Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

So, last week, after coming home late from Sarah's dance class, I needed something that required zero fuss and would be ready to serve up some warmth after a long day. Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken to the rescue! It’s a lifesaver when I'm short on time but still want a meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. The tender chicken thighs practically fall apart with the touch of a fork, and the sweet-savory sauce appeals to everyone at the table. Alex and Sarah can't get enough of it, and I love how it brings us all together.

Jump to:

Why you’ll love this recipe
Ingredients
Step-by-step instructions
Recipe tips & variations
Storage & reheating
FAQs
Recipes you may like
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Feel free to check our super easy Gluten-Free Lemon Crinkle Cookies next time you're looking for a quick after-dinner treat.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is perfect for those busy weeknights when you're playing chauffeur between school activities and errands. Not only is it a dump-and-go dish, but it also creates minimal mess, leaving me more family time. The honey and garlic duo makes the dish irresistible, ensuring it becomes a staple in your weekly menu.

Ingredients

2 lbs. bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1 medium yellow onion, roughly chopped
1 lb. baby red potatoes, quartered
1 lb. carrots, peeled
½ lb. green beans, ends trimmed off
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (optional for thicker sauce)
Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
1 tablespoon garlic, minced or ½ tablespoon garlic powder
⅓ cup honey
½ cup low sodium soy sauce

Step-by-step instructions

Combine the honey garlic sauce ingredients and pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
Fill the bottom of the slow cooker with all the vegetables except the green beans.
Top with chicken and pour sauce over the chicken.
Cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours.
Around 45 minutes before the end of the cooking time, add the cornstarch slurry to the sauce and stir to mix (optional).
Add green beans and cook for another 30 minutes or until the green beans are tender and the sauce has thickened.
For a crispy skin, broil the chicken thighs at 450 degrees F for 2-3 minutes (optional).
Dish and serve hot, sprinkled with optional fresh parsley for garnish.

Recipe tips & variations

For those of you needing to switch it up, Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken works great with boneless chicken thighs which tend to cook faster. If you’re a spice lover like Donald, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. And guess what? Leftover veggies hiding in your fridge can totally join the slow cooker party.

Storage & reheating

Got leftovers (highly unlikely with our crew)? Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, throw it back in the microwave or a saucepan over low heat until warmed through. If you want to keep some for another week, it freezes beautifully for up to 3 months!

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs in Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken?

Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time as boneless thighs cook faster.

How do I thicken the sauce for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken?

A simple cornstarch slurry mixed into the sauce 45 minutes before serving will do the trick.

When should I add the vegetables to Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken?

Add them at the beginning except for the green beans which go in during the last 30 minutes to stay crisp-tender.

Can Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken be made ahead or frozen for later?

Yes, prepare and freeze raw, then cook when needed. I've done it and it turns out just as delicious!

Recipes you may like

Creamy Mango Banana Smoothie for a Fresh Morning Boost
Pineapple Green Smoothie for a refreshing twist
Gluten-Free Lemon Crinkle Cookies for dessert after your comforting meal