Sweet and Savory Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken

This is one of those dinners that makes the whole house smell amazing long before it’s ready. You know the kind, where people start wandering into the kitchen asking how much longer it’s going to be. The sauce is sweet, garlicky, and just savory enough, and it slowly works its way into the chicken while you go about your day. No babysitting, no stress, just a slow cooker doing what it does best.

I really appreciate meals like this on busy days when standing over the stove just isn’t happening. Everything gets mixed up quickly, poured over the chicken, and then you can walk away knowing dinner is already handled. By the time it’s done, the chicken is so tender it practically falls apart, and stirring it back into that glossy sauce feels like a small victory.

Serve it over rice or noodles, sprinkle a few sesame seeds on top, and suddenly dinner feels a little extra special without any extra work. It’s cozy, reliable, and the kind of meal that disappears fast once it hits the table. Definitely one to keep in mind when you want something comforting that still feels full of flavor.

Equipment

• Slow cooker: This does all the heavy lifting, gently cooking the chicken until it’s tender and soaked in that sweet garlicky sauce.

• Mixing bowl: Handy for whisking the sauce together quickly before it goes into the crockpot.

• Whisk or fork: Either one works for blending the sauce smoothly without overthinking it.

• Measuring cups and spoons: These keep the sweet and savory balance just right without any guesswork.

• Knife and cutting board: Perfect for mincing the garlic and getting everything prepped in a few minutes.

• Two forks: The easiest way to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker once it’s cooked through.

Ingredients

• ½ cup soy sauce: This is the savory backbone of the sauce, giving everything that rich, salty depth that makes the chicken so satisfying.

• ½ cup honey: Adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps create that sticky, glossy sauce everyone loves.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil: A small splash that rounds out the sauce and keeps everything silky as it cooks.

• 3 cloves minced garlic: Fresh garlic brings big cozy flavor and makes the whole house smell amazing while it cooks.

• 1 teaspoon onion powder: An easy way to add a little extra savory flavor without chopping another thing.

• 1 teaspoon salt: Helps balance the sweetness and brings all the flavors together.

• ½ teaspoon ground pepper: Just enough for a subtle bit of warmth without overpowering the sauce.

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh: Both options work beautifully here, turning tender and easy to shred after a few hours in the slow cooker.

• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds: A simple finishing touch that adds a little crunch and makes the dish feel complete.

• 1 tablespoon fresh Italian parsley: Sprinkled on at the end, it brightens everything up and adds a fresh pop of color right before serving.

Recipe Instructions

You can find a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk the soy sauce, honey, olive oil, onion powder, minced garlic, salt and the ground pepper.

2. Place the chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker.

3. Pour the sauce over it. Cook on low setting for 3-4 hours or on high for 2 hours.

4. Use 2 forks to shred the chicken in the crockpot. Once is it finely shredded, stir the crockpot to mix the shredded chicken with the sauce. 

5. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and fresh Italian parsley and serve immediately over a bed of rice or vermicelli.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken

• Use low if you can: Cooking this on low gives the chicken more time to soak up the sauce and stay extra tender, especially if you’re around all day.

• Don’t skip the shred-and-stir: Shredding the chicken right in the crockpot and mixing it back into the sauce is what really makes every bite flavorful.

• Thighs = extra juicy: Chicken thighs stay especially moist and forgiving if your timing runs a little long.

• Keep the lid on: Every peek lets heat escape and slows things down, so trust the slow cooker to do its thing.

• Taste before serving: A quick taste at the end lets you adjust with a pinch of salt or an extra drizzle of honey if needed.

• Want thicker sauce: Let it cook uncovered for the last 15–20 minutes or spoon a little sauce over the chicken when serving.

• Fresh garnish matters: A sprinkle of sesame seeds and parsley at the end adds texture and makes it feel finished, even on a busy night.

Serving

• Serve it over something cozy: Rice, vermicelli, or even noodles are perfect for soaking up every bit of that sweet garlicky sauce.

• Spoon extra sauce on top: Don’t be shy here, that sauce is the best part and makes the whole bowl extra comforting.

• Add a simple veggie on the side: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or snap peas balance things out without adding much work.

• Make it family-style: Set the slow cooker or a big serving bowl on the table and let everyone build their own plate.

• Great for leftovers, too: This reheats beautifully, so it’s just as good the next day for lunch or an easy dinner repeat.

Storing

• Let it cool first: Give the chicken a little time to cool before storing so you don’t trap extra moisture in the container.

• Store it with the sauce: Keeping the chicken in the sauce helps it stay juicy and full of flavor.

• Refrigerator friendly: It’ll keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.

• Freezer option: This freezes really nicely, just portion it out with some sauce and freeze for up to 2 months.

• Reheating tip: Warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce needs loosening.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely. Chicken thighs work really well here and tend to stay extra juicy and tender, even if the cook time runs a little long.

Do I need to brown the chicken first?

Nope. You can put the chicken straight into the slow cooker, which keeps this recipe nice and easy.

Can I cook this on high instead of low?

Yes, you can cook it on high for about 2 hours. Low is great if you have the time, but both options work.

Is this recipe very salty?

Using a reduced-sodium soy sauce helps keep the flavors balanced. If you’re sensitive to salt, you can also taste at the end and adjust as needed.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Definitely. It stores and reheats really well, making it perfect for meal prep or busy weeks.

What should I serve it with besides rice?

Noodles, vermicelli, or even quinoa work great. You can also spoon it over steamed veggies for a lighter option.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, this freezes beautifully. Just store it in an airtight container with the sauce and freeze for up to two months.