There’s something incredibly comforting about a slow-cooked meal, especially when it’s as delicious as Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts.
This dish combines the sweet richness of honey with the savory depth of garlic, creating a flavor explosion that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Plus, the best part? You can set it and forget it, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredient List
For my Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts, I gather a few simple ingredients that create a deliciously sweet and savory dish. Here’s what I need:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (I prefer low-sodium for a lighter flavor)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves, fresh is best for maximum flavor)
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger (adds warmth and depth)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (for a hint of tang)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (to balance the sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional; for thickening sauce)
- 2 tablespoons water (to mix with cornstarch if using)
These ingredients come together flawlessly in the slow cooker, creating a tender and flavorful chicken dish that I love serving over rice or with steamed veggies.
Step-by-Step Instructions

- Prepare the Chicken
Start by placing the four boneless skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of the Crock Pot. Ensure they are laid out evenly for consistent cooking.
- Mix the Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup honey 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce 3 cloves of minced garlic 1 teaspoon ground ginger and 2 tablespoons rice vinegar. Stir well until all the ingredients are fully mixed and the honey is dissolved.
- Pour the Sauce over Chicken
Carefully pour the honey garlic mixture over the chicken breasts in the Crock Pot. Make sure to coat each piece thoroughly with the sauce for maximum flavor.
- Season
Sprinkle freshly cracked black pepper over the chicken. I usually opt for about 1/2 teaspoon but feel free to adjust according to your taste.
- Cooking Time
Cover the Crock Pot and set it to cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The longer cooking time at low heat will yield tender chicken that easily shreds.
- Check for Doneness
About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken has reached at least 165°F. If not, continue cooking until done.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry. About 15 minutes before serving, stir this mixture into the sauce in the Crock Pot and cover again to allow it to thicken.
- Serve
Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, shred it with two forks right in the pot. I love serving it over rice or alongside steamed vegetables to soak up the delicious sauce.
Recipe Notes & Variations
When it comes to preparing my Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts, I love to customize the recipe to my taste and sometimes to use what I have on hand. Here are some notes and variations that I find helpful:
Cooking Time
- Low Setting: I usually cook for 6 to 8 hours for tender and flavorful chicken.
- High Setting: If I’m in a hurry, cooking on high for 3 to 4 hours works out just fine.
- Check for Doneness: It’s always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Sauce Thickness
- To achieve a thicker sauce, I mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. I add this during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a perfectly glossy finish.
Flavor Enhancements
- Spice it Up: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, I recommend adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
- Herbal Twist: Fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or green onions can add a fresh flavor at serving time.
Ingredient Swaps
- If I’m out of honey, I sometimes substitute maple syrup or agave nectar. They provide a similar sweetness with a unique twist.
- For a low-carb option, I use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with rice or quinoa. I also like to serve it with steamed broccoli or a fresh salad to balance the sweetness of the sauce.
- Leftovers can be transformed into wraps or sandwiches, making them perfect for meal prep throughout the week.
Serving Suggestions
To fully enjoy my Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts, I love pairing the tender chicken with a variety of sides that complement the sweet and savory flavors of the dish. Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions:
- Rice or Quinoa: I often serve the chicken over a fluffy bed of jasmine rice or quinoa. The grains soak up the delicious honey garlic sauce, making every bite irresistible.
- Steamed Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or carrots add a fresh crunch and vibrant color to the meal. I steam them lightly so they remain crisp and bright, which contrasts nicely with the saucy chicken.
- Fresh Salad: A simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the chicken. I like to toss in sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of nuts for added texture.
- Wraps or Sandwiches: For a quick lunch the next day, I shred any leftovers and use them in wraps or sandwiches. I spread some creamy avocado or a dollop of Greek yogurt to enhance the flavors.
- Noodles: For a twist, I toss the chicken with cooked rice noodles or soba noodles. The sauce clings beautifully to the noodles, creating a satisfying dish perfect for any craving.
- Cornstarch Gravy: After cooking, if I thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry, I often serve it as a rich gravy over mashed potatoes. It’s a comforting addition that’s sure to please.
These serving options can elevate the meal and cater to different tastes, making it a versatile and enjoyable dining experience.
Nutrition Information
This Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Breast dish is not only delicious but also offers some nutritional benefits.
Here’s a breakdown of the nutrition per serving based on the ingredients used.
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 290 |
Protein | 35 g |
Total Fat | 6 g |
Saturated Fat | 1 g |
Carbohydrates | 24 g |
Dietary Fiber | 0.5 g |
Sugars | 21 g |
Sodium | 500 mg |
Serving Size
This recipe serves about 4 people, making it a great choice for family dinners.
Key Nutritional Highlights
- Protein: Each serving delivers a solid amount of protein from the chicken, which is essential for muscle building and repair.
- Sugars: The natural sweetness from honey contributes to the overall sugar content, making this dish a comforting treat.
- Sodium: Using low-sodium soy sauce helps to keep the sodium levels manageable without sacrificing flavor.
Versatility
Feel free to adjust portion sizes or modify the recipe to meet specific dietary needs.
For example, substituting honey with a sugar-free sweetener can reduce the sugar content significantly, making it more suitable for lower-carb diets.
Pairing it with vegetables further increases the fiber content and adds even more nutrients to your meal.
Conclusion
I can’t get enough of this Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts recipe.
It’s not just about the delicious flavors but also the ease of preparation that makes it a go-to for busy nights.
Whether you’re serving it over rice or enjoying it in a wrap for lunch the next day, this dish is sure to impress.
I love how versatile it is too. You can easily switch up the ingredients or add your favorite sides to keep things exciting.
Plus knowing it’s packed with protein and can fit into various dietary needs makes it even better. Give it a try and see how it becomes a staple in your kitchen!