This article brings you a slow-cooked classic packed with flavor: sweet and sticky honey garlic chicken tenders crockpot style. We’ll walk you through how to make these mouthwatering tenders step-by-step and why this recipe deserves a spot in your weekly rotation.
From ingredient tips to slow cooker timing tricks, you’ll get everything you need to master this crowd-pleasing dish.
Whether you’re just learning the ropes or already comfortable in the kitchen, this easy sweet and sticky honey garlic chicken tenders crockpot recipe is made for you.
From my kitchen in North Carolina to yours, let’s make some slow-cooked honey garlic magic.
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A Homegrown Love Affair with Sweet and Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders Crockpot Style
There’s something magical about sweet and sticky honey garlic chicken tenders crockpot recipes. That bold sweetness from the honey, the sharp savory kick from fresh garlic, it’s the kind of flavor combo that just feels right. It reminds me of the summer evening I discovered this dish by accident.
I was sixteen, house-sitting for a neighbor, and I found her old crockpot on the counter beside a handwritten recipe. The chicken was frozen solid. I didn’t even know what a slow cooker did. But I followed the instructions, plugged it in, and left it alone.
Hours later, I lifted that lid to a cloud of honey and garlic steam. The tenders were glazed, juicy, and melt-in-your-mouth good. That’s when I fell hard for sticky garlic chicken tenders, especially when made low and slow.
Today, this sweet and sticky honey garlic chicken crockpot recipe is on repeat in my kitchen. It’s one of those reliable dishes that always turns out great. Even beginner cooks can get it right. And honestly, it disappears faster than anything else I make.
Why Sweet and Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders Crockpot Recipes Work So Well?
The slow cooker is made for this kind of recipe. Low heat caramelizes the honey and keeps the garlic from going bitter. The sauce thickens naturally while the chicken gets fall-apart tender.
It’s the kind of recipe that does the work while you live your life. No stirring. No searing. Just load it, set it, and come back to an irresistible dinner.
Other readers love our bold flavors in chipotle honey chicken or hot honey glazed chicken, but this slow cooker honey garlic chicken dish brings the same depth with even less effort. It’s comforting, craveable, and made for weeknights.
Ingredients for Sweet and Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders Crockpot Style
Here’s everything you need to make sweet and sticky honey garlic chicken tenders crockpot style. These simple pantry staples blend into a sticky garlic glaze that clings beautifully to the chicken as it slow cooks.
Main Ingredients:
- Chicken tenders – 1.5 pounds
- Honey – ½ cup
- Soy sauce (low sodium) – ¼ cup
- Garlic, minced – 4 cloves
- Apple cider vinegar – 1 tablespoon
- Cornstarch – 1 tablespoon
- Cold water – 1 tablespoon (for slurry)
Optional Adds for Boosted Flavor:
- Crushed red pepper flakes – ¼ tsp (adds mild heat)
- Fresh grated ginger – 1 teaspoon (enhances the rich, savory flavor)
- Green onions – thinly sliced, for garnish
- Sesame seeds – 1 teaspoon (adds texture and visual appeal)
- Hoisin sauce – 1 tablespoon (for extra richness and stickiness)
These ingredients come together effortlessly in the crockpot, transforming into a thick, sweet-savory coating. That’s the beauty of slow cooker honey garlic chicken, you get bold flavor without needing to hover over the stove.
Want it spicier? A squirt of sriracha adds a subtle kick. Want it sweeter? Drizzle extra honey just before serving.
This recipe gives you the sticky magic of hot honey glazed chicken and the bold flavor profile of chipotle honey chicken, but it’s even easier, because your crockpot honey garlic chicken tenders do the work for you.
No special tools required. Just a crockpot, a mixing bowl, and a fork to shred (or not, it’s that tender). The cornstarch slurry at the end gives it that luscious, glossy finish you’ll love spooning over rice.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Sweet and Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders Crockpot Recipe
Here’s how to make tender, flavorful, sweet and sticky honey garlic chicken tenders crockpot style, from prep to plating.
Step 1: Arrange the Chicken
Place 1.5 pounds of raw chicken tenders in an even layer at the bottom of your slow cooker. There’s no need to pre-brown them, just trim off any visible fat.
Tip: Don’t pile them on top of each other. Lay the tenders out evenly to ensure each piece soaks up that sticky garlic glaze.
Step 2: Mix the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine the base ingredients for this slow cooker honey garlic chicken:
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Optional: 1 tsp grated fresh ginger for an extra layer of warmth
Step 3: Pour It On
Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken tenders. Use the back of a spoon to lift some of the tenders slightly, letting the sauce coat them underneath as well.
Step 4: Let the slow cooker do all the work
Cover the slow cooker and cook:
- On LOW for 4 to 5 hours
- Or set to HIGH for 2.5 to 3 hours
Tip: Don’t overdo it, these honey garlic crockpot chicken tenders should shred easily but still hold their shape.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Remove the cooked chicken and set it aside. Combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water. Stir the slurry into the sauce left in the crockpot. Turn heat to HIGH and cook for 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Place the chicken back in and toss to coat it evenly in the sticky glaze.
Bonus Tip: For a sticky finish with a little extra shine, stir in a splash of hoisin. Alternatively, transfer the glazed tenders to a baking sheet and broil for 3–5 minutes until nicely caramelized.
This comfort meal fits right in with classics like our chicken and gravy crockpot or the homestyle favorite Dolly’s chicken and stuffing casserole.
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Sweet and Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders Crockpot Recipe 2025
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
An easy, flavorful slow cooker recipe for sweet and sticky honey garlic chicken tenders crockpot style. Great for weeknight meals or meal prep.
Ingredients
Chicken tenders – 1.5 pounds
Honey – ½ cup
Soy sauce (low sodium) – ¼ cup
Garlic, minced – 4 cloves
Apple cider vinegar – 1 tablespoon
Cornstarch – 1 tablespoon
Cold water – 1 tablespoon
Optional:
Crushed red pepper flakes – ¼ teaspoon
Fresh grated ginger – 1 teaspoon
Green onions – sliced, for garnish
Sesame seeds – for garnish
Hoisin sauce – optional, 1 tbsp
Instructions
1. Place chicken tenders in an even layer in your crockpot.
2. In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, and optional ginger.
3. Pour sauce over chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2.5–3 hours.
5. Remove chicken; stir cornstarch and water into the sauce.
6. Cook on HIGH for 10–15 minutes until thickened.
7. Return chicken to pot, coat in sauce, and serve.
Notes
Serve over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.
Slice leftovers for wraps or lunch bowls.
Add hoisin or broil chicken for extra stickiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Serving, Storage, and Meal Prep Tips for Sweet and Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders Crockpot Style
Best Ways to Serve These Sticky Tenders
When it comes to serving sweet and sticky honey garlic chicken tenders crockpot style, balance is key. The rich, bold sauce begs for a soft, starchy base to soak it all in. Here are some winning sidekicks:
- Steamed jasmine or white rice – simple, reliable, and perfect for soaking up extra glaze
- Garlic mashed potatoes – creamy and savory, a comfort food classic
- Soba noodles or lo mein – toss with leftover sauce for a satisfying noodle bowl
- Steamed broccoli or sugar snap peas – crisp veggies to balance the sticky sweetness
- Crispy roasted baby potatoes – perfect for contrast in texture
This slow cooker honey garlic chicken pairs beautifully with crockpot chicken and cream of chicken soup if you’re serving a crowd or want a buffet of warm flavors. For a crispy-meets-sticky combo, try it alongside Hellmann’s mayonnaise parmesan chicken.
Storing & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerator: Let leftovers cool fully, then store them in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked tenders with some sauce in a freezer-safe container. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth. Or reheat in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between each interval.
Meal Prep Magic
These honey garlic crockpot chicken tenders are a meal prep dream. They reheat like a charm and actually taste better the next day as the sauce thickens and deepens. Spoon them over rice or noodles in containers and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for a full ready-to-go lunch.
You can also slice these tenders and wrap them in a tortilla with shredded cabbage and sriracha mayo for a sticky chicken wrap that rivals any takeout.
Conclusion: The Crockpot Chicken That Keeps You Coming Back
There’s something timeless about sweet and sticky honey garlic chicken tenders crockpot meals. They fill your home with the aroma of garlic and honey, and your table with comfort. Whether you’re making dinner for the family, prepping meals ahead, or serving a group, this recipe never disappoints.
You don’t need experience, fancy gear, or extra time. Your slow cooker does the hard work while you go about your day. If you enjoyed this recipe, it pairs wonderfully with our buffalo chicken mac cheese crock pot for a game day or casual get-together.
Love easy chicken recipes like this one? Follow us on Facebook for more slow cooker favorites, kitchen tips, and weekly meal ideas you can actually use, straight from Ellie’s kitchen to yours.
FAQs About Sweet and Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders Crockpot Style
How do you slow cook chicken with honey and garlic?
Making sweet and sticky honey garlic chicken tenders crockpot style is simple. Add the chicken tenders directly to the slow cooker. Then, pour over a mixture of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and apple cider vinegar. Set to low for 4–5 hours or high for 2.5–3 hours. For that sticky glaze, thicken the sauce at the end with a cornstarch slurry and coat the chicken before serving.
Can you put honey in a slow cooker?
Yes, honey works beautifully in the slow cooker. It blends into sauces and becomes thick and glossy, perfect for slow cooker honey garlic chicken. Just avoid cooking on high heat uncovered for long stretches, as honey can darken or burn.
Does a longer cook time in the crockpot make chicken more tender?
To a point, yes. Longer cook times help tenderize, but overdoing it can make chicken mushy. For perfectly tender honey garlic chicken tenders, cook for 4–5 hours on low or 2.5–3 hours on high. Always check early if your crockpot runs hot.
How to make honey and garlic chicken?
Mix together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and a splash of vinegar to make the sauce. Pour it over your chicken in the crockpot, cook until tender, and finish by thickening the sauce. Coat the chicken in the glaze and serve it over rice or noodles.