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Fast Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken (2025)

Brittany Kline | Updated February 4, 2025 Recipes

Discover the simplicity and deliciousness of slow cooker honey garlic chicken, a meal your whole family will love. A perfect 'dump recipe' for busy days - just set it and forget it until dinner time!
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
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A plate of slow cooker honey garlic chicken served over white rice, garnished with green onions and red pepper flakes. A simple, one-pot meal made with real food ingredients.

Once in a blue moon… I make a new meal that the ENTIRE family devours. Folks, this is one of those meals.

This slow cooker honey garlic chicken is sweet, a teensy bit spicy, and packed full of flavor. My youngest probably ate about a pound of it!

This honey garlic chicken recipe is part of an AMAZING slow cooker dump meal plan!

Best of all, this is a ‘dump recipe’. What I mean by that is that you just dump all the ingredients in the slow cooker and then turn it on. And there really aren’t many ingredients either…

I mean, I could do a step-by-step with pictures along the way, but why? You just throw it in the slow cooker, and then shred with a fork when it’s done.

This delicious recipe lends itself for a perfect freezer meal too!

Key Takeaways

A plate of slow cooker honey garlic chicken served over white rice, garnished with green onions and red pepper flakes. A simple, one-pot meal made with real food ingredients.

  • Cook Time: Medium – 6 hours; High – 4 hours
  • Main Ingredients: Chicken breasts, honey, garlic, soy sauce, ginger, and more
  • Servings: 4-6
  • Extras: Add green beans, broccoli, carrots, and more to fill up your dish with nutrition
  • Tips: Trim your chicken breast really well to make shredding easier; use chicken thighs for a juicer dish

Fast Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Making this slow cooker honey garlic chicken is as easy as it gets, and the result is a flavorful and tender meal that everyone will love.

Here are a few tips and steps to guide you through my process:

Ensure your chicken breast is trimmed of any excess fat for the best texture. Though the recipe calls for boneless skinless chicken breasts, you could experiment with chicken thighs for a richer flavor.

I tend to switch between boneless skinless chicken thighs and breasts, but chicken thighs are most cost-effective for less expensive meals.

A rough chop is all you need here since everything will soften and meld together in the slow cooker. No need for precision.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, water, ginger, fresh garlic, and red pepper flakes. This ensures an even distribution of flavors before pouring it over the chicken and onions in the crockpot.

Once you’ve added all your ingredients to the crockpot, give it a gentle stir to make sure the chicken is well-coated.

Then, set your slow cooker to cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours. This flexibility makes it a great recipe to start in the afternoon for dinner or in the morning for a meal waiting for you after work.

After the cooking time, shredding the chicken should be effortless. A couple of forks should do the trick, but a potato masher can work even faster.

Be sure to mix the shredded chicken back into the sauce for maximum flavor and easy serving.

This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of white rice, which soaks up the delicious sauce. For a pop of color and freshness, garnish with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

With its hassle-free preparation and delicious results, this slow cooker honey garlic chicken is bound to become a recurring favorite on your family dinner menu.

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Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours hours
Total Time: 4 hours hours 10 minutes minutes
Servings: 4 -6
Author: Brittany Kline
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Ingredients

  • 1 - 1.5 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast
  • 1/2 onion chopped
  • 3 Tbsp soy sauce
  • 3 Tbsp honey
  • 2 Tbsp water
  • 1.5 tsp fresh ginger or 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 3 cloves of garlic pressed or minced
  • A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or 1 tsp if you like it spicy

Instructions

  • Place chicken in the crockpot.
  • Add all other ingredients on top and mix.
  • Cook on medium for 6 hours, or high for 4 hours.
  • Shred with forks or a potato masher.
  • Serve over rice and top with chopped green onions.

Recipe Substitutions

For those looking to customize the Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken recipe, several easy adjustments can be made to suit different dietary needs or flavor preferences:

The Meat

marinate chicken

As I mentioned, I used chicken breast for this recipe, and it’s so easy to shred when it’s all cooked. 

You could also cut them up and use chicken pieces if you’re not a fan of shredded chicken.

If chicken isn’t your protein of choice, this recipe adapts well to other proteins. For a hearty alternative, try using boneless pork chops or a lean cut of beef.

For a vegetarian version, firm tofu cubes or a selection of beans can be an excellent protein substitute.

The Sauce/Seasoning

The main sauce ingredients consist of honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ginger, but the possibilities for tinkering are endless.

To infuse even more flavor into this deliciously sticky honey garlic sauce, a few additional seasonings can be considered:

Introducing herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil during the cooking process can impart a fragrant and earthy aroma that complements the sweetness of the honey beautifully.

For a citrusy zest, adding a splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar towards the end of cooking can brighten up the flavors and add a delightful tang.

Another interesting twist could be the inclusion of smoked paprika and rice vinegar for a subtle smokiness and depth.

Those who prefer a milder dish can omit the red pepper flakes, whereas adding a spoonful of chili sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper can turn up the heat for spice lovers.

If you want a bit less salt, you can use low-sodium soy sauce to get the same flavor with less salt. If you like the umami taste, add more soy sauce to make the dish more savory!

Lastly, you can swap chicken broth or bone broth for the water for a stronger chicken/savory taste in your sauce.

Some Add-Ons

vegetarian pho

Introduce a splash of orange juice or a sprinkle of brown sugar for extra sweetness.

Vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, green beans, or broccoli can be added for more texture and nutritional value.

To make the honey garlic chicken dish even more satisfying and filling, consider incorporating hearty grains or legumes into the recipe.

Adding cooked quinoa or wild rice directly into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking can absorb the flavors and add a wonderful texture to the meal.

Alternatively, stirring in a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas or black beans can introduce a fantastic source of protein and fiber, making the dish fuller and more robust.

These additions not only enhance the nutritional profile but also turn the honey garlic chicken into a more comprehensive one-pot meal, perfect for busy weeknights.

Serving It Up

Another dynamic way to enjoy the savory sweetness of honey garlic chicken is by incorporating it into quesadillas.

Imagine a crispy, golden tortilla filled with tender, flavorful chicken and a generous amount of melted cheese.

For a wholesome twist, sprinkle diced tomatoes, corn, or thinly sliced avocado before folding and cooking to perfect crispiness.

Alternatively, consider serving a hearty honey garlic chicken salad. Mix in various greens and add cucumbers, tomatoes, and a drizzle of honey garlic sauce as dressing.

This not only elevates the flavors but introduces a refreshing crunch that complements the chicken beautifully.

Other Slow Cooker Recipe

40-slow-cooker-dump-recipes-that-are-amazing-fb

And if you like this one, you might be interested in 40 other slow cooker dump recipes that are AMAZING!

FAQs

What is honey garlic chicken sauce made of?

The sauce is made of a combination of soy sauce, honey, water, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes.

You can adjust the ratio of these ingredients to your taste preference.

Can I make this recipe with frozen chicken?

It’s recommended to thaw the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker for even cooking and to ensure food safety.

Using frozen chicken might require a longer cooking time and could affect the texture and flavor of the dish.

Is it possible to make this dish spicier or less spicy?

spicy peppers

Absolutely! The amount of red pepper can be adjusted according to your preference.

If you enjoy a spicier dish, feel free to add more than the recipe suggests. For a milder version, simply reduce the amount or omit it entirely.

Can I use other parts of the chicken for this recipe?

Yes, while the recipe calls for boneless skinless chicken breasts, you can also use boneless skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor.

Chicken thighs add a bit more juice to the dish, and some people just prefer the tenderness of them- which I agree for many slow cooker dishes!

Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the cut and size of the chicken pieces.

How can I thicken the sauce?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker towards the end of cooking and mix a slurry of cornstarch and water into the remaining liquid.

Return the chicken to the slow cooker, stir well, and allow it to cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the sauce has thickened to your liking.

What are some recommended side dishes to accompany this meal?

This honey garlic chicken pairs perfectly with white or brown rice, which soaks up the delicious sauce.

Alternatively, you can serve it with noodles or a variety of steamed vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers for a balanced and colorful plate.

Top with onions, sesame seeds, and extra honey garlic sauce or soy sauce for that extra yum factor.

Oh, and as an added tip, toasted sesame seeds are easy to do in the pan or you can buy them- the roasted flavor they get is so good with the garlic and soy sauce.

Final Thoughts

Honey Garlic Chicken FB

Are you ready for an easy, delicious meal that’s low-effort for those hectic nights with the kids?

My Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken illustrates the beauty of set-it-and-forget-it meals, blending ease with flavor in a way that enriches our bustling lives.

Whether you’re a busy parent juggling multiple duties or want to expand your culinary repertoire with minimal fuss, this honey garlic chicken recipe stands as a glowing beacon of effortless gastronomy.

Its tender, aromatic allure promises to gather your loved ones around the dinner table, evoking smiles and satiating appetites.

Here’s to many more nights of delicious simplicity courtesy of your trusty slow cooker. Try it, and watch this dish become a cherished staple in your meal planning.

Have you grabbed my Chaos to Control Starter Guide, yet? I might be biased but I think its pretty amazing! Check it out!

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About Brittany Kline

Hi, I’m Brittany Kline—a mom, home systems expert, and culinary enthusiast passionate about helping busy families simplify life—starting in the kitchen. With a master’s degree in education and years of experience creating streamlined home solutions, I specialize in practical meal planning, effortless home organization, and family-friendly recipes that make life easier (and tastier) for moms everywhere.

As a former educator turned household management pro, I understand the daily chaos that comes with raising a family. That’s why I’ve dedicated my work to helping moms take control of meal planning, grocery shopping, and kitchen routines—so they can spend less time stressing and more time enjoying family meals.

My recipes and meal-planning strategies have been featured in leading publications such as Forbes, TIME, USA Today, and Business Insider, among many others. Whether you’re looking for quick weeknight dinners or tips to make meal prep stress-free, I’m here to help you turn chaos into calm. Click here to read all of my posts.

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20 Freezer Meals for $150 {Gluten-Free Adaptable} - Lauren Cobello
8 years ago

[…] Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken […]

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trackback
40 Dump Recipes for the Slow Cooker that are actually Delicious - Lauren Cobello
8 years ago

[…] Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken – Just as the recipe would have you believe, this one is sweet and garlic-y! What’s not to love? It’s so good over rice. […]

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Becky
Becky
7 years ago

With these recipes, is the meat meant to be thawed when it goes in the slow cooker? Or is it okay to put it in frozen? If frozen, do cook times/temperatures need to be adjusted at all? Thank you!

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Lauren
Lauren
7 years ago
Reply to  Becky

Typically yes, BUT when in a mind I’ve put them in frozen and extended the time a couple hours.

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Jessica
Jessica
7 years ago

Served this last night with orzo (didn’t have rice in the house) and steamed broccoli. Every single one of my picky eaters, even the 2 year old, loved it! Thank you!!

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Wendy
Wendy
6 years ago

Do you know of a good substitute for soy sauce? I’m allergic to soy.

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Lauren
Lauren
6 years ago
Reply to  Wendy

Liquid Aminos is something that i use in place of soy sauce.

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Amanda
Amanda
3 years ago

My crockpot only has low and high. I also grabbed thighs instead of breasts. I don’t want to overcook the chicken (like I did with the cilantro lime chicken last night… 5 y/o complained that her mouth was hurting from chewing..) would 7 hours on low suffice or should I adjust it more?

0
Reply

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