Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, and truth be told, it might taste even better the next day; that is how Southern flavors settle and sing. Assemble and chill, then reheat gently when you are ready to serve.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely. Breasts will cook faster and can dry out if overcooked, so check them a bit earlier. On low, plan for about 3.5 to 4 hours.

How do I keep the chicken from falling apart if I want slices?

Cook on low and check at the earlier end of the time range. Remove the chicken as soon as it is just cooked so it holds its shape for slicing.

Is there a gluten-free version?

Yes. Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce substitute. Make sure your ketchup and cornstarch are labeled gluten-free if you plan to thicken the sauce.

Can I make a larger batch?

Yes. Increase ingredients proportionally but avoid packing the slow cooker too tightly. The heat needs to circulate for gentle cooking.

Easy Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken 2026

Name: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/3 cup honey; 1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred); 1/4 cup ketchup; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional); 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat); For Thickening (optional):; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons water; Sesame seeds; Chopped green onions

Description

A comforting and tender slow-cooked chicken dish with a sweet honey-garlic glaze that brings families together.

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/3 cup honey
1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
1/4 cup ketchup
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For Thickening (optional):
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
Sesame seeds
Chopped green onions

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Lightly season the chicken thighs or breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides. Lay them in the slow cooker in a single layer.
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, ginger, vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Stir until smooth.
Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring it’s well coated and the sauce pools around them.
Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
For optional thickening, remove chicken and transfer sauce to a saucepan. Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir into the sauce. Simmer until it thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
Return chicken to slow cooker or pour thickened sauce over the chicken. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Notes

Can be served with rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 240 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 30g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 90mg