Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how effortless this recipe is—everything goes into the slow cooker, and a few hours later, I have a meal that tastes like it took hours of attention. The sauce is rich, sticky, and full of flavor, while the chicken practically melts in my mouth. It’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep since it reheats beautifully. Plus, I can adjust the spice level and sweetness just how I like it.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

1 kg (4 cups) Boneless, skinless chicken thighs, See notes.
4 Cloves Garlic, peeled and crushed, see notes.
2 tsp Fresh ginger, See notes.
8 tbsp (0.5 cups) Dark soy sauce, See notes.
2 tbsp Oyster sauce, Optional. See notes.
4 tbsp (0.25 cups) Honey, Runny or set is fine.
4 tbsp (0.25 cups) Tomato ketchup
1/2 tsp Chilli flakes, Optional.

To add at the end of cooking:
1 tbsp Cornflour, See notes

To serve:
Rice
Chopped spring onions
Sesame seeds

Directions

I begin by adding everything except the cornflour into my slow cooker. I give it all a good stir to make sure the chicken is well coated in the flavorful sauce. Once everything is combined, I cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or on LOW for at least 6 hours.

When the chicken is tender and begins to fall apart, I scoop out a couple of tablespoons of the cooking liquid into a small bowl. I whisk it with the cornflour until smooth, then stir it back into the slow cooker. I gently shred the chicken with two forks, mixing it well so that the cornflour distributes evenly.

Sometimes the sauce thickens right away after mixing, but if it doesn’t, I let it cook on HIGH for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches that perfect sticky consistency.

I like to serve this flavorful honey garlic chicken over a bed of rice and garnish it with chopped spring onions and sesame seeds for extra texture and freshness.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 6 people.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes

Variations

When I want a bit of spice, I increase the chili flakes or add a dash of sriracha. If I’m out of chicken thighs, I sometimes use chicken breasts, though they tend to cook a little faster and are slightly less tender. I’ve also swapped oyster sauce for hoisin or teriyaki sauce for a different flavor twist. For a lighter, low-sodium version, I use a combination of light soy sauce and water.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, I warm the chicken gently in a pan over medium heat or microwave it until hot. The sauce may thicken in the fridge, so I sometimes add a splash of water to loosen it up. For longer storage, I freeze portions for up to 2 months and reheat them directly from frozen or after thawing overnight in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, I can, but chicken thighs stay juicier and more tender in the slow cooker.

Can I cook this on LOW instead of HIGH?

Absolutely. Cooking on LOW for about 6–7 hours gives the chicken extra tenderness.

Do I have to use oyster sauce?

No, it’s optional, but I love adding it for a deeper, richer flavor.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, I can easily double it as long as my slow cooker is large enough.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

I mix the cornflour with a bit of the cooking liquid before adding it back in—it thickens quickly once stirred.

What can I serve this with?

I usually serve it with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, I sometimes prepare all the ingredients in the slow cooker the night before, store it in the fridge, and start cooking the next day.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Definitely. I add more chili flakes or a spoonful of chili paste for extra heat.

What type of soy sauce works best?

I prefer dark soy sauce for a richer flavor and color, but light soy works too if that’s what I have.

How do I prevent the sauce from getting too salty?

I use low-sodium soy sauce or balance it out with an extra tablespoon of honey.

Conclusion

I find this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken to be one of those foolproof dishes that delivers big flavor with almost no effort. The sauce turns beautifully sticky and coats every piece of chicken in sweet-savory goodness. Whether I’m cooking for family or just want a quick, satisfying meal, this recipe never fails to impress with its tender texture and bold, comforting flavors.