Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Breast

By Maya Ellison

Published on

Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Breast

There is nothing quite like the aroma of sweet and savory mingling by dinnertime. This recipe delivers deeply flavorful, impossibly moist chicken every single time. The secret lies in that beautiful glaze that coats every shred of meat perfectly. Honestly, this Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Breast is my go-to meal when life gets just a little too hectic.

I often make a big batch on Sunday afternoon. Then, leftovers become fantastic lunches all week long. This slow cooker chicken recipe requires almost zero fuss from me. Busy moms like us certainly deserve these simple, delicious wins!

Why I Love This Recipe

This dish simplifies busy evenings wonderfully. The prep time is mere minutes, which is a true lifesaver. You get incredible flavor payoff for minimal effort spent. Plus, this satisfying meal always pleases everyone at the table.

  • Unbelievable Tenderness: The slow cooking keeps chicken perfectly moist.
  • Flavor Bomb: That sticky, garlicky glaze sings beautifully.
  • Weeknight Hero: Set it and forget it until dinner time sounds perfect.

Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Breast Ingredients

The combination of honey and soy sauce creates a magical balance. This simple trio delivers that signature sweet, salty, savory profile we all crave. Truly, these core ingredients transform humble chicken breasts.

The boneless, skinless chicken breasts form our tender base. Honey brings natural sweetness and helps that rich glaze form. Next, low-sodium soy sauce adds depth and saltiness without overwhelming everything. We need a little acid, so apple cider vinegar brightens up the richness. Freshly minced garlic and a touch of ginger provide aromatic warmth. Finally, black pepper adds just a whisper of spice.

Substitutions and Tips

If you are watching sodium intake closely, definitely use low-sodium soy sauce. Regarding ginger, please use fresh if you can find it. Dried ginger works fine too, of course. For a tangier sauce, feel free to add a teaspoon of lime juice. If you run out of honey, maple syrup is a suitable swap in a pinch. Remember, the cornstarch slurry is totally optional for thickening.

How to Make Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Breast

Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Breast

Making this wonderful dish is incredibly straightforward. We are taking simple steps for maximum flavor impact here. You will love how easily this comes together right now.

Step 1: Preparing the Base

First, arrange your chicken breasts nicely in the bottom of the slow cooker. Next, grab a small bowl for your sauce ingredients. In that bowl, whisk together the honey and the soy sauce first. Then, mix in the vinegar, minced garlic, ginger, and pepper well. Pour this flavorful mixture right over the chicken pieces evenly.

Step 2: Slow Cooking the Chicken

Now, cover your slow cooker securely with the lid. Cook this on the LOW setting for about four hours total. Alternatively, you can use the HIGH setting for roughly two to two and a half hours. The goal remains shreddable, tender chicken breasts, so check them often. We certainly want to avoid getting dry chicken.

Step 3: Removing and Shredding

Once cooked, carefully take the chicken breasts out of the cooker. Place them on a clean cutting board or plate for a moment. Let them rest for just a few minutes before shredding. You can use two forks for easy shredding. Just shred it until it looks fork-tender, which should happen easily.

Step 4: Thickening the Honey Garlic Sauce

This step makes the sauce wonderfully thick and glossy. Whisk the cornstarch slurry into the remaining liquid in the crockpot now. Switch the machine to HIGH heat if you plan to leave it there. Cook and stir until the sauce visibly thickens up. Heating this on the stovetop also works very well if you prefer.

Step 5: Combining and Finishing

Return the shredded chicken back to the thick sauce immediately. Toss everything together really well to coat everything nicely. Serve your Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Breast hot over fluffy rice. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions for beautiful presentation if you like.

How to Store Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Breast

Storing leftovers is a breeze for easy meal planning. Keep any remaining honey garlic chicken in an airtight container always. Refrigerate these leftovers for up to four days maximum. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags. Freezing works well for about three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating slowly.

Tips for Success

  • Always use low-sodium soy sauce for better flavor control.
  • Check the internal temperature to confirm it hits 165°F.
  • Do not skip resting the chicken before you shred it quickly.
  • Taste the sauce before thickening; add a pinch more pepper if needed.
  • If you like it spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes in there.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

  • A reliable slow cooker or Crockpot is essential here.
  • A small mixing bowl for whisking your sauce ingredients.
  • Two forks for perfectly shredding the tender chicken meat later.
  • Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy while mixing.
Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Breast

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve over steamed white or brown rice easily.
  • Pair it with a simple side of steamed broccoli florets.
  • Try serving it alongside crisp, fresh Asian coleslaw for crunch.
  • A simple glass of chilled white wine compliments the sweet glaze.
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Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Breast

Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Breast

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  • Author: Maya Ellison
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2.5 – 4 hours
  • Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes – 4 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings (estimated)
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Slow Cooker (Crockpot)
  • Cuisine: American/Asian Fusion
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

A simple and flavorful recipe for tender chicken breasts cooked in a slow cooker with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce.


Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (or 1/2 tsp dried ginger)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water (for thickening, optional)
  • Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)


Instructions

  1. Place chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, ginger, and black pepper.
  3. Pour the sauce over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or on HIGH for 2-2.5 hours, or until chicken is cooked through and easily shreds. Avoid overcooking to prevent dry chicken.
  5. Carefully remove chicken breasts from the slow cooker and set aside.
  6. If you want a thicker sauce, whisk the cornstarch slurry into the sauce remaining in the slow cooker. Turn the slow cooker to HIGH (or transfer sauce to a saucepan on the stovetop) and cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 10-15 minutes.
  7. Shred or slice the chicken, then return it to the thickened sauce, tossing to coat.
  8. Serve hot over rice, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, if desired.

Notes

  • Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the overall salt content.
  • Ensure chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
  • The cornstarch slurry is optional; skip it if you prefer a thinner sauce.

Categorized in:

Dinners
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