5 Reasons to Make This Slow Cooker Chicken Tonight

What if you could enjoy a dish that’s sweet, savory, tender, and comforting—all without spending hours in the kitchen? This slow cooker chicken recipe is your weeknight secret weapon. Bursting with the bold flavors of garlic, soy, and honey, it transforms pantry staples into a mouthwatering meal that rivals your favorite takeout. Even better? It’s healthier, easier, and more satisfying.

Whether you’re juggling work, family, or just need a set-it-and-forget-it dinner, this slow cooker honey garlic chicken is the answer. It’s perfectly juicy, sticky in all the right ways, and pairs beautifully with rice or veggies for a balanced bowl of comfort.

Ingredients and Preparation Steps

This slow cooker chicken recipe is simple to prepare and uses ingredients you likely already have on hand. Follow the detailed steps below to create the perfect sweet-and-savory chicken dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.

Ingredients

• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ⅓ cup honey
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tsp chili paste (like sambal oelek or sriracha)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• Cooked brown rice or cauliflower rice, for serving
• Chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

First, place the chicken in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Make sure the pieces are arranged in a single layer for even cooking. Chicken thighs will give you extra juiciness, while breasts offer a leaner option—both work beautifully here.

Step 2: Whisk the Sauce

Next, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, tomato paste, chili paste, garlic, and rice vinegar in a medium bowl until fully combined. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, making sure each piece is coated.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

After that, cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours. The chicken should be tender and easily shred with a fork. Avoid opening the lid frequently to retain heat and moisture.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Then, carefully remove the cooked chicken and let it rest. Meanwhile, whisk cornstarch into the cooking liquid directly in the slow cooker. Turn the heat to HIGH and let the sauce cook for 15–30 minutes, or transfer it to a saucepan and simmer until thickened.

Step 5: Shred and Serve

Finally, shred the chicken using two forks and return it to the thickened sauce. Stir thoroughly so every bite is coated in the sticky, flavorful glaze. Serve hot over a bed of brown rice or cauliflower rice, topped with green onions and sesame seeds.

Slow Cooker Chicken at Its Best

This slow cooker chicken is everything you crave in a comfort meal—succulent, richly flavored, and just the right amount of sweet and savory. The aroma alone will have your family asking, “Is dinner ready yet?” With its melt-in-your-mouth texture and glossy finish, every bite is a little celebration.

Serve it over fluffy brown rice, nutty quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Pair it with steamed broccoli or roasted snap peas for a complete meal. Looking for more easy slow cooker dinners? Check out our Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken or this incredible honey garlic chicken variation for more flavor-packed options.

Slow Cooker Chicken FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken in the slow cooker?

For safety reasons, it’s best to use thawed chicken to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature quickly. Using frozen chicken can prolong cooking time and lead to uneven results.

Is this recipe good with chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes! While chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving, boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well in this slow cooker chicken recipe, especially if you prefer leaner cuts.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

To give it a spicy kick, simply increase the amount of chili paste or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Be sure to taste as you go to adjust the heat to your liking.

Can I double the recipe for meal prep?

Absolutely. Double all ingredients and use a larger slow cooker. It stores well in the fridge and freezer, making it perfect for healthy slow cooker chicken meal prep.

What vegetables pair well with this dish?

Steamed broccoli, snow peas, or a colorful stir-fry mix make excellent pairings. Toss them in just before serving for a nutrient boost and added crunch.

Pro Tips

1. Use chicken thighs for extra tenderness. They stay juicy and shred easily, making them ideal for slow cooking.
2. Prep the sauce the night before. Mix all the sauce ingredients in advance and store it in the fridge to save time in the morning.
3. Layer the flavors. Add a dash of fresh lime juice or grated ginger for an extra depth of flavor right before serving.
4. Go low and slow. Cooking on the LOW setting yields more tender chicken and better flavor development.
5. Double up for leftovers. This slow cooker chicken reheats beautifully, making it great for lunches and quick weeknight dinners.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Cool completely and freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Use freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Reheat: Warm in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
• Meal Prep Tip: Store the rice and chicken separately to maintain texture during reheating.

Perfect Pairings

• Steamed broccoli or green beans for a crunchy contrast.
• Cauliflower rice or quinoa for a nutritious, low-carb base.
• Fresh cucumber salad with sesame dressing for a cooling side.
• Simple miso soup for a comforting starter.
• Finish with fresh fruit or mango sticky rice for a naturally sweet dessert.
• Looking for more dinner inspiration? Try our Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip—another delicious, slow-cooked favorite.

Bring the Comfort Home

This slow cooker chicken is more than a meal—it’s a comforting ritual you’ll return to again and again. From its sweet garlic aroma filling your kitchen to the satisfying bite of juicy, sauce-coated chicken, it’s a weeknight dinner winner.

Customize it for any season—add fresh peas in spring, bell peppers in summer, or serve it piping hot over mashed potatoes in fall and winter. It’s versatile, budget-friendly, and endlessly delicious.

We’d love to hear how your honey garlic chicken turned out! Share your photos on social media and tag us using #slowcookerchicken. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more family-friendly slow cooker meals sent straight to your inbox.

Slow Cooker Chicken

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• Author: Amara
• Total Time: 4hrs 30mins
• Yield: 4

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Description

This sweet and savory honey garlic chicken is a weeknight hero! Made with pantry staples, it’s juicy, sticky, and loaded with flavor—just like your favorite takeout, but healthier and cooked effortlessly in the slow cooker!

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Ingredients

– 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
– ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
– ⅓ cup honey
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 2 tsp chili paste (like sambal oelek or sriracha)
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tbsp rice vinegar
– 2 tbsp cornstarch
– Cooked brown rice or cauliflower rice, for serving
– Chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

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Instructions

1. First, place the chicken in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
2. Next, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, tomato paste, chili paste, garlic, and vinegar in a bowl. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
3. After that, cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through.
4. Then, remove the chicken and let it cool slightly. Whisk the cornstarch into the cooking liquid.
5. Next, cook the sauce on HIGH for 15-30 minutes in the slow cooker, or transfer to a saucepan and simmer until thickened.
6. Finally, shred the chicken, return it to the thickened sauce, stir well, and serve over rice with green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

Want more veggies? Toss in steamed broccoli or a sautéed stir-fry mix right before serving for a wholesome one-bowl meal!

• Category: Comfort Food

Nutrition

• Calories: 329kcal
• Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Protein: 35g