When you’re craving a meal that’s both effortlessly prepared and full of rich flavor, this honey-garlic slow cooker chicken is a top contender. Perfectly suited for busy weekdays or relaxing weekends, this dish brings together a beautiful balance of savory, sweet, and aromatic elements with hardly any hands-on time. Using only a handful of ingredients you likely already have in your pantry—like soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ketchup—this recipe is both budget-friendly and crowd-pleasing.
Slow cooking allows the chicken thighs to become incredibly tender while soaking up every bit of the flavorful sauce. Whether you’re serving it over a bed of fluffy rice or pairing it with steamed vegetables, the result is a complete meal that feels comforting and satisfying without a lot of effort. It’s also easy to scale up or modify based on dietary needs, making it a versatile addition to your weekly meal plan.
This dish has all the hallmarks of a repeat favorite—minimal prep, simple ingredients, and a flavor profile that’s both family-friendly and dinner-party worthy. The sweet and garlicky glaze is irresistible, and leftovers (if there are any!) taste just as good the next day.
Ingredients (Serves 2–3)
4 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
½ cup soy sauce
½ cup ketchup
⅓ cup honey
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil
Instructions
Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of a 4-quart slow cooker. In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, ketchup, honey, garlic, and dried basil until well combined. Pour this sauce mixture evenly over the chicken thighs. Cover and cook on LOW for approximately 6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Serve warm over rice, quinoa, or mixed steamed vegetables.
Nutritional and Dietary Notes
This dish is a good source of lean protein, thanks to the boneless chicken thighs. The garlic provides heart-healthy benefits and boosts flavor without added fat or calories. However, soy sauce contributes a significant amount of sodium, so individuals watching their salt intake may want to use a reduced-sodium version. The sauce contains added sugars from the honey and ketchup, making it a bit higher in carbs than some other chicken dishes. Gluten-sensitive individuals should ensure their soy sauce is gluten-free.
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Tried this honey-garlic chicken recipe in your slow cooker? We’d love to hear what you thought! Whether you added a twist or followed it to the letter, your feedback helps others and brings our food-loving community closer together. Drop a comment, share a tip, or tag a friend who’d love this!