Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Save this recipe on:

If you’re anything like me, then you understand the joy of walking into a kitchen that smells like comfort. That’s exactly what happened when I made this Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken. As someone who juggles work, family, and a constantly rumbling stomach, I’m always looking for meals that require minimal effort but deliver big flavors. This recipe ticks all those boxes.

I tossed a few pantry staples into the slow cooker, layered in some juicy chicken breasts, and let time work its magic. Hours later, the result was fall-apart tender chicken in a sweet, savory, and garlicky sauce that practically begs to be ladled over a steaming pile of rice or noodles. What surprised me most was how rich and satisfying the flavors were, considering how simple the process was.

It’s now part of my weekly rotation, especially on those hectic days when dinner plans are the last thing on my mind. Whether it’s for a casual weekday meal or you’re trying to impress dinner guests without lifting a finger too much, this recipe is a total win. You might also want to check out my One Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles or Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce if you’re a fan of quick chicken dinners. And if you’re a garlic lover like me, Sticky Honey Garlic Steak Rotini is another must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

This dish isn’t just tasty, it’s also ridiculously easy to prepare. You only need a handful of ingredients, most of which you probably already have on hand. Plus, it’s cooked low and slow, which means you can set it in the morning and come home to a hot, home-cooked meal with zero stress.

The honey and garlic combination creates an irresistible glaze that caramelizes just enough around the chicken for a sticky, flavorful finish. It also works well with a variety of sides, so you can customize it to suit your taste. If you’re into meal prepping, this one stores beautifully too.

Ingredients

Chicken breasts: The star of the show, they become juicy and tender after hours in the crock pot.

Honey: Adds a natural sweetness that balances the saltiness of soy sauce and complements the garlic perfectly.

Garlic: A must-have. It infuses the sauce with its rich aroma and deep flavor.

Soy sauce: Brings in the savory, umami depth that makes the sauce crave-worthy.

Ketchup: Gives a subtle tang and helps the sauce coat the chicken beautifully.

Dried basil: Adds a nice herbal note that lifts the overall flavor.

Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.

How to Make Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, and dried basil until well combined. Set aside.

Step 2: Layer the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crock pot. Make sure they lie flat in a single layer to cook evenly.

Step 3: Add the Sauce

Pour the honey garlic mixture over the chicken, ensuring all the pieces are well coated. Use a spoon to move the sauce around if needed.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Set your crock pot to low and cook for 6 hours. The chicken will soak in all the flavors and become fork-tender.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once done, remove the chicken and spoon extra sauce over the top. Serve with rice, noodles, or vegetables of your choice.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

This Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is very flexible. If you’re out of chicken breasts, boneless chicken thighs are a fantastic substitute—they become even more tender. You can swap out soy sauce for coconut aminos if you’re aiming for a gluten-free option.

Add a touch of sriracha or red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicy kick. No ketchup on hand? A mix of tomato paste with a splash of vinegar and sugar can do the trick. And for an herbal switch-up, try thyme or oregano instead of basil.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This chicken pairs beautifully with fluffy white rice, garlic mashed potatoes, or buttered egg noodles. I’ve also served it alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli or carrots for a complete, colorful plate.

If you want to keep things light, spoon it over a bed of mixed greens or use the shredded chicken in lettuce wraps. For something heartier, serve it in a sandwich roll with melted provolone.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the leftovers taste even better!

To reheat, warm the chicken and sauce in a covered saucepan over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals until hot. If the sauce thickens too much in the fridge, a splash of water or chicken broth will loosen it right up.

You can also freeze this dish. Place portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken with frozen chicken?

Yes, you can! Just be sure to add an extra hour to the cooking time and ensure the chicken reaches 165°F internally.

How can I thicken the sauce in Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken?

If the sauce is too thin, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a bit of cold water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

What side dishes go best with Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken?

It’s amazing with white rice, brown rice, noodles, mashed potatoes, or even inside a sandwich bun with coleslaw.

Can I use bone-in chicken for Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken?

Absolutely. Just adjust the cooking time by an extra hour or so, and be mindful when shredding the meat to remove all the bones.

Is Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken good for meal prep?

Yes! This is one of my go-to meal prep dishes. Portion it out with rice or veggies and you’ve got delicious ready-to-go meals for days.

Related Recipe You’ll Like

If you loved this Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken, you might also enjoy these mouthwatering recipes:

Try this comforting Cheesy Chicken Fritters for a crispy twist, or go with Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders for a family-friendly favorite. For a heartier meal, Chicken Parmesan is always a satisfying hit.

Save and Share This Recipe for Later

If this Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken recipe made your day easier or your dinner more delicious, don’t forget to share it! Pin it to your favorite recipe board on Pinterest so it’s just a click away the next time you need a hassle-free dinner idea.

Feel free to share the link with friends and family, or post it on social media so everyone can enjoy this flavorful, slow-cooked favorite. Sharing good food is always a good idea!

Save this recipe on: