Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken: 5-Ingredient Wonder

Name: Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; ½ cup honey; ¼ cup soy sauce; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; Salt and pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe

If there’s one recipe that perfectly captures my love for slow cooking, it’s this Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with the coziest aroma — sweet honey mingling with garlicky goodness — while you’re off living your life. Whether you’re juggling work, errands, or a mountain of laundry (been there!), this recipe does all the heavy lifting for you.

This one’s a true weeknight lifesaver — minimal prep, zero fuss, and guaranteed family approval. It’s that perfect balance of sweet and savory that keeps everyone coming back for seconds… and maybe thirds.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken

There are slow cooker recipes — and then there’s this. Here’s why it’s about to earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation:

Set it and forget it: Toss everything in the crockpot and let it work its magic. Dinner’s done while you get things done.
Sweet + savory perfection: Honey and soy sauce make the perfect pair, with garlic and ginger adding depth.
Family-friendly: Even picky eaters fall for this one — it’s like takeout, but cozier (and way cheaper).
Meal prep hero: It reheats beautifully for lunches or busy nights later in the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this irresistible Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
½ cup honey
¼ cup soy sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground ginger
Salt and pepper, to taste

Simple, right? Most of these are pantry staples — no wild ingredients or last-minute grocery runs required.

How to Make Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken

Making this Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken is the definition of easy, cozy cooking. There’s no complicated prep, no fancy steps, and no standing over a hot stove. Just real ingredients, real flavor, and that wonderful feeling of knowing dinner’s taken care of. Here’s how it all comes together:

Step 1: Lay the foundation

Start by placing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts right into the bottom of your crockpot. No pre-searing or extra pans needed (because who has time for more dishes?). The slow cooker will do all the work — gently cooking the chicken until it’s tender enough to pull apart with a fork.

Step 2: Mix the magic potion

Now for my favorite part — the sauce. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. It’s that perfect blend of sweet, salty, and garlicky goodness that’s going to turn plain chicken into a five-star comfort meal.

Pro tip: If you like things on the sweeter side, add an extra tablespoon of honey. Want a bit more depth? A splash of rice vinegar or a dash of sesame oil can take it up a notch. And yes, licking the spoon is completely acceptable (chef’s privilege!).

Step 3: Combine and let it simmer to perfection

Pour that glossy, fragrant sauce right over the chicken. Make sure every piece gets coated — the more sauce coverage, the more flavor payoff. Then, pop the lid on your crockpot, set it to low, and walk away.

That’s the beauty of this recipe — it’s truly hands-off cooking. Go run errands, fold some laundry, or just relax with a cup of coffee (you’ve earned it). Over the next few hours, your kitchen will slowly fill with the kind of aroma that makes everyone wander in asking, “What’s cooking?”

Cook for 3–4 hours on low, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. The key here is patience — slow cooking allows all those flavors to meld and soak deep into the meat. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken practically falls apart at the touch of a fork.

Step 4: Sauce it up and serve it right

Once the chicken is done, give it a gentle shred right in the crockpot — just enough to let it soak up all that delicious honey garlic sauce. The sauce should be silky and flavorful, perfect for drizzling over rice or veggies.

If you prefer a thicker sauce (and who doesn’t love that glossy, sticky finish?), simply remove the chicken, whisk in a cornstarch slurry — 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water — and let it cook on high for about 10 minutes. The sauce will thicken beautifully and cling to the chicken like a sweet-savory hug.

Now comes the fun part — serving! I love spooning this Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken over a bed of jasmine rice or noodles and topping it with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions for that restaurant-style finish. It’s one of those dishes that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen, but your crockpot knows the truth.

Mounia’s Slow Cooker Tip

If your sauce looks a little thin after cooking — don’t panic! Just remove the chicken, whisk in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with two teaspoons of water, and let it cook on high for about 10 minutes. Voilà — glossy, thick perfection.

Also, if you love a bit of a kick, try adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha. Sweet heat heaven.

A Little Story from My Kitchen

The first time I made this Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken, it was one of those Mondays that felt like three days in one. My to-do list was a mile long, my inbox was overflowing, and dinner was the last thing I wanted to think about. I threw everything into the slow cooker, crossed my fingers, and went about my day.

When I walked back into the kitchen hours later, it smelled like pure comfort — the kind that hugs your soul and says, “You’ve got this.” That moment reminded me why I adore slow cooking: minimal effort, maximum joy.

Helpful Tips for Perfect Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken

Use chicken thighs for extra tenderness. They stay juicy and soak up that sweet-savory sauce beautifully.
Double the sauce if you love it extra saucy (and who doesn’t?). It’s perfect for drizzling over rice or veggies.
Leftovers? Store them in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for a quick future meal.
Add veggies! Toss in some carrots or bell peppers in the last hour of cooking for a complete one-pot meal.

Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken cooking in a slow cooker with garlic, honey glaze, and fresh herbs — This Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken simmers in a rich honey-garlic sauce, creating tender, flavorful chicken that’s pure comfort in every bite.

FAQs About Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. If you must use frozen, add an extra hour to your cook time.

Can I make this with chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Thighs are amazing here — they stay tender and soak up the flavor even more.

What can I serve with Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken?

Rice is classic, but mashed potatoes, noodles, or even cauliflower rice all work beautifully.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Just whisk together a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp water) and stir it in near the end. Easy peasy!

Bring It All Together

There’s something so deeply comforting about a dish that’s simple, flavorful, and made with love — and this Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken hits every note. It’s a little sweet, a little savory, and a whole lot satisfying. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or a meal prep win, it’s one of those recipes you’ll find yourself making again and again.

So go ahead — grab that slow cooker, pour in some honey and garlic magic, and let dinner take care of itself tonight.

More Delicious Recipes to Try Next

If you loved this Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken, you’re going to fall head over heels for these other comforting slow cooker favorites. Each of these recipes pairs beautifully with today’s dish — whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner lineup or a cozy weekend feast. Here are some must-try ideas from my kitchen:

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggie – If you can’t get enough of that sweet and savory flavor combo, this version adds perfectly tender vegetables for a complete one-pot meal.
Crockpot Crack Chicken – Creamy, cheesy, and downright addictive, this reader-favorite recipe is another easy slow cooker gem for busy weeknights.
Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice – A rich, soul-warming dish that’s the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for pairing with your honey garlic chicken leftovers or serving on its own.
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes – These creamy, melt-in-your-mouth potatoes make a dreamy side dish that balances beautifully with the bold, sweet notes of the honey garlic sauce.