Easy Tender Dump-and-Go Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe for Busy Weeknights
A simple and satisfying slow cooker recipe featuring tender chicken thighs or breasts cooked in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights with minimal prep and maximum flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-6 hours on low or 2.5-3 hours on high
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes (low) or 2 hours 40 minutes to 3 hours 10 minutes (high)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/4 cup (85g) pure honey
- 1/3 cup (80ml) low-sodium soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) rice vinegar
- 1/2 cup (120ml) water or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon (8g) cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) cold water
- Optional: sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help the sauce stick better. No need to season upfront.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and water or chicken broth until honey is fully blended.
- Place chicken pieces at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken, coating every piece.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 2.5-3 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- About 15 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the crockpot gently.
- Replace the lid and cook on HIGH for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy glaze.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for juiciness and better texture. Pat chicken dry before cooking to help sauce stick. Avoid opening the lid frequently to maintain temperature. If sauce is too thin after thickening, repeat slurry step in smaller amounts. For gluten-free, substitute tamari for soy sauce and arrowroot powder for cornstarch. Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Protein: 35
Keywords: honey garlic chicken, crockpot chicken, slow cooker recipe, easy dinner, dump and go, weeknight meal, tender chicken, honey garlic sauce