Sweet Garlic Chicken in the CrockPot
A simple and flavorful Sweet Garlic Chicken recipe made effortlessly in a CrockPot. This dish features tender, juicy chicken breasts or thighs cooked low and slow with a sweet and garlicky sauce, enhanced by honey, soy sauce, and fresh garlic. Perfect for busy nights, it delivers comforting, gourmet flavors with minimal prep and fuss.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Sauce
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Thickening
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, chicken broth, minced garlic, and apple cider vinegar until the mixture is well combined and balanced in sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.
- Layer the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a single layer at the bottom of your CrockPot, ensuring even cooking and that each piece will absorb the sauce well.
- Pour the Sauce and Add Seasoning: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken, coating each piece thoroughly. Sprinkle red pepper flakes over the top if you desire a subtle heat.
- Cook Low and Slow: Set the CrockPot to low and cook for 4 to 6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly.
- Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the CrockPot. Switch the setting to high to thicken the sauce into a glossy glaze that clings to the chicken.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat.
- Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry—it adds a beautiful, restaurant-quality sauce thickness.
- Use fresh minced garlic for the best flavor; avoid pre-minced jar garlic.
- If the sauce is too watery near the end, cook uncovered for 30 minutes to reduce.
- Use a CrockPot timer if available for hands-off convenience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Sweet Garlic Chicken, CrockPot Chicken, Slow Cooker Chicken, Easy Chicken Recipe, Comfort Food, Garlic Chicken, Gluten Free Dinner