Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken

I’ve been all about this Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken lately. The sauce is killer—rich and garlicky, and it makes the chicken breast just fall apart tender. I add a bunch of garlic (truth, I add more garlic gloves than I included in the recipe below, but I didn’t want to overwhelm y’all with garlic; I just LOVE it!). Plus, my garlic chicken recipe is just a smidgen sweet with a little honey and a tad salty with soy sauce, AND it’s another excuse to use my slow cooker – so naturally, it’s a fav of mine from our capsule pantry. Super simple stuff (seriously.. this slow cooker garlic chicken is sooo easy to make!): just toss in a few basic ingredients, set it, and forget it.

You know how much I love recipes that keep it simple yet delicious, and this slow cooker garlic chicken recipe is my favorite when I want to add something to my meal plan that is full of garlic and so good. It’s like hitting the easy button for dinner! Just toss in some boneless, skinless chicken, bathe it in the garlic-honey sauce, and let the slow cooker work its magic. What do you get? A dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Even the kiddos! I say it from experience.

My Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken Recipe At A Glance

Primary Cooking Method: Slow Cooker
Main Protein: Chicken
Number of Ingredients: 5 (excluding salt and pepper)
Total Prep Time: 1o minutes
Total Cook Time: 6 hours
Level of Effort To Make: Easy Peasy
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Why Add Garlic Chicken To Your Meal Plan

• Set It and Forget It: You know those crazy days when even making a sandwich feels like too much? Throw the ingredients in the slow cooker, hit start, and boom — dinner sorts itself out.
• Flavor That Pops: This garlic chicken isn’t just good, it’s “Where has this been all my life?” good. The garlic hits just right, and that touch of honey balances everything out. You’ll be thinking about it long after dinner’s done.
• Flexibility Queen: Got some rice? Toss it on top. More of a wrap person? Roll it up. This chicken plays well with pretty much everything making it great for meal prep too!
• Big Hit Alert: Seriously, everyone from your teen to your hard-to-please toddler will be asking for seconds.
• 5 Ingredients: Odds are you have everything on hand already to make this recipe too!

7 Ingredients to Make Garlic Chicken Breasts

• Chicken Breasts: I go for about 3-4 pounds, depending on how many I’m feeding and if I am making extra for meal prep.
• Fresh Garlic Cloves: Can you have too much garlic? I think not! I use about 10-12 cloves, minced or chopped.
• Soy Sauce: Half a cup for that deep, umami flavor that ties everything together.
• Honey: The same amount as the soy sauce, half a cup. This is my secret to cutting through the garlic’s sharpness and adding a mild, natural sweetness.
• Rice Vinegar: A third of a cup to bring a touch of acidity.
• Basic Seasonings: A simple teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of pepper to season the chicken before it all gets cooking.
• Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped green onions makes all the difference.

Make This Recipe Yours With Ingredient Substitutions & Additions

• Swap the Rice Vinegar: If rice vinegar is missing from your pantry, apple cider vinegar can step in. It adds a similar acidic brightness.
• Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts: If you prefer a little more flavor or find chicken breasts a bit too lean, chicken thighs will work. They’re more forgiving in the slow cooker.
• Try Maple Syrup: Run out of honey? Maple syrup is your go-to. It brings a uniquely rich and woodsy sweetness that pairs amazingly well with garlic. It’s an underrated substitution, but I highly recommend it!
• Throw In Some Chili Flakes: If you want more spice, sprinkle some chili flakes on top of the chicken after cooking. It’s a simple way to add heat that plays nicely with the sweet and savory flavors.
• Add Tomato Paste: A tablespoon or two of tomato paste can make the garlic-honey sauce even more rich. Plus, it enhances the savory elements of the dish.
• More Veggies: Toss in some thinly sliced carrots or bell peppers for extra color and crunch. Just add them about an hour before the chicken is done to keep them from getting too mushy.
• Sesame Oil: For an extra layer of flavor, add a teaspoon of sesame oil to the sauce mix. It lends a nutty, rich dimension that’s really nice with the garlic and soy.
• Fresh Ginger: Adding a tablespoon of freshly grated ginger can bring a pungent kick that pairs well with the garlic.

How to make Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot

The hardest, and maybe most annoying part of this recipe is peeling the garlic. You can opt to buy ready peeled garlic, but I don’t think it tastes the same so I do take the time to get the skin off. If you’ve got older kids they can chip in!

For detailed step-by-step instructions, be sure to check out the full recipe in the recipe card at the bottom of the page.

Meal Prep: Making Garlic Chicken As A Dump Freezer Meal

Turning your Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken into a dump freezer meal is an excellent strategy for saving time and enhancing flavor. This approach is ideal for busy schedules, meal prepping, or those evenings when you crave a delicious home-cooked meal with minimal effort.

Preparation For Freezing:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large zip-lock freezer bag, add the raw chicken breasts, garlic cloves, soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Don’t forget to add salt and black pepper for seasoning.
2. Seal and Mix: Expel as much air as possible from the bag before sealing. Then, gently massage the bag to mix all the ingredients, ensuring the chicken is well-coated. This method lets the chicken marinate and absorb the flavors while in the freezer.
3. Label and Freeze: Mark the bag with the date and recipe name. Lay it flat in your freezer to maximize space and ensure even freezing.

Cooking From Frozen:

1. Thawing: For the best results, move the bag from the freezer to the refrigerator about 24 hours before cooking. This ensures a safe and even thaw.
2. Cooking Adjustments: If starting from frozen, increase the cooking time. Set your slow cooker on low and cook for around 7-8 hours, or on high for about 4-5 hours. Always check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

My Best Cooking Tips for Making Honey Garlic Chicken

1. Go Fresh with Garlic: Don’t skimp on the garlic, and definitely go fresh if you can. The jarred stuff can work in a pinch, but fresh garlic gives a punchier flavor that really makes this dish shine.
2. Don’t Overcook: Even in a slow cooker, it’s possible to overcook chicken, especially breasts. Check it around the 6-hour mark on low (or 3 hours on high) to see if it’s tender and ready. Overcooking can make it dry.
3. Thicken Your Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce that clings to the chicken, you can easily thicken it up with a little cornstarch. About 30 minutes before your chicken is done, in a small bowl mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker, making sure to mix it well with the existing sauce. This will make the sauce more of a “gavy” like texture.

Menu Ideas – What to Eat with Garlic Chicken

• Rice: White, brown, jasmine, or basmati rice are all fantastic choices. They act like little sponges, soaking up all that garlicky, honey-infused sauce. Yum yum!
• Stir-Fried Veggies: Whip up a quick stir-fry of your favorite vegetables. Think bell peppers, broccoli (my absolute favorite!), or snap peas.
• In a Wrap: For a fresh and easy lunch, pile the chicken into a soft wrap with thinly sliced cucumber, onions, and carrots. Add a spoonful of mayo or a drizzle of sriracha for a little extra zing!
• With Noodles: Toss the chicken and some of its sauce with cooked noodles. Whether you choose soba, spaghetti, or your favorite noodle, this combination is chef’s kiss!
• Kimchi Pairing: If you’re a fan of bold flavors, try serving this chicken with a side of kimchi. The spicy, tangy flavors of kimchi and the sweet and savory chicken, match made in goodness!
• As a Salad Topping: Chop the chicken and serve it on a green salad. Drizzle some of the thickened sauce as a dressing, and enjoy a light yet flavorful meal.

How to store & reheat Slow Cooker Crack Chicken

After your Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken has cooled to room temperature, transfer it into an airtight container, making sure to include all that delicious sauce—it’s key for keeping the chicken moist and flavorful. This dish is great for make-ahead meals and will stay fresh in the fridge for up to four days.

When you’re ready to reheat, you can use the microwave, but for the best flavor, I recommend warming it up in a pan over medium heat. Just add a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent it from drying out and stir gently until it’s heated through. This method helps preserve the taste and texture of your chicken, making it just as good as when it was first cooked!

Quick Recipe Help and Common Questions

This Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken recipe is all about making life easy and tasty! With a sweet touch of honey and a hearty dose of garlic, you’re whipping up an Asian-inspired family favorite without breaking a sweat.