If you’ve ever had dinner on a busy weeknight and wanted something cozy and sweet and savory then you know that Slow Cooker Sticky Honey Chicken is a dish that stands out with its tasty flavors. In this article and with this easy step by step guide we have the Slow Cooker Sticky Honey Chicken recipe for you to try in the comfort of your own home and if you want a morning recipe for another simple day try our Easy Breakfast Burritos.
This classic family style dish has tender boneless chicken thighs in a rich and flavorful honey soy sauce that is both savory and sweet. This recipe is great for special occasions or a weeknight meal and this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
Here’s what I use for this recipe and you can always make substitutions if you prefer.
- boneless skinless chicken thighs: Juicy dark meat that stays tender during slow cooking.
- wildflower honey: Adds sticky sweetness and helps the sauce glaze the chicken.
- low sodium soy sauce: Brings salty depth without overpowering the honey.
- ketchup made with tomato puree: Adds tang and helps thicken the glossy sauce.
- toasted sesame oil: Adds nutty aroma to the sauce.
- fresh garlic cloves: Gives the sauce a savory bite.
- fresh ginger root: Adds warm brightness to balance the sweetness.
- rice vinegar: Cuts through the sticky honey flavor.
- cornstarch: Thickens the sauce into a shiny glaze.
- cold water: Mixes with cornstarch so it blends smoothly.
- green onions: Adds fresh color at the end.
- toasted sesame seeds: Adds a light crunch and final garnish.
Tools You’ll Need
- Slow cooker: Cooks the boneless skinless chicken thighs gently until tender.
- Mixing bowl: Combines the honey soy sauce before cooking.
- Small bowl: Mixes the cornstarch slurry smoothly.
Instructions
Step 1: Whisk the sticky honey sauce
The wildflower honey and low sodium soy sauce and ketchup made with tomato puree come together with fresh garlic cloves and fresh ginger root and rice vinegar until the sauce turns glossy and deep amber.
Tip: Whisk until no thick streaks of honey remain.
Step 2: Coat the chicken thighs
The boneless skinless chicken thighs are added and turned through the sauce so the pale chicken becomes unevenly coated with amber glaze and small garlic bits cling to the edges.
Tip: Leave some sauce pooled around the chicken so it cooks into the meat.
Step 3: Slow cook until tender
The chicken softens and darkens as the sauce bubbles around it and the edges look slightly browned while the pieces shift apart into a looser saucy layer.
Tip: Cook until the chicken pulls apart easily but still holds its shape.
Step 4: Thicken the glaze
The cornstarch and cold water slurry turns the loose sauce into a shiny sticky glaze that clings to the chicken and leaves darker streaks across the tender pieces.
Tip: Stir gently so the chicken stays in rustic pieces.
Step 5: Plate and finish
A single portion of sticky honey chicken is served with glossy sauce and scattered green onions and toasted sesame seeds so the finished dish looks homemade and naturally uneven.
Tip: Spoon extra glaze over the top right before serving.
Pro Tips
- Use boneless skinless chicken thighs for the juiciest texture.
- Add the cornstarch slurry near the end so the glaze stays glossy.
- Slice green onions just before serving for the freshest finish.
- Serve with jasmine rice or steamed broccoli for a simple dinner.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover Slow Cooker Sticky Honey Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently until warm and add a splash of water if the glaze becomes too thick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes and boneless chicken breast works well although it can cook a little drier than boneless skinless chicken thighs.
Yes and it reheats nicely for meal prep because the glaze thickens more after chilling.
Add the cornstarch and cold water slurry near the end and let it cook until the sauce turns glossy and sticky.
Serve it with jasmine rice and steamed broccoli or tucked into lettuce cups for a lighter meal.
Final Thoughts
This is the kind of recipe I wish I had found years ago. It would have saved me so many stressful dinner nights.
But now that I have it and I make it all the time and I think you will too. If you enjoyed this and check out some of my other popular recipes on the blog like Blueberry Grilled Cheese and Simple Avocado Toast.
And leave a comment and I read every single one and it really makes my day.
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Slow Cooker Sticky Honey Chicken
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Slow Cooker Sticky Honey Chicken is easy enough for a weeknight dinner and quick to prep before the day gets busy. The simple honey soy garlic sauce cooks into the best sticky glaze while the boneless chicken thighs stay juicy and healthy with rice or vegetables. Save these ideas for meal prep and potluck nights when you need a cozy dinner that tastes homemade and feels low effort.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup wildflower honey
- 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup made with tomato puree
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 4 cloves minced fresh garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger root
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 2 thinly sliced green onions
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- The wildflower honey and low sodium soy sauce and ketchup made with tomato puree come together with fresh garlic cloves and fresh ginger root and rice vinegar until the sauce turns glossy and deep amber.
- The boneless skinless chicken thighs are added and turned through the sauce so the pale chicken becomes unevenly coated with amber glaze and small garlic bits cling to the edges.
- The chicken softens and darkens as the sauce bubbles around it and the edges look slightly browned while the pieces shift apart into a looser saucy layer.
- The cornstarch and cold water slurry turns the loose sauce into a shiny sticky glaze that clings to the chicken and leaves darker streaks across the tender pieces.
- A single portion of sticky honey chicken is served with glossy sauce and scattered green onions and toasted sesame seeds so the finished dish looks homemade and naturally uneven.
Notes
Pro Tips:
- Use boneless skinless chicken thighs for the juiciest texture.
- Add the cornstarch slurry near the end so the glaze stays glossy.
- Slice green onions just before serving for the freshest finish.
- Serve with jasmine rice or steamed broccoli for a simple dinner.
Storage: Store leftover Slow Cooker Sticky Honey Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently until warm and add a splash of water if the glaze becomes too thick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
