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This crockpot honey garlic chicken is my foolproof weeknight dinner when I want lots of flavor without loads of effort. You just whisk up a sweet savory sauce pour it over cut-up chicken let the slow cooker do its thing and come back to the most irresistible sticky glazed chicken that tastes just like your favorite takeout order. Every bite is packed with rich honey garlic and a little bit of spice and it is as reliable as it is craveworthy.
I first made this recipe when I needed something set-and-forget for a busy workday and my family asked when we are having it again before even finishing their plates. It is earned a permanent spot in my weeknight dinner rotation.
Ingredients
- boneless skinless chicken breasts: pick chicken that is pink and firm for freshness
- honey: adds natural sweetness and gives the sauce its signature sticky shine choose real honey for best flavor
- low sodium soy sauce: brings that classic umami savor skip regular soy so the dish does not get too salty
- cornstarch: thickens the glaze so it clings to each bite buy from a fresh bag for smooth mixing
- garlic: go for fresh cloves and mince them finely for bold punch
- chili crisp oil: gives subtle heat and crispy texture choose one with real chili flakes and garlic for extra flavor
- onion powder: boosts the savory notes gently use a fresh jar for peak taste
- black pepper: add freshly cracked for robust bite
- sliced green onions: vibrant garnish and little crunch get crisp bright looking stalks
- sesame seeds: give that nutty toasted finish try toasting briefly in a dry pan for extra aroma
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Cut chicken breasts into even bite-sized pieces. Place them in the bottom of your slow cooker. This lets every piece evenly absorb the sauce and cook through gently without drying out.
- Mix the Sauce:
- In a mixing bowl whisk together honey low sodium soy sauce cornstarch minced garlic chili crisp oil onion powder and black pepper until completely smooth. Make sure no cornstarch lumps remain so the sauce turns out silky.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Pour the sauce over the chicken making sure every piece is evenly coated. This helps the chicken soak up the flavor from all sides as it cooks.
- Set and Cook:
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for four to five hours until the chicken is very tender and cooked through. Cooking low and slow builds a richer sauce and keeps the meat juicy.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Give the chicken a gentle stir then chop green onions and toast your sesame seeds if you like. Sprinkle both over the chicken just before serving for crunch color and a nutty scent.
I love the addition of chili crisp oil for a gentle heat and little crunchy bits. Last winter my kids started asking for a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top and now it is a must for texture and that nutty aroma at the table.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The sauce actually thickens and deepens in flavor by the next day making leftovers even better for lunch. If freezing cool the chicken and sauce first then pack in sealed freezer bags or containers for up to three months.
Easy Ingredient Swaps
You can swap the chicken breasts for boneless chicken thighs if you want extra juicy texture. Try maple syrup instead of honey for a richer sweetness or stir in a splash of rice vinegar for added tang. If you want to skip chili crisp oil use a teaspoon of toasted sesame oil and a pinch of crushed red pepper instead.
How to Serve
Pile the honey garlic chicken over fluffy white rice to soak up every bit of the sticky sauce. It is also great with steamed broccoli or snap peas for color and freshness. Some nights I toss the chicken with cooked rice noodles and extra green onions for a takeout-style noodle bowl at home.
Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken and Family Traditions
This recipe was born out of wanting an easy weeknight win—minimal prep maximum flavor. Honey garlic sauce is a classic flavor combo you will find across Asian-inspired kitchens. The crockpot makes it possible for anyone to get that same takeout-style flavor while juggling family schedules or just craving comfort food with zero stress.
Seasonal Adaptations
roast carrots or bell peppers along with the chicken for seasonal color add snap peas during the last thirty minutes for bright crunch swap in fresh spring onions or garlic scapes when in season
Success Stories
A friend of mine makes this every weekend for her family’s meal prep. Her tip is to double the sauce if you love a rice-soaked dinner. My youngest once asked for this chicken for their birthday dinner—high praise from a picky eater.
Freezer Meal Conversion
To make this a ready freezer meal combine all the sauce ingredients and raw chicken in a gallon freezer bag. Freeze flat then thaw in the refrigerator. Dump straight into the crockpot in the morning for the easiest dinner ever.
This comforting honey garlic chicken becomes requested in my house all year long. Get ready for an easy dinner that disappears fast and gets rave reviews every time.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use frozen chicken for this dish?
It's best to thaw chicken before cooking for food safety and even results. If using frozen, increase cooking time and ensure it reaches 165°F internally.
- → Should I sear the chicken before slow cooking?
Searing isn't necessary. Add chicken directly to the slow cooker; it will become tender and flavorful as it cooks in the honey garlic sauce.
- → How can I make the sauce thicker?
Mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry, then stir into the slow cooker 30 minutes before serving for a thicker glaze.
- → What type of chicken works best?
Boneless skinless chicken breasts, thighs, or tenderloins all work well. Thighs offer juicier meat, while breasts are leaner.
- → What sides pair well with this chicken?
Serve over rice, noodles, quinoa, or with steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for a satisfying meal.
- → How can I store leftovers?
Cool chicken completely before storing in an airtight container. Refrigerate 3–4 days or freeze up to 3 months.