Irresistible Crock-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe for Busy Days

Cooking a mouthwatering honey garlic chicken in the crock-pot promises an effortless meal that will delight your taste buds.

Slow-simmered flavors meld together, creating a symphony of sweet and savory notes.

Tender chicken pieces bathe in a rich, glossy sauce that hints at comfort and warmth.

Minimal prep work means maximum enjoyment for anyone seeking a delicious dinner solution.

Simple ingredients come together to craft a memorable dish that feels like a culinary embrace.

Weeknight dinners just became more exciting with this foolproof recipe that lets the crock-pot do all the hard work.

Garlic Chicken That’s Sweet, Sticky, and Simple

• Simplify Dinner Prep: Effortlessly combine ingredients in the Crock-Pot and let it work its magic, transforming simple chicken into a delicious meal with minimal hands-on cooking.
• Bursting with Flavor: The honey garlic sauce creates a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy notes that will make taste buds dance with excitement.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adaptable for family dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings, this recipe suits everyone from picky eaters to adventurous food lovers.
• Healthy Comfort Food: Packed with protein and cooked without excess oil, this dish offers a nutritious alternative to takeout while satisfying comfort food cravings.

Crock-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Ingredient List

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat for the main dish.

• Soy Sauce: Adds savory umami flavor.
• Honey: Provides natural sweetness.
• Ketchup: Offers tangy base for the sauce.
• Minced Garlic: Brings bold, aromatic flavor.
• Basil: Adds fresh herbal note.
• Oregano: Contributes earthy herb taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces mild spicy kick.

• Cornstarch, Water: Creates smooth sauce consistency.
• Sesame Seeds: Adds nutty crunch.
• Green Onions: Provides fresh, light topping.

Honey Garlic Chicken in Crock-Pot – Easy Method

Step 1: Blend Zesty Sauce

Grab a mixing bowl and whisk together soy sauce, honey, ketchup, minced garlic, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes until the ingredients create a smooth, aromatic marinade.

Step 2: Nestle Chicken in Slow Cooker

Gently place chicken breasts into the Crock-Pot and generously pour the prepared sauce over them, making sure each piece is completely covered and coated with the flavorful mixture.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the Crock-Pot and let the chicken simmer on low heat for 4 hours, allowing the meat to become incredibly tender and absorb all the delicious sauce flavors.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

In a separate small bowl, dissolve cornstarch in water to create a smooth slurry. Pour this mixture into the Crock-Pot, then increase the heat to high and cook for an additional 30 minutes to create a rich, glossy sauce.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the succulent chicken to a serving platter, sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. This mouthwatering dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or a medley of seasonal vegetables.

Best Tips for Honey Garlic Chicken in Crock-Pot

• Seal in Flavor: Let the chicken marinate briefly before slow cooking to enhance its taste absorption and tenderness.
• Control Sauce Thickness: Adjust cornstarch amount for your preferred sauce consistency, adding more if you want a thicker glaze or less for a lighter coating.
• Prevent Dryness: Choose chicken breasts with some fat content or use bone-in pieces to keep the meat moist during long cooking times.
• Boost Herb Intensity: Toast dried basil and oregano lightly in a pan before adding to the sauce to release deeper, more robust herbal notes.
• Dietary Swap: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version that maintains the rich umami flavor profile.

Crock-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken: Store And Reheat Like A Pro

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer chicken and sauce to freezer-safe containers. Keeps well for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place chicken in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in baking dish, cover with foil. Warm for 15-20 minutes, adding small amount of chicken broth to maintain moisture.

Honey Garlic Chicken Pairing Tips

• Pair Perfectly with Zesty White Wine: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling cuts through the sweet and savory chicken, balancing its rich honey garlic flavors with bright, refreshing acidity.
• Complement with Nutty Brown Rice Pilaf: Toasted brown rice studded with almonds and herbs creates a hearty base that absorbs the delicious sauce and adds textural contrast to the tender chicken.
• Match with Crunchy Asian Slaw: Shredded cabbage, carrots, and green onions tossed in a light sesame-rice vinegar dressing provides a cool, crisp side that enhances the dish's Asian-inspired profile.
• Elevate with Roasted Sesame Broccoli: Tender-crisp broccoli florets roasted with sesame oil and seeds echo the dish's garnish while adding a nutritious green vegetable component that complements the chicken's richness.

Slow Cooker Chicken Sauces & Rubs

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe gluten-free. Use certified gluten-free cornstarch for thickening.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add sriracha sauce or increase red pepper flakes for extra heat. Consider mixing in diced jalapeños for more intense spiciness.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip honey and use sugar-free honey substitute or monk fruit sweetener. Serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice for fewer carbohydrates.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: This recipe is naturally dairy-free. Ensure all ingredients are dairy-free certified. Pair with dairy-free side dishes like roasted vegetables or quinoa.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but add 1-2 hours to the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked and reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes provide a mild heat. You can reduce or omit them for a milder version, or add more if you prefer a spicier dish.

• Can I substitute honey with another sweetener?

Maple syrup or brown sugar work well as alternatives to honey. They’ll provide similar sweetness and help create a rich sauce.

• What if I don't have fresh herbs?

Dried basil and oregano are perfectly fine substitutes. Use about 1/3 of the amount called for in the recipe since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.

Crock-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory “Crock-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken” delivers mouthwatering comfort with minimal effort. Succulent chicken bathes in sweet-tangy sauce, promising a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Sauce and Seasoning:

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) soy sauce
• 1/2 cup (170 g) honey
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) ketchup
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Thickening Agents:

• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) water

Garnish:

• Sesame seeds
• Sliced green onions

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty marinade by blending soy sauce, honey, ketchup, minced garlic, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl until well combined.
2. Nestle chicken breasts into the Crock-Pot, then lavishly coat them with the prepared flavor-packed sauce, ensuring every inch is generously covered.
3. Secure the lid and allow the chicken to slow-cook on low temperature for approximately 4 hours, transforming the meat into a succulent, tender delicacy.
4. As cooking concludes, create a quick thickening agent by whisking cornstarch into water until completely dissolved.
5. Pour the cornstarch mixture into the Crock-Pot, elevate the heat to high, and let the sauce simmer and concentrate for an additional 30 minutes.
6. Transfer the glossy, caramelized chicken to a serving platter, then embellish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions.
7. Present this aromatic dish atop a bed of fluffy rice or alongside vibrant steamed vegetables for a complete, mouthwatering meal.

Notes

• Swap chicken breasts with thighs for richer flavor and more moisture, especially if you prefer darker meat.
• Reduce honey by half if watching sugar intake, and replace with sugar-free maple syrup for similar sweetness.
• Using fresh herbs instead of dried basil and oregano can elevate the sauce’s brightness and complexity.
• Drain excess liquid before thickening to create a more concentrated and glossy sauce coating the chicken perfectly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg