Description
Tender, juicy, and sweet-savory, this Slow Cooker Sweet Garlic Chicken is a set-it-and-forget-it dinner that delivers comforting flavor with barely any effort. Cooked low and slow in a sticky honey garlic sauce, the shredded chicken is perfect over rice or quinoa and pairs beautifully with steamed veggies or a crunchy slaw. It’s family-friendly, meal-prep approved, and seriously satisfying.
Shredded Chicken: A lean, high-quality source of protein that supports muscle health and satiety while being low in fat.
Honey Garlic Sauce: Made with garlic (which has immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties) and honey (a natural sweetener with antioxidants), this sauce adds flavor without the need for processed ingredients.
Whole Grains (Rice or Quinoa): Serve with brown rice or quinoa for added fiber, sustained energy, and essential minerals.
Set-It-and-Forget-It: Minimal prep—just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work.
Ingredients
1.5–2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup honey
1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or 1/2 tsp minced ginger from jar)
1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (optional, to thicken)
Sliced green onions to taste
Sesame seeds to taste
Optional toppings: chili flakes
For serving:
Cooked rice or quinoa
Steamed broccoli, green beans, or snap peas
Instructions
Add ingredients to the slow cooker: Place chicken in the crock pot. In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Pour over the chicken.
Cook:
- On LOW for 6–7 hours
- Or on HIGH for 3–4 hours
Until chicken is fully cooked and easily shreds with a fork.
Shred the chicken: Remove chicken and shred with two forks. Return to the slow cooker and stir to coat in the sauce.
Optional — thicken the sauce: In the last 15 minutes, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir it into the sauce to thicken slightly.
Serve: Scoop chicken over rice or quinoa, add veggies, and sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds, or a sprinkle of chili flakes.
Notes
Make it spicy: Add a tablespoon of gochujang, sriracha, or chili flakes to the sauce.
Use leftovers in tacos or wraps: It’s super versatile!
Add veg directly: Toss in bell peppers or carrots in the last hour of cooking to soften.
Meal prep: Stores well in the fridge for 4–5 days or freezes for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 3-7 hours