When dinner needs to be hands-off but still completely delicious, Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken is your answer. It’s tender, flavorful, and made with pantry ingredients you probably already have. Whether you’re on a Whole30 kick or just need a cozy, reliable chicken dinner, this slow cooker classic is everything you want: simple, wholesome, and incredibly satisfying. You’ll also learn smart substitutions, reheating tips, and meal prep tricks to turn this one-pot meal into a regular in your rotation.
Now let’s kick things off with why you’ll keep coming back to this slow-simmered favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
If you’re anything like me, you love a recipe that respects your time and still shows up big at the table. That’s what this Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken delivers. It’s a sweet-and-savory dish that practically makes itself, letting you walk into your kitchen hours later and be greeted by warm, garlicky bliss.
- Set it and forget it: The slow cooker does all the work, no babysitting required.
- Sweet meets savory: Honey and garlic simmer into the perfect sticky glaze.
- Family-friendly: Even picky eaters can’t resist it.
- Pantry staples only: No odd ingredients, no stress.
- Meal prep winner: It stores and reheats like a dream.
Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Ingredients (Healthy + Simple)
What makes this Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken so approachable is how few ingredients it requires, and chances are, most of them are already in your kitchen. These pantry staples combine to create that signature sticky-sweet glaze that clings to tender chicken just right.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – juicy and lean, or swap with thighs for extra tenderness
- ½ cup honey – gives natural sweetness and that golden glaze
- ¼ cup soy sauce – brings salty depth and umami
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – the real star of the show
- 1 tsp ground ginger – adds warmth and a subtle kick
- Salt and pepper – to balance flavors
- Optional: red pepper flakes or sriracha if you like it spicy, or a splash of sesame oil for richness
Tip: If you’re going for a Whole30 version, swap the soy sauce with coconut aminos and ensure your honey is unprocessed.
Fresh, colorful ingredients not only deliver flavor but make your finished plate pop, think garnishing with green onions, sesame seeds, or pairing with roasted carrots.
For another bright and vibrant chicken dinner, check out this Chicken Tortilla Soup.
How to Make Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken (Step-by-Step Instructions)
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. No searing, no stovetop juggling, just your slow cooker and a few steps that take less than 10 minutes.
1. Place the chicken in your slow cooker
Lay the boneless, skinless chicken breasts flat in the bottom of your crockpot. No need to pre-cook or slice, the slow heat will do all the work.
2. Whisk the sauce together
In a small bowl, combine ½ cup honey, ¼ cup soy sauce, minced garlic, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and fragrant.
3. Pour and cook
Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken. Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW for 3–4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. No stirring needed, just let it do its thing.
4. Shred and thicken (optional)
Once cooked, shred the chicken lightly with two forks right in the pot. For a thicker, glossy sauce, remove the chicken, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp water), and cook on HIGH for 10 minutes before returning the chicken.
This dish is comforting and flavorful on its own, but it also works beautifully with customizable toppings and base options like jasmine rice, quinoa, or even in lettuce wraps.
Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
Once your Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken is cooked to tender, garlicky perfection, the options for serving it are almost endless. This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, whether you want something hearty, fresh, or low-carb.
Here are some delicious ways to serve it:
- Over jasmine or basmati rice – The sticky-sweet sauce soaks right in.
- With noodles – Think soba or ramen for a takeout-style meal.
- Low-carb? Serve with cauliflower rice or steamed broccoli.
- In wraps or lettuce cups – Perfect for meal-prep or lighter lunch ideas.
- With roasted or stir-fried veggies – Broccoli, bell peppers, snow peas, and carrots are all great choices.
Finish your plate with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or thin-sliced green onions for color and crunch, and you’ve got a Pinterest-worthy dish without the fuss.
Crockpot Chicken Marinade Variations & Customizations
This dish is a weeknight staple, but that doesn’t mean it has to taste the same every time. With just a few tweaks, you can make this recipe suit any dietary preference or flavor craving, from sweet and spicy to clean and Whole30-friendly.
Here are five easy ways to personalize it:
- Swap the protein – Use boneless chicken thighs for extra moisture or try boneless turkey breast for a lean variation.
- Spice it up – Add sriracha, red pepper flakes, or a spoonful of gochujang for a bold kick.
- Add veggies – Stir in chopped bell peppers, carrots, or snow peas during the last hour for a one-pot meal.
- Make it Whole30 – Replace soy sauce with coconut aminos and ensure the honey is compliant (or sub with date syrup).
- Switch up the sweetener – Maple syrup or agave nectar can work beautifully in place of honey if you want to experiment.
Storage & Reheating Tips for Crockpot Chicken Breast Recipes
One of the best parts about this Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken is how beautifully it stores, making it a go-to for meal prepping or saving dinner for later in the week.
Here’s how to keep it fresh and flavorful:
Storage
- Let the chicken cool completely before storing.
- Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. Be sure to freeze with some sauce to keep it moist.
Reheating
- From fridge: Warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to rehydrate the sauce.
- From freezer: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat as above.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between to avoid drying out.
Want to keep the texture just right? Reheating on the stovetop gives you the best control over sauce thickness and moisture. And don’t forget to drizzle any extra sauce over rice or veggies for a bonus flavor boost.
Pro Tips for Fast Crockpot Chicken Recipes
Whether you’re a slow-cooker pro or just getting started, these tips will help your Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken turn out juicy, flavorful, and just the right texture every time.
1. Don’t overcook the chicken
Chicken breast only needs 3–4 hours on LOW. Any longer and it can dry out, even in a slow cooker. Use a meat thermometer, internal temp should hit 165°F (74°C).
2. Stir the sauce before serving
Honey and soy sauce can separate during slow cooking. Give it a quick whisk in the pot to blend flavors right before you plate.
3. Thicken the sauce the right way
If your sauce feels thin, don’t panic. A cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp water) added at the end and cooked for 10 minutes on HIGH gives it that sticky, glossy finish.
These little tricks go a long way in making this crockpot chicken recipe one you’ll rely on again and again.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Slow Cooker Honey Chicken
Even with a recipe as simple as Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken, a few missteps can throw off the flavor or texture. Here’s what to watch for:
1. Overcooking the chicken
Set your crockpot to LOW for 3–4 hours. Anything beyond that will dry out the meat, especially chicken breasts.
2. Skipping the sauce thickener
If you like a sticky glaze (and who doesn’t?), don’t forget the cornstarch slurry step. Otherwise, the sauce can end up too runny to cling to your rice or veggies.
3. Not seasoning to taste
Salt balances the sweetness of the honey. Taste your sauce before cooking, a pinch more salt or a splash of soy sauce may make all the difference.
4. Using frozen chicken without adjusting
Always thaw chicken first or increase cooking time by at least 1 hour. Frozen chicken releases extra water, which can dilute the sauce.
5. Crowding the crockpot
If your chicken pieces are stacked or packed too tightly, they may not cook evenly. Spread them in a single layer for best results.
Master these points, and your slow cooker will reward you with juicy, flavorful chicken every time.
Crock Pot Healthy Chicken Recipes Conclusion
This Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken recipe proves that easy can still mean full of flavor. It’s sweet, savory, and endlessly customizable, the kind of dinner you’ll crave even on your busiest nights. Whether you’re serving it with jasmine rice, stuffing it into wraps, or pairing it with Broccoli Chicken Casserole, you’ll never be short on comfort. From weeknight dinners to meal prep wins, this dish is a keeper.
Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken – Easy, Healthy Dinner Recipe
Description
This Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken is a cozy, flavorful slow-cooked meal that delivers sweet, garlicky perfection with hardly any effort.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot.
- In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper.
- Pour sauce over the chicken. Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours.
- Shred the chicken in the pot. Optional: stir in cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp water) and cook 10 mins more on HIGH to thicken sauce.
- Serve over rice, noodles, or veggies. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
Serving Size 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 310kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 6g10%
- Saturated Fat 1.5g8%
- Cholesterol 105mg35%
- Sodium 720mg30%
- Potassium 410mg12%
- Total Carbohydrate 22g8%
- Sugars 18g
- Protein 38g76%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- For a spicy kick, add sriracha or red pepper flakes.
- Store in the fridge for 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.
- Serve with jasmine rice, stir-fried veggies, or cauliflower rice.
