Looking for an easy and delicious dinner idea? This Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken made in a crock pot (slow cooker) is the perfect meal! It’s sweet, sticky, and packed with flavor — just toss the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it do the work.
Table of Contents
📝 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy honey garlic chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into chunks)
- Salt & black pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup oil (for frying)
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
Step-by-step cooking Instructions
1. Prep the Chicken
Season your chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Coat them in cornstarch, then dip into the beaten eggs.
2. Fry Until Crispy
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the coated chicken pieces until golden brown and crispy. You don’t need to cook them all the way through—just get that crispy coating.
3. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ketchup, vinegar, and chili flakes. Stir until combined.
4. Slow Cook It All
Add the crispy chicken to your crock pot. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the top. Cook on low for 2 hours or high for 1 hour.
5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you like your sauce thicker, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Add it to the crock pot and cook for another 10–15 minutes.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve your honey garlic chicken over:
- Steamed white rice
- Fried rice
- Noodles
- With stir-fried vegetables
Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for that perfect finishing touch!
💡 Tips for Best Results
- Use chicken thighs for juicier meat.
- Frying the chicken before slow cooking helps keep it crispy.
- Add some broccoli or bell peppers during the last 30 minutes for a one-pot meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Family-friendly – kids and adults love it!
- Sweet and savory combo is hard to resist.
- Easy crock pot recipe – set it and forget it!
- Great for meal prep – leftovers taste amazing.
How to Store Leftovers
Let the chicken cool, then store in an airtight container:
- Fridge: Up to 4 days
- Freezer: Up to 2 months
Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water.
Final Thoughts
This honey garlic chicken crock pot recipe is a total game-changer. With its crispy texture and sticky, sweet sauce, it’s guaranteed to become a go-to dinner favorite. And the best part? It’s super easy!
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat. However, chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful.
2. Can I skip frying the chicken?
Frying adds that crispy texture, but if you’re short on time, you can place raw chicken directly into the crock pot. Just know the texture will be softer, more like shredded chicken.
3. How spicy is this dish?
The spice level is mild. If you want it spicier, add more chili flakes or a bit of sriracha. You can also leave out the chili flakes for a kid-friendly version.
4. Can I make this without a crock pot?
Yes! You can cook the chicken in a regular pot or skillet. Simmer everything on low heat for about 25–30 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
5. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Stir well to heat evenly.
