Easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken with Glossy Sauce Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the best flavor, use a good-quality soy sauce and fresh garlic. The honey should be runny and not crystallized.

If you like a little heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes, though the video doesn't include them. The ketchup is essential for the classic flavor and color, so don't skip it.

To make the sauce extra glossy, whisk the cornstarch slurry thoroughly before adding it to the crockpot. Stir it in gently and let it cook on high for at least 15 minutes.

If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin it out. Serve the chicken with rice or noodles to catch all the delicious sauce.

Variations

• Spicy Honey Garlic: Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for a gentle kick. The sweetness of the honey balances the heat nicely.
• Orange Honey Garlic: Replace the apple cider vinegar with orange juice and add a teaspoon of orange zest to the sauce. This gives a citrusy brightness that pairs well with the garlic.
• Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs: Use frozen meatballs instead of chicken thighs and reduce the cooking time to 3 to 4 hours on low. The sauce works perfectly with meatballs for a party appetizer.
• Crispy Finish: After the chicken is cooked and sauced, transfer it to a baking sheet and broil for 2 to 3 minutes to caramelize the glaze and crisp the edges. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The sauce will thicken when cold; add a splash of water before reheating.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.

Reheat

Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. Heat until steaming and hot throughout.

Store leftover honey garlic chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

The sauce will thicken as it cools, so you may want to add a splash of water when reheating to loosen it. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

You can assemble the chicken and sauce in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, place the insert in the slow cooker and cook as directed. If you do this, add about 30 minutes to the cooking time to account for the cold start.

Serving ideas

Serve the honey garlic chicken over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles to soak up the glossy sauce. A side of steamed broccoli or green beans adds color and crunch. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds if you like, though the video doesn't show them.

This dish also works well in lettuce wraps or as a filling for tacos. The sweet and savory flavor pairs nicely with a fresh cucumber salad or coleslaw.

For a family dinner, place the chicken in the center of the table and let everyone spoon extra sauce over their portions.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken with Glossy Sauce

Prep 15 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 15 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp water

Instructions

1. Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker in a single layer, overlapping slightly if needed. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and black pepper until smooth. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken, turning the pieces to coat them well.
2. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Avoid opening the lid during cooking to keep the heat steady.
3. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the water to make a slurry. Gently stir the slurry into the hot sauce in the slow cooker. Cover again and cook on high for 15 to 20 minutes, until the sauce thickens and turns glossy.
4. Remove the lid and let the steam rise. Use a spoon to coat the chicken with the thick honey garlic sauce. Transfer the chicken to a serving plate and spoon extra sauce over the top. Cut a piece with a fork to show the juicy interior, then serve hot.

Contains: soy, gluten

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

380

Protein

32 g

Carbohydrates

28 g

Fat

16 g

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.