Print

Easy Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts

easy slow cooker honey garlic chicken - featured image

A simple 5-ingredient slow cooker honey garlic chicken that’s sweet, savory, and perfect for busy weeknights. Just dump everything in and come back to tender, flavorful chicken that tastes like it simmered all day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 medium breasts)
  • ½ cup honey
  • ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish, optional)
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, and ketchup until smooth and uniform.
  2. Place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of a 4-6 quart slow cooker. If breasts are thick (over 1.5 inches), slice them in half horizontally.
  3. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken, turning the pieces gently to coat both sides.
  4. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and shreds easily with a fork.
  5. Carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker using tongs and place on a cutting board. Let rest for 5 minutes, then shred with two forks or slice against the grain.
  6. Optional: Transfer the remaining sauce from the slow cooker to a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until reduced and slightly thickened. For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and whisk into the simmering sauce.
  7. Return the shredded or sliced chicken to the slow cooker or a serving dish, pour the thickened sauce over the top, and toss gently to coat. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or vegetables.

Notes

Don’t add extra liquid; the chicken releases its own juices. Avoid opening the lid frequently as it releases heat and extends cooking time. For extra sauce, double the honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ketchup. Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker honey garlic chicken, easy chicken dinner, 5-ingredient recipe, honey garlic chicken breasts, set it and forget it, meal prep chicken, kid-friendly chicken