Sticky Honey Garlic Chili Chicken for a Quick Dinner Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a deeper flavor profile, toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for one to two minutes until they are golden brown and fragrant before sprinkling them over the chicken. This simple step adds a nutty complexity that complements the sweetness of the honey glaze beautifully.

If the sauce is not as thick as desired after the cooking time is complete, remove the chicken and set the slow cooker to high heat for 15 minutes with the lid off. This allows the sauce to reduce further into a syrupy consistency before pouring it back over the plated chicken.

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add a tablespoon of sriracha or red chili paste to the sauce mixture before cooking to increase the heat level for those who enjoy a spicier dish.
• Citrus Infusion: Stir in the zest of one lime and a tablespoon of fresh lime juice just before serving to add a bright, acidic note that cuts through the sweetness of the honey.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Reheat in a microwave-safe dish or a pan over low heat until steaming hot throughout.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent the sauce from drying out.

Place the container in the refrigerator as soon as the chicken has cooled to room temperature, ensuring this happens within two hours of cooking. Properly stored, the chicken will remain safe to eat for up to three days.

This dish is perfect for preparing ahead of time. You can assemble the raw chicken and sauce in the slow cooker insert, cover it, and keep it in the refrigerator overnight.

When ready to cook, simply place the insert into the slow cooker base and add 30 minutes to the total cooking time to account for the cold start.

Serving ideas

Serve this sticky honey garlic chili chicken over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or quinoa to soak up the excess glaze.

A side of stir-fried snap peas or steamed broccoli provides a nice crunch and balance to the richness of the chicken, creating a complete and satisfying meal for any night of the week.

For a lighter option, serve the chicken sliced over a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette.

The contrast between the warm, sticky glaze and the cool, crunchy vegetables is refreshing and makes for a sophisticated presentation that works well for both casual family dinners and impromptu gatherings with friends.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Sticky Honey Garlic Chili Chicken for a Quick Dinner

Prep 10 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 15 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup honey garlic chili sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 2 stalks scallions, sliced

Instructions

1. Place the boneless skinless chicken thighs into the basin of the slow cooker, ensuring they are arranged in a single layer for even cooking throughout the process.
2. Pour the honey garlic chili sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
3. Use metal tongs to lift the tender chicken thighs from the slow cooker, allowing excess sauce to drip off before placing them on a serving plate. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and freshly sliced scallions.

Contains: gluten, soy, sesame

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

380

Protein

28 g

Carbohydrates

35 g

Fat

14 g

Fiber

1 g

Sugar

28 g

Sodium

650 mg

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