It is 6pm and you are tired. Dinner needs to happen fast without any stress.
This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is your new secret weapon. It delivers a tender, golden meal that your whole family will crave. You can set it and forget it while you go about your day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a total winner for busy fall weeknights. You just toss everything in and walk away. The chicken becomes incredibly tender and juicy in the slow cooker.
It is much better than takeout and costs much less too. Your kids will love the sweet and savory glaze. It makes back-to-school evenings feel much easier and more relaxed.
Simple Method
Making this dish is truly beginner-friendly and simple. You just whisk a quick sauce and pour it over the meat. There is no fancy equipment needed for this meal.
The slow cooker does all the hard work for you. Even if you are new to cooking, you can do this. You will have a restaurant-quality dinner with very little effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple pantry staples you likely already have.
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
Step-by-Step
- Place the chicken thighs in an even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Whisk honey, soy sauce, ketchup, vegetable oil, garlic, onion, and oregano in a mixing bowl until combined.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken thighs.
- Cover and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours (or on low for 6 to 7 hours).
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and transfer to a cutting board to shred or chop into bite-sized pieces.
- In a small container, whisk cornstarch and cold water until smooth to form a slurry.
- Stir the slurry into the liquid remaining in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for an additional 15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Return the chicken to the slow cooker and toss thoroughly to coat with the thickened sauce.
- Serve warm over rice, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this chicken warm over a bed of fluffy white rice. It also tastes great with a side of steamed broccoli. The green onions add a fresh, bright crunch to every bite.
Pack any extras into containers for easy weekday lunches. This meal travels well and stays delicious when reheated. It is a perfect way to fuel your busy family.
How to Store Leftovers
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to four days. You can also freeze this meal for later. Reheat it in a 350°F oven for ten minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy and the sauce thick.
Tips for Best Results
- Use chicken thighs for the most tender results.
- Do not skip the cornstarch slurry at the end.
- Freshly minced garlic makes a huge flavor difference.
- Double the sauce if you love extra glaze.
- Make sure your onion is diced very finely.
- For a holiday twist, add a splash of orange juice.
- Avoid lifting the lid while the chicken cooks.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Swap honey for maple syrup for a different sweetness.
- Add fresh ginger for a bright, zesty kick.
- Use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat.
- Stir in some snap peas during the last 15 minutes.
Common Questions
Can I use frozen chicken?
It is best to thaw your chicken first. This ensures it cooks evenly and safely. Frozen chicken may release too much water into the sauce.
Will my kids eat this?
Yes, this is very kid-approved and family-friendly. The sweet honey glaze is always a hit with picky eaters. It is not spicy at all.
I hope this easy meal brings some peace to your busy weeknights. It is so satisfying to have dinner waiting for you. Happy cooking!
— Lidia
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup hone y
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchu p
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic , minced
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons cornstarc h
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
Instructions
- Place the chicken thighs in an even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Whisk honey, soy sauce, ketchup, vegetable oil, garlic, onion, and oregano in a mixing bowl until combined.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken thighs.
- Cover and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours (or on low for 6 to 7 hours).
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and transfer to a cutting board to shred or chop into bite-sized pieces.
- In a small container, whisk cornstarch and cold water until smooth to form a slurry.
- Stir the slurry into the liquid remaining in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for an additional 15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Return the chicken to the slow cooker and toss thoroughly to coat with the thickened sauce.
- Serve warm over rice, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
