This Easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken is a sweet and tasty dish that cooks itself while you take a break! Just toss in chicken, honey, garlic, and a few other simple ingredients.
What’s great is that it makes your kitchen smell amazing while it cooks. And who doesn’t love coming home to a warm, yummy meal? I often serve it over rice for a perfect family dinner! 🥢
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts make for a lean option in this recipe. If you’re looking for a juicier choice, thighs can be used, as they tend to hold more moisture during cooking.
Honey: Honey is essential for that sweet flavor. If you’re out, you can substitute with maple syrup or agave nectar. They will give a slightly different taste but will work well overall.
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce if you want to control the saltiness. For a gluten-free version, try tamari or coconut aminos. Both will provide that umami taste without gluten.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. If you don’t have fresh, garlic powder can stand in. However, use about 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of fresh garlic.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a tangy kick to balance the sweetness. You can swap it with rice vinegar or white wine vinegar if needed.
How Can I Thicken the Sauce Properly?
Getting that sauce the right thickness is super important for the final dish. After cooking the chicken, a cornstarch slurry will help achieve that glossy, thicker consistency. Here’s how!
- Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl until smooth.
- Add the slurry to the sauce in the crockpot.
- Cook on high for another 10-15 minutes—this allows it to thicken nicely.
Watch it closely; the sauce will thicken as it cooks, so you’ll know when it’s ready to mix back in with your chicken!
How to Make Easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe requires about 10 minutes of prep time and takes between 3 to 6 hours to cook, depending on your setting. If you choose to cook it on low, it’ll take about 5 to 6 hours, while the high setting will take around 3 to 4 hours. Perfect for a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and black pepper. Stir these ingredients together until they are well mixed and smooth. This creates your delicious honey garlic sauce!
2. Coat the Chicken:
Now, place the chicken breasts in your crockpot. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. This will ensure that the chicken absorbs all the wonderful flavors as it cooks.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the crockpot with its lid. Cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken is done when it is tender and fully cooked through. You don’t want to rush this step, as longer cooking results in more flavorful chicken!
4. Slice or Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the crockpot and place it on a cutting board. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing or shredding it. This helps keep it juicy!
5. Thicken the Sauce:
To make the sauce thicker, mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the sauce that’s left in the crockpot. Cook on high for about 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce thickens up nicely.
6. Combine Chicken with Sauce:
Once the sauce is thickened, return the sliced or shredded chicken to the crockpot and give it a good stir to ensure it’s coated in all that delicious sauce.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your honey garlic chicken over rice or with your favorite sides. Don’t forget to garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if you like. Enjoy this easy and tasty meal!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great in this recipe and can stay even more tender due to their higher fat content. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if they are particularly large; they may require a bit longer to cook through.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
You can easily make this dish gluten-free by substituting regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Both alternatives provide a similar savory flavor without the gluten. Just be sure to check the other ingredients for any hidden gluten.
What If I Want to Make a Smaller Batch?
No problem! You can halved the recipe by using just 2 chicken breasts and adjusting the other ingredients accordingly. The cooking time will remain largely the same, so just keep an eye on the chicken for doneness.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. If the sauce thickens too much in the fridge, add a splash of water or broth when reheating to reach your desired consistency.
