Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

This 5-star Honey Garlic Chicken is made in the slow cooker and is an ideal weeknight meal. Kid-friendly and made with just five simple ingredients, it pairs perfectly with rice and vegetables for easy chicken meal prep. The sauce is sweet, savory, and can be adjusted for a bit of heat to suit your taste.

This honey garlic chicken made in the crock pot is one of the site favorites. Many readers return to this recipe again and again because it’s easy, satisfying, and reliable.

Honey and garlic are a classic pairing: honey offers natural sweetness while garlic brings savory depth. Combine them with soy sauce and a touch of chili garlic sauce and you get a sauce that clings to shredded chicken beautifully. I like to serve this over rice with steamed broccoli or broccolini for a balanced, family-friendly dinner.

What is in honey garlic chicken?

This easy slow cooker honey garlic chicken uses just five main ingredients:

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Chicken breasts are used here, but boneless skinless thighs work equally well and add a bit more richness.
• Minced garlic: The recipe uses three tablespoons of minced garlic for a pronounced, savory garlic flavor.
• Honey: A natural sweetener that balances the savory elements in the sauce.
• Soy sauce (or tamari): Adds umami and salt; use tamari for a gluten-free option if needed.
• Red chili garlic sauce: A small amount adds gentle heat and depth; increase or omit to match your spice preference.

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken

The slow cooker method is straightforward and mostly hands-off. Follow these main steps to make the recipe:

1. Make the sauce: Whisk minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, and red chili garlic sauce until the honey dissolves and the mixture is even.
2. Add the chicken: Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over them.
3. Slow cook: Cook on high for 2–3 hours or on low for 4–5 hours, until the chicken reaches 165°F and is tender.
4. Shred the meat: Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks.
5. Thicken the sauce (optional): For a thicker glaze, whisk 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch into 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid, stir it back into the slow cooker, and cook for 10 more minutes on high.
6. Finish and serve: Return the shredded chicken to the sauce, toss to coat, and serve over rice or your favorite grain with vegetables.

Instant Pot Instructions

1. Place chicken breasts and the honey garlic sauce into the Instant Pot.
2. Cook on high pressure for 8–10 minutes, then quick release.
3. Remove and shred the chicken with two forks.
4. To thicken, whisk 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch into 1/4 cup of sauce, return it to the Instant Pot with the shredded chicken, and use the sauté function to bring the sauce to a boil so the cornstarch activates.
5. Serve immediately once thickened.

How to Store Honey Garlic Chicken

Store cooled honey garlic chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5–7 days. For best texture, keep the chicken separate from rice and vegetables and reheat gently so the sauce remains glossy. If frozen, use the freezer meal instructions below for best results.

Freezer Meal Instructions

This recipe works well as a make-ahead freezer meal. Assemble sauce, add the raw chicken to a freezer-safe bag with the sauce, remove excess air, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking in the slow cooker, or cook from frozen on a longer, low setting until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.

1. Whisk garlic, honey, soy sauce, and chili garlic sauce until well combined.
2. Place chicken breasts in a gallon-sized freezer bag and pour the sauce on top.
3. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze.
4. When ready to cook, thaw and place contents into the slow cooker following the cooking times above.

Serving Suggestions

Turn this slow cooker chicken into a full meal by pairing it with your favorite grain and a side of vegetables. It’s excellent for meal prep and can be used in bowls, wraps, or over steamed rice.

• Grains: Brown rice, white sticky rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.
• Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or sautéed peppers and onions.
• Sides: Dumplings, lettuce wraps, or a fresh salad for contrast.
• Meal ideas: Use the shredded honey garlic chicken for rice bowls, fried rice, or a quick stir-fry.