Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken That’s Sweet, Savory, and Tender

It was one of those rainy afternoons when the house smelled like comfort. I tossed everything into the slow cooker, went about my day, and came back to a warm, garlicky-sweet aroma that wrapped around me like a blanket. That’s the magic of Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken — it greets you at the door like an old friend.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is tender, juicy, and packed with a perfect mix of sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and a hint of garlicky heat. The flavors balance beautifully, with just enough spice to keep every bite interesting.
It’s also a no-fuss dinner — you spend a few minutes mixing the sauce and placing everything in the slow cooker, then let it work its magic.
Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. Serve it over rice, with roasted vegetables, or even on a fresh salad. This is the kind of meal that fits weeknight dinners, meal prep Sundays, or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chicken thighs or breasts (1½ lbs) – thighs for extra juiciness, breasts for leaner meat
• Low-sodium soy sauce (⅓ cup) – adds deep umami
• Honey (⅓ cup) – brings natural sweetness
• Tomato paste (2 tbsp) – gives body and a subtle tang
• Chili paste (2 tsp) – for a touch of heat; sriracha works well
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced) – fragrant and bold
• Rice vinegar (1 tbsp) – balances the flavors
• Cornstarch (2 tbsp) – to thicken the sauce at the end

You can swap soy sauce for tamari to make it gluten-free. Arrowroot starch works well for a paleo-friendly option.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken and Sauce

Place the chicken in a 6-quart or larger slow cooker, arranging the pieces so they sit in an even layer. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, golden honey, rich tomato paste, spicy chili paste, minced garlic, and tangy rice vinegar until the sauce is smooth and well combined. This flavorful blend will give your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken its signature sweet, savory, and slightly spicy taste. Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece is generously coated with the sauce. Use a spoon to drizzle any extra sauce from the bowl over the top for maximum flavor coverage.

Cook Until Tender

Set your slow cooker to LOW for about 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, depending on your schedule. This slow and steady cooking process is what makes Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken so tender and flavorful. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches a safe 165°F before serving. If possible, flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time to help it cook evenly and soak up more of that sweet, savory honey garlic sauce. Taking the extra minute to check and turn the chicken ensures every bite of your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is juicy, well-coated, and perfectly cooked.

Thicken the Sauce

Remove the chicken to a plate and set it aside, keeping it warm. In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with a few tablespoons of the hot cooking liquid from the slow cooker until smooth and lump-free. Pour this slurry back into the slow cooker, stirring well so it blends evenly into the sauce. Cook on HIGH for another 15–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens into a glossy, rich glaze that will coat the Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken beautifully. If you prefer, you can transfer the sauce to a small saucepan and thicken it on the stovetop over medium heat for 5–10 minutes.

Shred and Serve

Shred the chicken with two forks, pulling it apart into bite-sized pieces so it soaks up all the delicious flavor. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir well, letting it get fully coated in that rich honey garlic sauce. This step makes every bite of your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken juicy and flavorful. Serve it over a bed of steaming hot rice so the sauce can drizzle down and mingle with the grains. For extra freshness and a pop of color, top each serving with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Enjoy it right away while it’s warm and comforting.

Tips for Best Results

Thighs vs. Breasts

Thighs stay wonderfully juicy and tender in Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken, even after several hours of cooking. Their higher fat content makes them forgiving, so they hold flavor and moisture beautifully. If you prefer a leaner option, chicken breasts work well too, but they require a little extra attention. Check them earlier in the cooking process to prevent overcooking, since they can dry out faster in a slow cooker. Whether you choose thighs or breasts, both will absorb the sweet, savory, and garlicky sauce perfectly. Just remember to adjust the timing slightly based on the cut you use, so every bite is moist, flavorful, and satisfying.

Avoid Overcooking

Always use a meat thermometer when making Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken to confirm it reaches 165°F. Cooking past this point can dry the meat and make it noticeably less tender.

Spice Level

Adjust the chili paste in your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken based on your heat preference. Adding a little extra spice can give the dish a bold, flavorful kick everyone enjoys.

Serving Suggestions

With Veggies

Pair Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken with steamed broccoli for freshness, sautéed bok choy for a mild crunch, or stir-fried green beans for a flavorful, colorful side that complements the sweet-savory sauce.

With Rice

Classic white rice, hearty brown rice, or low-carb cauliflower rice all work beautifully with Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken, soaking up the sweet-savory sauce and making every bite warm, satisfying, and flavorful.

With Salad

An Asian-inspired slaw or crisp cucumber salad adds a fresh crunch to Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken, balancing its sweet-savory flavors with light, refreshing textures for a perfect meal pairing.

Storage, Reheating, and Freezing

Store any leftover Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to keep it fresh and flavorful. When you are ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce and prevent drying. You can also warm it in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between for even heating. For longer storage, freeze the cooled Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken in a tightly sealed, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Always thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture and taste.

Explore Similar Recipes

If you love this sweet-savory combo, try my Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken for a sweet-savory slow cooker dinner .
For something creamy and rich, check out Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken with creamy sun-dried tomato sauce .
Or switch it up with Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli for a quick weeknight stir-fry .

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe Card

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Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a warm hug in a bowl. It’s simple, flavorful, and makes the house smell incredible. I hope you’ll give it a try and share it with friends or family. If you do, I’d love to see your creations — tag me on Instagram or save it to your board on Pinterest .