighs stay juicier during slow cooking than breasts, but both work well.
Adjust chili paste to control spice level – use 1 teaspoon for mild, up to 1 tablespoon for spicy.
This recipe doubles easily for meal prep or larger families.
Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
For gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
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