If I had to pick a dish that always wins at the dinner table, it would be honey garlic chicken. It’s the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen smell amazing long before it’s ready.
The mix of sweet honey, rich garlic, and tender, juicy chicken thighs is pure magic.
The slow cooker does all the work, letting the flavors soak deep into the meat while keeping it incredibly tender.
Whether you’re looking for a stress-free weeknight meal or something special for guests, this dish delivers big, bold flavor with almost no effort. Serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or even roasted vegetables, and watch it disappear!
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Some honey garlic chicken recipes end up too sweet or lacking depth, but this one hits the perfect balance of flavors.
The honey adds just the right amount of sweetness, while the garlic and soy sauce bring a rich, savory contrast. A splash of rice vinegar keeps things from being overly sugary, making this dish incredibly well-rounded.
The slow cooker method infuses the chicken with deep, bold flavor while keeping it juicy. No dry chicken here—just tender, melt-in-your-mouth bites coated in a glossy, sticky sauce.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors – The sweetness of honey combined with the boldness of garlic creates an irresistible glaze.
- Fall-Apart Tender Chicken – Slow cooking allows the chicken to soak in all the flavors while staying juicy.
- Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor – Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its thing.
- Family-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing – Everyone from kids to adults will love this dish.
- Great for Meal Prep – Make extra and use leftovers for easy lunches throughout the week.
Key Ingredients for the Best Honey Garlic Chicken
The magic of this dish lies in a handful of simple ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building the rich, flavorful sauce.
- Bone-In or Boneless Chicken Thighs – Dark meat stays juicy and absorbs the sauce beautifully.
- Honey – Adds natural sweetness and helps create that signature sticky glaze.
- Garlic – The star ingredient that infuses deep, bold flavor into the sauce.
- Soy Sauce – Provides a savory, umami kick that balances the sweetness.
- Rice Vinegar – A touch of acidity keeps the sauce from being overly sweet.
- Cornstarch Slurry – Thickens the sauce, turning it into a luscious, glossy glaze.
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
You won’t believe how easy this is. Toss everything in, set it, and walk away. When you return, you’ll have the most flavorful, fall-apart chicken with a thick, sticky sauce.
- Prepare the Sauce – In a small bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and rice vinegar. Stir well.
- Layer the Chicken – Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker in a single layer. Pour the sauce over the top.
- Slow Cook Until Tender – Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and infused with flavor.
- Thicken the Sauce – In the last 30 minutes, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and stir it into the slow cooker. This creates a glossy, rich glaze.
- Serve and Enjoy – Plate the chicken over rice, noodles, or veggies, spooning extra sauce on top.
This dish is comfort food at its best—sweet, garlicky, and deeply satisfying.
Best Side Dishes for Honey Garlic Chicken
Pair this dish with sides that complement its rich, bold flavors. A mix of textures—fluffy, crispy, or fresh—makes for a perfect meal.
| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Steamed Jasmine Rice | Absorbs the thick, flavorful sauce beautifully. |
| Garlic Mashed Potatoes | Creamy and rich, making every bite extra satisfying. |
| Roasted Broccoli | Adds a slight crunch and balances the sweetness. |
| Stir-Fried Vegetables | A fresh, light contrast to the sticky glaze. |
| Coconut Rice | A hint of coconut pairs beautifully with the honey garlic sauce. |
| Asian Slaw | Crunchy and refreshing with a light tangy dressing. |
| Sesame Green Beans | Adds a slightly nutty crunch to round out the meal. |
Storage & Reheating Instructions
This dish stores well and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.
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How to Store Leftover Honey Garlic Chicken
- Let the chicken cool before transferring to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat Honey Garlic Chicken
- Stovetop: Heat in a pan over medium-low, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
- Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 325°F (165°C) for 15-20 minutes.
Tips for the Best Honey Garlic Chicken
A few simple tweaks can take this dish from good to absolutely irresistible.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for the juiciest result.
- For crispier skin, sear the chicken in a pan before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry—it thickens the sauce and gives it that signature sticky texture.
- Add red pepper flakes for a little heat if you like a spicy-sweet balance.
- For an extra depth of flavor, stir in a tablespoon of butter before serving.
FAQs About Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but chicken thighs stay juicier. If using breasts, reduce the cooking time by 30-45 minutes to avoid drying them out.
2. Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then do a natural release. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for a few minutes to thicken the sauce.
3. What if my sauce is too thin?
Mix an extra teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stir it into the slow cooker. Let it cook for 10-15 more minutes.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! The flavors get even better after sitting for a day. Store in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.
5. Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
You can! Carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas hold up well. Add them in the last hour of cooking to keep them from getting too soft.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Equipment
- Slow Cooker For slow cooking the chicken until tender
- Mixing Bowl For preparing the honey garlic sauce
- Whisk For mixing the sauce ingredients evenly
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup honey
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch for thickening
- 1 tablespoon lime juice freshly squeezed
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and rice vinegar until well combined.
- Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker and pour the honey garlic sauce over them.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
- In the last 30 minutes, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the chicken before serving.
- Serve over rice or with roasted vegetables, drizzling extra sauce on top.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, let the slow cooker simmer uncovered for an additional 15 minutes after adding the cornstarch slurry.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!