Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this 5-minute prep honey garlic slow cooker chicken that delivers restaurant-quality flavor while you go about your day. This wholesome recipe combines tender chicken thighs with a sticky-sweet honey garlic sauce that’s packed with 35 grams of protein per serving and natural antioxidants from raw honey.

Perfect for busy families, this set-and-forget meal requires just nine simple ingredients and cooks hands-free in your slow cooker. The result? Fall-apart tender chicken glazed in a rich sauce that pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, or your favorite vegetables.

What makes this recipe special: Unlike takeout versions loaded with refined sugar, this homemade honey garlic chicken uses real honey for natural sweetness and immune-boosting benefits. The slow cooking method ensures incredibly juicy chicken while allowing the flavors to meld into an irresistible glaze that the whole family will love.

Ready in just 4 hours on low heat, this meal prep-friendly recipe stores beautifully and actually tastes even better the next day. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing lunches for the week, this honey garlic slow cooker chicken delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken

This tender, fall-apart honey garlic slow cooker chicken delivers incredible flavor with just five minutes of prep time. You'll love how this wholesome dinner boosts your energy while satisfying the whole family!

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Asian - Inspired

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
• 1/2 cup honey runny or set works fine
• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or rice wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic 4-5 cloves
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated (optional)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch for thickening
• 2 tablespoons water for slurry
• Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Equipment

• Hamilton Beach 6-Quart Set & Forget Programmable Slow Cooker - $89.95, 4.6 stars with over 16,000 reviews. This smart slow cooker features a built-in temperature probe and automatic keep-warm function, making it perfect for busy families. The locking lid prevents spills when transporting meals, and the programmable timer means dinner is ready exactly when you need it.

Method

 

1. Start by preparing your slow cooker with a light coating of cooking spray or slow cooker liner.
2. Mix the sauce by whisking together honey, soy sauce, water, apple cider vinegar, and minced garlic in a bowl until well combined.
3. Add chicken to the slow cooker and pour the sauce mixture over the top, ensuring all pieces are coated.
4. Cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-6 hours, until chicken easily shreds with a fork. Cooking time depends on thickness of chicken pieces.
5. Remove chicken from the slow cooker and place on a cutting board. Let rest for 2-3 minutes, then shred with two forks.
6. Thicken the sauce by whisking cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir this slurry into the cooking liquid remaining in the slow cooker.
7. Cook on high for 10-15 minutes more, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
8. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and toss to coat with the thickened sauce.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

Ingredient Substitutions:

For gluten-free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce

For vegan: Replace chicken with extra-firm tofu or cauliflower florets

Different vinegars: Balsamic vinegar creates a surprisingly delicious variation

No fresh ginger: Use 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger powder

Spice level: Add 1-2 teaspoons sriracha or red pepper flakes for heat

Cooking Tips:

Beginner tip: Don't lift the lid during cooking - each peek adds 15-20 minutes to cook time

Advanced technique: For extra flavor, brown chicken thighs in a skillet before adding to slow cooker, though this step is optional

Sauce consistency: If sauce becomes too thick, thin with a tablespoon of chicken broth or water

Storage & Meal Prep:

Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days

Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers or bags

Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out

Meal prep tip: Cook a double batch and portion into containers with rice and vegetables for grab-and-go lunches

Scaling Instructions:

To double the recipe: Use a larger 8-quart slow cooker and increase cooking time by 30-60 minutes

To halve the recipe: Perfect for a 4-quart slow cooker, reduce cooking time by 30-45 minutes

Individual portions: This recipe serves 4-6 people generously, providing approximately 6-8 ounces of chicken per person

Nutritional Benefits:
This nutritious meal provides approximately 35 grams of high-quality protein per serving, supporting muscle growth and keeping you full for hours. Chicken thighs contain 26 grams of protein and important minerals like iron and zinc. Raw honey contains powerful antioxidants including flavonoids and phenolic acids, which help reduce inflammation. The garlic provides natural antimicrobial properties and immune system support.