Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts

Looking for an easy chicken recipe that delivers big on flavor? This slow cooker honey garlic chicken practically makes itself while filling your home with an irresistible aroma. Just set it up and come back to a delicious meal the whole family will love!

If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like my Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken or Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy. For another Asian-inspired dish, try my Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef which uses similar flavor profiles.

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple ingredients – This honey garlic chicken uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand, making it perfect for last-minute meal planning.
• Versatile protein – The tender chicken breasts work beautifully as a main dish over rice, in wraps, or even chopped into salads for meal prep throughout the week.
• Kid-friendly flavor – The sweet and savory combo of honey and garlic is a hit with even picky eaters, making this a true family-friendly dinner option.
• Hands-off cooking – With just 10 minutes of prep time, your slow cooker does all the work while you focus on other things. Perfect for busy days when you can’t babysit the stove.

What is Honey Garlic Sauce?

Honey garlic sauce is a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that creates a sticky, delicious glaze for chicken. The combination of honey’s natural sweetness with the aromatic punch of garlic creates a sauce that caramelizes beautifully as it cooks.

Unlike teriyaki sauce which often includes mirin (rice wine), honey garlic sauce relies on honey as its primary sweetener. The addition of soy sauce brings a salty depth, while the cornstarch helps thicken the sauce to that perfect consistency that clings to every bite of chicken.

This sauce has become increasingly popular in quick chicken recipes because it uses simple ingredients but delivers complex flavor. It’s an excellent introduction to Asian-inspired cooking for those who might be intimidated by more traditional recipes.

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Ingredients

See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts – Cut into bite-sized pieces for quicker cooking and maximum sauce coverage. This recipe uses 2 pounds, perfect for feeding about 6 people.
• Honey – The star ingredient that brings natural sweetness and helps create that sticky, caramelized texture.
• Low sodium soy sauce – Adds that savory umami flavor while allowing you to control the overall saltiness of the dish.
• Cornstarch – The key to achieving a thick, glossy sauce that perfectly coats the chicken.
• Garlic cloves – Fresh minced garlic provides the aromatic foundation of this dish. Don’t skimp here—3-5 cloves gives the perfect punch.
• Chili crisp oil – Adds a subtle heat and complexity to balance the sweetness of the honey.
• Onion powder – Provides depth of flavor without the texture of fresh onions.
• Black pepper – Just enough to enhance the other flavors without overwhelming.
• Green onions – A fresh, bright garnish that complements the rich flavors of the dish.
• Sesame seeds – Adds a nutty crunch and visual appeal as a garnish.

Substitutions and Additions

• Protein options – If you prefer dark meat, boneless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and stay even more juicy.
• Heat level – Adjust the spice by adding red pepper flakes or substituting sriracha for some or all of the chili crisp oil.
• Sesame flavor – Replace the chili crisp oil with sesame oil for a different flavor profile with a nutty undertone.
• Citrus brightness – Add a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice or orange juice to brighten the flavors.
• Vegetable boost – Toss in broccoli florets, snap peas, or sliced bell peppers during the last 30 minutes of cooking for an easy one-pot meal.
• Pineapple twist – Add chunks of fresh pineapple in the last hour of cooking for a sweet-and-sour variation.

How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken (step-by-step directions)

STEP 1. Place the cut chicken breast pieces into your slow cooker pot. (Photo 1)

STEP 2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, cornstarch, minced garlic, chili crisp oil, onion powder, and black pepper until fully combined. (Photos 2 & 3)

STEP 3. Pour this honey garlic sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, making sure all pieces are well coated. (Photo 4)

STEP 4. Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. (Photo 5)

STEP 5. Once done, give everything a gentle stir to coat the chicken pieces with the thickened sauce.

STEP 6. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving, preferably over steamed white rice. (Photo 6)

Recipe Tips

• For maximum flavor, let the chicken sit in the sauce mixture for 15-30 minutes before starting the slow cooker if you have time.
• If the sauce is too thin after cooking, remove the chicken and set aside covered to keep warm. Turn the slow cooker to HIGH, leave the lid off, and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes to reduce and thicken.
• Don’t cut the chicken pieces too small, as they may become dry during the longer cooking process. Aim for 1-1.5 inch chunks.
• Avoid cooking this recipe on HIGH heat as chicken breast can easily become tough and dry. LOW and slow is key for juicy chicken breast in the slow cooker.
• If you find the sauce too sweet, balance it with an extra splash of soy sauce or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Storing Tips

• Storage: Allow the honey garlic chicken to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Warm gently in the microwave in 30-second increments or in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to prevent drying out.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Meal prep: Portion the chicken and sauce over rice in individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.

Serving Suggestions

This honey garlic chicken pairs perfectly with Cilantro Lime Rice or Crockpot Spanish Rice. For a lower-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or alongside Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze.

Add some Fresh Pineapple Salsa With Jalapenos on the side for a bright contrast to the rich honey garlic sauce. For a complete Asian-inspired meal, include some Air Fryer Egg Rolls as an appetizer.

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