How to Make Delicious Soy Honey Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot

As a busy mom of three, I’m always on the lookout for simple yet flavorful meals that the whole family will love. One of my favorite go-to dishes is this Soy Honey Garlic Chicken made in the crockpot. The best part? It only takes 5 minutes to prep, and the slow cooker does the rest! I can throw everything in before school drop-off, and by the time we’re ready for dinner, it’s perfectly cooked and ready to serve. Plus, this recipe is packed with savory flavors that both my kids and husband can’t get enough of.

I love how versatile this dish is too. It’s a great option for those busy weeknights when I don’t have a ton of time to spend in the kitchen, but still want something that’s satisfying and nutritious. The combination of soy sauce, honey, and garlic creates a rich, sweet and savory sauce that coats the chicken perfectly. And it’s so easy to make, I often find myself making this more than I expected – it’s just that good!

Another reason I love this recipe is that it’s so budget-friendly. As someone who’s always thinking about family budgets, I can appreciate how affordable this meal is. The ingredients are simple, and I can easily find them at my local grocery store without breaking the bank. It’s perfect for a family dinner, and you can even stretch it for leftovers the next day. Plus, the sesame seeds and scallions on top add that extra touch of flavor and crunch.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs (4 pieces) of chicken breast: Start with 2 pounds of chicken breast for a hearty and lean protein base that will soak up all the delicious flavors.

• 1 cup reduced sodium soy sauce: A cup of reduced sodium soy sauce adds a savory, umami-rich base without overpowering the dish with too much salt.

• ½ cup honey: The sweetness of half a cup of honey balances out the saltiness and gives the chicken a deliciously sticky glaze.

• ¼ cup hoisin sauce: A quarter cup of hoisin sauce brings a touch of sweetness and depth, enhancing the savory flavors in the dish.

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar: A tablespoon of rice vinegar adds a bit of tanginess to brighten up the rich, savory sauce.

• 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil: Toasted sesame oil contributes a nutty, aromatic flavor that takes this dish to the next level.

• 6-8 cloves of garlic: Freshly grated garlic, 6 to 8 cloves, infuses the sauce with an irresistible, aromatic kick.

• 2 scallions: Chop up two scallions to sprinkle on top for a fresh, crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the tender chicken.

• 1 tsp sesame seeds: A teaspoon of sesame seeds provides a light crunch and a subtle nutty flavor to finish off the dish.

• ¼ tsp salt, or to taste: A pinch of salt (about ¼ teaspoon) enhances the overall flavors and helps balance the sweetness of the honey.

• ¼ tsp black pepper, or to taste: A little black pepper (¼ teaspoon) adds a mild spice and rounds out the flavor profile of the dish.

Recipe Instructions

You can find a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Grate the garlic.

2. In your slow cooker, add the chicken, soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, garlic, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and salt and pepper. Stir until well combined.

3. Cook in the slow cooker for 3-4 hours on high or 6-7 hours on low. Flip the chicken breast over when it is halfway cooked.

4. Once fully cooked, shred the chicken. A hand mixer works great for easy shredding.

5. Serve with rice and top with scallions and sesame seeds.

Top Tips

• Use bone-in chicken for extra flavor: While boneless chicken breast works great, using bone-in chicken can add even more flavor to your dish. The bone helps infuse the sauce into the meat as it cooks.

• Prep ingredients the night before: To save time in the morning, prep all the ingredients the night before. Simply chop the garlic, measure out the sauces, and store them in the fridge. In the morning, just toss everything into the crockpot and start cooking!

• Adjust sweetness to your taste: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a little extra honey. On the other hand, if you like a more savory flavor, reduce the amount of honey or hoisin sauce.

• Add vegetables for a one-pot meal: Toss in some veggies like carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas toward the end of the cooking time for a complete meal in one pot.

• Shred the chicken for easy serving: For a more shredded texture, use a hand mixer or two forks to shred the chicken once it’s cooked. It soaks up the sauce better and is perfect for serving over rice or in wraps.

• Use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option: Since this recipe already calls for reduced-sodium soy sauce, you can adjust even further by choosing low-sodium options to keep the dish lighter and healthier for your family.

• Serve with steamed rice or noodles: To complete the meal, serve this savory chicken over a bed of steamed rice or stir it into cooked noodles for a satisfying dinner.

• Top with extra garnishes: For added flavor and texture, sprinkle on some extra sesame seeds, drizzle with a little more toasted sesame oil, or add a dash of chili flakes for a bit of heat.

My Favorite Ways to Enjoy Crockpot Soy Honey Garlic Chicken

• Over a bed of rice: My favorite way to enjoy this chicken is served over a steaming bowl of rice. The sauce soaks into the rice, making every bite flavorful and comforting.

• In wraps or tortillas: I love to shred the chicken and serve it in soft flour tortillas with some fresh veggies like lettuce, carrots, and cucumbers for a light, handheld meal.

• In a stir-fry: For a quick and easy meal, I add the shredded chicken to a stir-fry with a mix of my favorite vegetables: bell peppers, onions, and snap peas. It’s a great way to incorporate more veggies into the dish.

• As a topping for salads: This chicken makes an amazing salad topper. The sweet and savory flavors complement a fresh spinach or mixed greens salad, and the tender chicken adds protein and substance.

• With noodles or pasta: I love tossing the shredded chicken with cooked noodles or pasta for an easy and satisfying dinner. Add a bit of extra soy sauce or sesame oil to tie the flavors together.

• In a sandwich or bun: Turn this into a delicious sandwich by serving the shredded chicken on a soft bun with some crunchy slaw or pickled veggies for extra texture and zing.

• On a grain bowl: For a more wholesome meal, I’ll serve this chicken over a grain bowl with quinoa or farro, topped with avocado, scallions, and a drizzle of extra sauce for flavor.

• As a meal prep option: I like to make a big batch of this chicken and use it for meal prep throughout the week. It’s perfect for adding to lunchboxes or enjoying on busy evenings when I don’t have time to cook.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just be sure to extend the cooking time by an hour or so, and check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s fully cooked.

2. Can I substitute the honey with something else?
If you’re looking for a substitute, you can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or even brown sugar. These alternatives will still provide sweetness, but the flavor may differ slightly.

3. How long can I store leftovers?
Leftover soy honey garlic chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop when you’re ready to enjoy it.

4. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work wonderfully in this recipe. They have more fat and can become even more tender, making them an excellent choice for slow cooking.

5. What can I serve with this dish?
This chicken pairs perfectly with steamed rice, quinoa, stir-fried vegetables, or even a fresh salad. You can also serve it in wraps or sandwiches for a different twist.

6. Can I make this recipe in the Instant Pot?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the Instant Pot! Simply cook the chicken on high pressure for about 10-12 minutes and allow it to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes before shredding.

7. Is this recipe gluten-free?
If you use a gluten-free soy sauce, this recipe can be made gluten-free. Just make sure to check the labels on your soy sauce and hoisin sauce to ensure they’re gluten-free options.

8. How can I make this recipe spicier?
If you like some heat, try adding red pepper flakes, chili paste, or sriracha to the sauce. Start with a small amount and taste-test to get the heat level just right for your family.