I still remember the first time I made Slow Cooker Sticky Honey Chicken. It was raining, my kids were squabbling over Legos, and Pinterest said this dish would “blow my mind.” Spoiler: it did. The homemade sauce clings like a cozy hug. No wonder this recipe’s blowing upsweet, saucy perfection with zero stress.
This easy recipe calls for chicken thighs, honey, garlic, and soy saucestuff you probably already have. It’s like that takeout sticky chicken you crave… but in your slippers. And yep, it works for 2 hour crockpot meals in a pinch. Full details in the blog!
We first tested this on a snowy Tuesdayforgot to thaw dinner, of course. Tossed it all in the slow cooker and hoped for the best. Spoiler: it’s now in our heavy rotation. I tested a twist on the honey chicken sauce. You’ll love the secret!
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Sticky Honey Chicken
No stress, all flavor: This recipe gives you that sweet, saucy takeout vibe without leaving home just toss it all together and let the slow cooker do its magic.
Perfectly cozy: That honey-soy-garlic sauce gives comfort food energy, perfect for a chill night in.
Beginner-friendly: With just a handful of pantry-ready ingredients, it’s as simple as brown, mix, and slow cook.
Ideal for 2-hour crockpot meals: Running late? This dish works on a faster setting, too.
Key Ingredients & Possible Swaps
Here’s the breakdown of what you’ll need, plus ideas to tweak things based on what you have on hand:
Ingredient
Purpose
Swaps
Chicken breast (500g)
Main protein
Chicken thighs for juicier results
Honey (3 tbsp)
Sweetness in the sauce
Maple syrup for a touch of earthiness
Light soy sauce (1/4 cup)
Salty, umami balance
Regular soy or tamari (gluten-free)
Brown sugar (1 tbsp)
Sauce richness
Coconut sugar or omit for less sweetness
Minced garlic (2 tsp)
Depth of flavor
Garlic powder (1/2 tsp)
Flour
Helps brown the chicken
For gluten-free: use cornstarch
Pro Tip: The honey and brown sugar work together to make that irresistible sticky finish, so don’t skip them unless you’re going for a less sweet taste.
How to Make It (Step-by-Step)
Prep and brown the chicken: Coat diced chicken breast lightly in flour. Melt butter in a pan over medium heat, brown the chicken until golden (no need to cook through). Toss in the sliced onion and let it soften slightly.
Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, and minced garlic until smooth and fragrant.
Combine in the slow cooker: Add the browned chicken and onions to the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over everything and gently stir to coat well.
Cook: Cover and cook on high for 2–3 hours. For tender, juicy chicken, check for doneness after 2 hours. (If you want to let it simmer longer, set it to low and cook for 4–5 hours.)
Serve: Pair with warm rice and steamed veggies for a perfectly balanced meal. Extra sauce on top is a must!
Cook Time Overview
Timing
High heat
2–3 hours
Low heat
4–5 hours
Pro Tip: Browning the chicken first adds extra flavor and texture, so don’t skip that step unless you’re really short on time.
Troubleshooting & Tweaks
Sauce too thin? Remove the lid during the last 30 minutes and let it reduce. Or, mix 1 tsp of cornstarch with 1 tbsp water, stir it in, and let it thicken up.
Taste test: If it’s too sweet for your liking, add a splash more soy sauce to balance it out.
Dry chicken? Dice the chicken larger next time, or use thighs instead of breasts for a juicier dish.
Too salty? A squeeze of lemon or a pinch of sugar can mellow it out or serve with plenty of rice to soak up the sauce.
Serving & Storage Tips
This sticky honey chicken is a crowd-pleaser on its own, but here’s how to make the most of it:
Serve over steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa to soak up the sticky honey chicken sauce.
Pair with simple sides like roasted broccoli, sautéed green beans, or even a fresh cucumber salad for contrast.
Leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to store them:
Storage Method
Details
Refrigerator
Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Freezer
Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently.
Pro Tip: Freeze any leftover sauce separately in ice cube trays perfect for drizzling over grilled chicken or veggies later!
Slow Cooker Sticky Honey Chicken benefits from the low-and-slow cooking method, which tenderizes the meat while allowing the honey glaze to thicken naturally. This gentle heat balance ensures rich flavor development without burning the sugars, resulting in a perfectly sticky, savory-sweet finish every time.
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Mastering Slow Cooker Sticky Honey Chicken One Batch at a Time
This slow cooker sticky honey chicken recipe didn’t come together overnight. After a couple of attempts where the sauce was either too runny or too sweet, I finally nailed the balance that makes it sticky and flavorful without any fuss. This version is the one my family actually asks for again and again.
FAQs ( Slow Cooker Sticky Honey Chicken )
How long does Slow Cooker Sticky Honey Chicken take to cook?
This crockpot honey chicken recipe typically takes 4-6 hours on low heat or 2-3 hours on high heat. The chicken is perfectly tender when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and easily shreds with a fork. For busy weeknights, you can even prep it in the morning and have dinner ready by evening!
What ingredients make the honey chicken sauce sticky?
The sticky magic comes from combining honey with soy sauce, brown sugar, and a touch of cornstarch or flour as a thickener. Some recipes also include rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger for extra depth of flavor. The slow cooking process allows these ingredients to caramelize and create that irresistible glossy coating that clings perfectly to the chicken.
Can I use frozen chicken for Crock Pot Honey Chicken?
While it’s safer to thaw chicken first, you can use frozen chicken in your slow cooker – just add an extra 1-2 hours to the cooking time. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving. For best results and food safety, thaw your chicken overnight in the refrigerator before adding it to your crockpot sticky chicken recipe.
What side dishes go well with sticky chicken slow cooker meals?
This sweet honey chicken pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, fluffy quinoa, or garlic mashed potatoes to soak up that delicious sauce. For vegetables, try steamed broccoli, roasted carrots, or a crisp Asian-style coleslaw. You can even serve it over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option that still captures all those amazing flavors.
How do I store leftover Slow Cooker Sticky Chicken?
Store leftover sticky chicken in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water or chicken broth to restore the sauce’s consistency. You can reheat it in the microwave, on the stovetop, or even back in the slow cooker on low heat until warmed through.
Wrapping Up Your Slow Cooker Sticky Honey Chicken Adventure
Slow Cooker Sticky Honey Chicken is the kind of easy, cozy kitchen win that feels like a homemade hug after a long day. With just a couple of hours in your crockpot, you’ll get tender, sweet, saucy chicken that’s perfect for family dinners or sneaky weekday indulgences. Trust me, this one’s worth the buzz!
Want to switch it up? Try swapping chicken thighs for juicy bites, swap honey for a drizzle of maple syrup, or freeze leftover honey chicken sauce in little cubes for future quick mealsa neat trick I picked from a fellow home cook! It’s flexible, forgiving, and made for busy lives.
Did this recipe remind you of a favorite family dishor did you add your own twist? Drop a photo below or share your take! And hey, pass this along to a friend who’s all about those sweet, sticky crockpot nights. You’re gonna wanna make this again and again.
This easy slow cooker sticky honey chicken combines tender chicken breast with a sweet and savory honey soy sauce, perfect for a delicious Asian-inspired dinner in just a few hours.
Ingredients
Scale
500g of chicken breast diced
3 tbsp of honey
1/4 cup of light soy sauce
1 tbsp of brown sugar
2 tsp of minced garlic
1/2 small onion thinly sliced
Flour for coating
Butter for browning
Instructions
Coat the diced chicken breast in flour. In a pan, melt some butter over medium heat and brown the chicken but do not cook it through. Add the thinly sliced onion towards the end and cook until slightly softened.
In a bowl mix together 3 tbsp of honey, 1/4 cup of light soy sauce, 1 tbsp of brown sugar, and 2 tsp of minced garlic until well combined.
Add the browned chicken and onions to the slow cooker. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken. Stir to ensure the chicken is well-coated with the sauce.
Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Serve the sticky honey chicken with rice and vegetables on the side for a complete meal.
Notes
For best results, do not overcook the chicken during browning, and adjust slow cooker time based on your device
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas—together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
