This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a 3-ingredient crockpot masterpiece. Tender chicken thighs simmer in sweet honey and savory soy sauce with a garlic kick, delivering a sticky, flavorful dish—perfect for an effortless, delicious meal that’s great for busy days or meal prep.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe—they stay juicy and shred effortlessly after hours of slow cooking, making them ideal for that tender texture you crave. Whisk the honey and soy sauce together in a separate bowl before adding them to the slow cooker—this simple step ensures a smooth, well-blended sauce that coats every piece evenly. Consider lining your crockpot with a disposable liner—the sticky honey can cling to the pot, and this makes cleanup a breeze, leaving you more time to enjoy your meal. If you’re home, give the chicken a gentle stir halfway through cooking—it helps distribute the sauce for consistent flavor, though it’s not a dealbreaker if you skip it. Double the recipe and freeze the extras—it’s a lifesaver for quick, flavorful dinners later in the week when you’re short on time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Get ready to swoon over this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken—it’s a shining star among 3-ingredient crockpot recipes, and it’s about to become your slow cooker obsession! This dish is a sweet-and-savory delight: juicy chicken thighs soak up a sticky, golden blend of honey and soy sauce with a punch of garlic, turning into tender, flavor-packed perfection that’s so easy you’ll barely believe it—just three ingredients and your crockpot does all the work. It’s the ultimate hands-off meal—toss it in, let it simmer, and come back to a mouthwatering aroma and a dish that’s ready to steal the show.
Whether you’re craving a cozy dinner, prepping for a busy week, or just want a no-fuss meal that tastes like you slaved away, this recipe is a total winner—simple, scrumptious, and guaranteed to make every bite a sticky, garlicky joy! The sweetness of the honey balances the salty soy sauce, while the inherent garlic notes in both ingredients amplify the savory depth, creating a dish that’s as comforting as it is crave-worthy. You’ll love how it fills your kitchen with an irresistible scent and your plate with a meal that feels like a treat, all with minimal effort.
Simple Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Sticky honey garlic chicken—crockpot simplicity.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 8 pieces)
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
Instructions
- Gear Up for Goodness: Pull out your slow cooker, a small bowl, and a whisk—this 3-ingredient gem’s about to make your day with ease! Picture sticky, golden chicken dripping with flavor—let’s dive into this delicious adventure with a big, excited grin on your face!
- Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, grab your ½ cup honey and ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce—whisk them together until they’re a smooth, glossy blend! This sweet-savory combo is your flavor magic wand—stir it until it’s perfectly combined and ready to transform your chicken!
- Add the Chicken: Take your 2 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs and place them in the slow cooker—lay them flat in a single layer so they cook evenly! These juicy cuts are the heart of your meal, ready to soak up all that delicious sauce you just made!
- Pour the Sauce: Grab your honey-soy mixture and pour it evenly over the chicken thighs—make sure every piece gets a good coating! That sticky, garlicky goodness is your ticket to flavor town—watch it settle in and get ready for some serious yum!
- Set the Cooker: Pop the lid on your slow cooker—set it to low for 6-8 hours if you’ve got all day, or high for 3-4 hours if you’re in a bit more of a hurry! Let it simmer away—your kitchen’s about to fill with an irresistible aroma that’ll have everyone drooling!
- Stir Halfway (Optional): If you’re hanging around, give the chicken a gentle stir after about 3 hours on low or 1.5 hours on high—this spreads the sauce love evenly across every thigh! If you’re out and about, no worries—it’ll still turn out amazing without this step!
- Check the Chicken: When the cooking time’s up, lift the lid and peek inside—your chicken should be tender, juicy, and practically falling apart! Poke it with a fork to test—when it’s ready, you’ll know your sticky masterpiece is good to go!
- Shred or Serve: Use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker if you want a pulled texture—mix it up with all that sauce for maximum flavor! Or, keep the thighs whole if you prefer—they’ll be just as juicy and delicious either way—your call!
- Taste and Tweak: Scoop out a small bite and taste that sweet, garlicky perfection—oh, it’s heavenly! If you want a little more punch, add a splash of soy sauce for saltiness or a drizzle of honey for sweetness—tweak it until it’s just right for your taste buds!
- Serve and Savor: Spoon the chicken onto plates or into meal prep containers—dig into that sticky, tender, flavor-packed deliciousness! Pair it with rice, veggies, or just enjoy it solo—pack extras for later or serve it hot right away—it’s crockpot gold that’ll have you smiling with every saucy bite!
Notes
- Whisk the sauce first—if you don’t, the honey might clump and stick unevenly, throwing off the whole vibe of your dish!
- Stick with thighs if you can—chicken breasts can dry out in the slow cooker if you’re not careful, and we want that juicy goodness for maximum enjoyment.
- Prep ahead like a pro—toss everything in before you head out for the day, and come home to a ready-to-eat feast that feels like a warm hug!
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 346Total Fat 12gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 8gCholesterol 184mgSodium 1033mgCarbohydrates 24gFiber 0gSugar 23gProtein 39g
The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.
Ingredients Notes
Chicken thighs are the hero of this recipe—boneless and skinless, they offer about 20 grams of protein per 4-ounce serving, with a slightly higher fat content than breasts that keeps them succulent and flavorful after slow cooking, making them perfect for this sticky sauce.
Honey adds that sticky sweetness you’ll adore—natural and pure, it brings around 17 grams of carbs per tablespoon, balancing the savory soy sauce with a smooth, golden touch that caramelizes beautifully in the slow cooker. Soy sauce brings the savory umami punch—low-sodium is recommended to keep the saltiness in check while still delivering about 1 gram of protein per tablespoon, plus that deep, rich flavor that ties everything together with a garlicky undertone inherent in many brands.
Variations and Substitutions
If you’re out of chicken thighs or prefer a leaner cut, swap them for chicken breasts—they’re a bit drier but still pack 26 grams of protein per 4-ounce serving, just keep an eye on cooking time to avoid toughness. For a twist on sweetness, use maple syrup or agave instead of honey—maple brings a woodsy note, agave a milder vibe, both keeping that sticky texture with a slightly different flavor profile.
If soy sauce isn’t your thing, sub it with tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a less salty, slightly sweeter alternative—both maintain that savory backbone. Want more kick? Add a teaspoon of minced fresh garlic or ginger if you’ve got it on hand—amps up the flavor without complicating the 3-ingredient simplicity too much. For a different cut, try chicken drumsticks—bone-in adds a richer taste, though you’ll need to adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they’re fully cooked and tender.
Storage Options
Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—the sauce thickens as it sits, and the flavors meld even more, making it taste better each day! To reheat, toss it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water for 5-7 minutes to keep it juicy, or pop it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes if you’re in a hurry. This dish freezes beautifully for up to 3 months—portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and when you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick, delicious meal that’s just as good as the day you made it.
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