Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken {5 Ingredient Recipe}

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This slow cooker garlic chicken is full of fresh garlic with a touch of honey, made with only 5 ingredients this Asian-inspired Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken is flavor-packed!

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Full of fresh garlic and sweetened with a touch of honey, this Asian-inspired Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken is a flavor-packed, family favorite that’s ridiculously easy to make (seriously.. sooo easy to make!)! Plus, this slow cooker garlic chicken only requires 5 pantry staples and 20 minutes of prep, and the result is juicy chicken drenched in what might just be the best garlic sauce ever. So delicious, you’ll want to drizzle it over everything!

White bowl of rice with a piece of slow cooker garlic chicken, steamed broccoli and a pair of chopsticks. Next to it there are a few garlic cloves

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 something scrumptious and full of garlic. 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.

Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken Overview

Cuisine Inspiration: Asian-inspired
Number of Ingredients: 5 (excluding salt and pepper)
Total Cook Time: 8 hours, 20 minutes
Primary Cooking Method: Slow Cooking
Dietary Info: Gluten-Free (check your soy sauce)
Key Flavor: Garlicky, sweet and savory
Skill Level: Beginner

Notable mentions

Effortless Prep, Unforgettable Taste: With just 20 minutes to prepare, this garlic chicken recipe lets you toss everything into the crock pot and then it takes care of the rest. The result? A deeply flavorful, garlicky chicken that’s both tender and yummy.
Versatile Serving: Goes great with rice, noodles, veggies, and more. It’s like the best friend to all your fav sides!
Universal Crowd-Pleaser: This slow cooker honey garlic chicken has a wonderful balance of sweet and savory that appeals to both kids and adults. It’s a great option for family meals, or any gathering where you want a dish that’s sure to be a hit.
5 Ingredients: Odds are you have everything on hand already to make this recipe too!

Ingredients to make Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken

Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless. They’re my go-to for slow cooking, staying wonderfully juicy and tender.
Garlic Cloves: Finely minced or chopped. It’s the base of this recipe, offering that irresistible, aromatic punch.
Soy Sauce: Adds a savory depth and that classic umami flavor. It’s the perfect counterbalance to the sweet notes.
Honey: ½ cup to bring in a natural sweetness that coats every bite of the chicken. Honey and garlic? Weird combo I know, but absolutely delicious!
Rice Vinegar: Just ⅓ cup to round out the flavors.
Salt & Pepper: The trusty sidekicks in nearly every dish!

Overhead shot of a bowl of rice with a piece of slow cooker garlic chicken and steamed broccoli. Next to it there are a few garlic cloves and a pair of chopsticks

How to make Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Season The Chicken

Place the chicken in the slow cooker and season generously with salt and black pepper.
Scatter all the minced garlic over the chicken.
In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar until well combined. Drizzle the mixture over the chicken, making sure it’s well coated.

A step by step image collage on how to make slow cooker garlic chicken with ingredients, raw chicken seasoned, and garclic and soy sauce mixture added to the chicken

Step 2: Cook and Serve the Chicken

Set your slow cooker to low and let the chicken cook for about 6 hours.
Once cooked, sprinkle over some chopped parsley or sliced green onions. Then, serve it with some white rice and steamed broccoli, and enjoy!

Overhead shot of a bowl of rice with a piece of slow cooker garlic chicken and steamed broccoli on a white surface. Next to it there are a few garlic cloves

Making Slow Cooker 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:

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.
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.
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:

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.
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.

Popular 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, enhancing the overall taste of the chicken.
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!
Amp Up the Aromatics: For an extra flavor boost, toss in some dried herbs like thyme or rosemary. They’ll infuse the chicken with a lovely, herby aroma and taste.
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.

Tips for making the best slow cooker honey garlic chicken

Let It Rest: Once it’s cooked, give your chicken a few minutes to rest before serving. This little break lets the juices redistribute, making each bite succulent and delicious.
Skim to Perfection: After cooking, you might find a bit of fat on the surface of the sauce. Skimming it off with a spoon can help to keep the sauce clear and vibrant, enhancing the overall taste and presentation.
Sauce Distribution: After adding your sauce ingredients to the slow cooker, take a moment to spoon some over each piece of chicken. This ensures every bite is infused with that deliciously sweet and savory goodness.
Keep the Lid On: It’s tempting to peek, but every time you lift the lid, heat escapes. Keep the lid closed to maintain a consistent temperature and ensure your creamy slow cooker garlic chicken cooks perfectly.

Closeup of a white bowl with steamed broccoli and a piece of slow cooker garlic chicken. Next to it there are a few garlic cloves

How to store & reheat Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken

Once your chicken has cooled down to room temp, transfer it into an airtight container and store it in the fridge. Make sure to scoop in all that yummy sauce, too – it keeps the chicken moist and flavorful!

To reheat, the microwave works fine. But for the best results, warm it up in a pan over medium heat. Just add a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it from drying out. Keep stirring gently until it’s heated through.

How long will Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken last in the fridge?

This garlic chicken is the perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights! It will stay fresh in your fridge for up to 4 days.

Can i freeze This slow cooker garlic chicken recipe?

If you’re playing the long game, this chicken freezes great. Pop it in a freezer-safe container or bag, and it’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.

What to serve with Slow Cooker 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. They add a delightful crunch and a pop of color to your plate.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes: For a heartier side, go for some good ol’ creamy mashed potatoes. They’re like a buttery blanket for your chicken, making each mouthful a dreamy combo.
Crusty Bread: Grab a loaf of crusty bread to mop up all that delicious sauce. It’s a simple, yet oh-so-satisfying addition to your slow cooker honey garlic chicken.

Frequently asked questions

Can I brown the chicken before cooking?

Sure! It will take you some extra time, but you can do it. Simply sear the chicken in a hot skillet with some oil until it’s golden brown on both sides before placing it in the slow cooker.

Can I use frozen chicken for This Recipe?

You can use frozen chicken, but it will take a few more hours to cook. You’ll also have to check the internal temp of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches a safe temperature (165°F) before serving.

Can I make Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken with bone-in chicken pieces?

Yes! You can use bone-in chicken pieces like drumsticks or thighs for this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time, as bone-in chicken generally takes longer to cook than boneless chicken.

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.

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I want to hear from you! If you try this easy Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken recipe or any other of my 5 ingredient or less recipes on Dinner in 5, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below! I read all the comments and respond!

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