Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts

These Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts are tender, juicy, and coated in a delicious sweet-and-savory garlic sauce. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep, this comforting chicken dinner is perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ⅓ cup honey
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil, optional
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or green onions
• Sesame seeds, optional

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.

Season both sides lightly with smoked paprika and black pepper.

Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.

2. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and sesame oil if using.

Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken.

3. Slow Cook

Cover and cook on:

• LOW for 3–4 hours, or
• HIGH for 2–3 hours

Cook until the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

Avoid overcooking the chicken, as lean chicken breasts can become dry.

4. Thicken the Sauce

Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker.

In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water.

Stir the slurry into the hot cooking liquid.

Return the chicken to the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for approximately 10–15 minutes, until the sauce thickens.

5. Coat the Chicken

Spoon the thickened honey garlic sauce generously over the chicken breasts.

Sprinkle with chopped parsley or green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

6. Serve

Slice the chicken and serve with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, broccoli, or noodles.

Spoon extra honey garlic sauce over each serving.

Recipe Tips

• Chicken breasts vary in size, so use an instant-read thermometer rather than relying only on cooking time.
• Don’t add extra salt until tasting the finished sauce because soy sauce can be quite salty.
• For a stronger garlic flavor, add another clove or two.
• Add red pepper flakes or a little hot sauce for a spicy version.
• Browning the chicken briefly before slow cooking can add extra flavor, although it’s optional.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Reheat gently with a spoonful of water or broth to keep the chicken moist.

Prep & Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3–4 hours on LOW
Servings: 4

Meta Description

Make tender Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts coated in a sweet and savory sauce made with honey, garlic, soy sauce, and simple pantry ingredients.