The Juiciest, Most Flavor-Packed Chicken You’ll Ever Make—And It’s Effortless!

There’s something magical about tossing a handful of ingredients into a crockpot, walking away, and coming back to a dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken is exactly that kind of recipe—effortless, packed with bold flavors, and perfect for busy weeknights.

Sweet, sticky honey melds with rich soy sauce, aromatic garlic, and a hint of heat from chili paste, creating a sauce that clings beautifully to tender, fall-apart chicken.

Serve it over steamed brown rice, fluffy quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a meal that feels indulgent yet stays balanced. And if you want the perfect side dish to round it out, try this Broccoli Cauliflower Salad—a crisp, refreshing contrast to the deep umami flavors of the chicken.

This dish isn’t just about convenience—it’s about making something so good, your family will request it on repeat. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need a set-it-and-forget-it dinner, this recipe delivers big, comforting flavors with minimal effort.

And for a surf-and-turf twist? Honey Garlic Shrimp pairs beautifully with this dish, doubling down on that irresistible sweet and savory combination. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll never look at takeout the same way again.

Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too!)

• It’s ridiculously easy: Toss everything into the crockpot, walk away, and return to perfectly glazed, fall-apart chicken. No babysitting required!
• The sauce is next-level: A balance of sweet honey, savory soy sauce, spicy chili paste, and fresh garlic makes every bite pop with flavor.
• Great for meal prep: Leftovers reheat beautifully, and the flavors only get better the next day.
• Healthier than takeout: No mystery ingredients or excessive sodium—just clean, simple flavors that don’t sacrifice taste.
• Endless serving options: Serve it over rice, quinoa, noodles, or even wrap it in lettuce cups for a fresh twist!

Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

This Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken is tender, juicy, and coated in a rich, sticky sauce. Sweet, savory, and slightly spicy—it’s the perfect easy, flavorful dinner for busy weeknights!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs

Total Time 3 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian- Inspired

Servings 4

Calories 329 kcal

Equipment

• Crockpot (Slow Cooker)
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or spoon
• Knife & cutting board

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts
• ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ⅓ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons chili paste sambal oelek sriracha, or hot sauce of choice
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

For Serving:

• Prepared brown rice quinoa, or cauliflower rice
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Chopped green onion

Instructions

 

• Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts in the crockpot.
  
• In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, tomato paste, chili paste, garlic, and rice vinegar.
  
• Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s well-coated.
  
• Cover and cook on Low for 6-7 hours or High for 3-4 hours until tender.
  
• In the last 30 minutes, mix cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the sauce.
  
• Let it thicken while cooking uncovered for the remaining time.
  
• Once done, shred or slice the chicken and mix it well with the sauce.
  
• Serve hot over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
  

Nutrition Info:

Clever Tips for the Best Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken!

• Use chicken thighs for maximum juiciness: While chicken breasts work, thighs stay incredibly tender and soak up the sauce better. If you love melt-in-your-mouth texture, thighs are the way to go!
• Don’t skip the cornstarch trick: If you want that glossy, restaurant-style sauce, mix cornstarch with a bit of water before adding it. Stir it in during the last 30 minutes so the sauce thickens properly.
• Adjust the spice level to your taste: Love heat? Add extra chili paste or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Prefer it mild? Use less or swap for a dash of smoked paprika for warmth without the burn.
• Let the sauce caramelize a bit: For deeper flavor, take the finished chicken out and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 10 minutes in the crockpot (or transfer it to a pan). This intensifies the glaze!
• Double the sauce if serving over rice: The chicken soaks up a lot of the liquid, so if you love extra sauce to drizzle over your rice, simply double the sauce ingredients at the start.
• Make it meal-prep friendly: This chicken holds up great for 3-4 days in the fridge. If storing, keep the sauce separate to maintain the best texture when reheating.
• Try a quick broil for crispy edges: Want that takeout-style caramelization? Pop the shredded or sliced chicken under the broiler for 3-5 minutes before serving—it adds a smoky depth to the flavor!

John Lee

John Lee’s love for cooking is deeply rooted in family tradition. Growing up, the men in his family took charge of the kitchen, turning every meal into a special occasion. From weekend barbecues to holiday feasts, food was more than sustenance—it was a way to connect.

Inspired by this upbringing, John developed a passion for creating dishes that bring people together. After meeting Joe Miller through mutual friends, he joined Food Landscape Insight to share his love for simple yet extraordinary cooking, crafting meals that tell a story and create lasting memories.