Name: Easy Honey Garlic Chicken (Crockpot)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 3 h 45 min
Total time: 4 h
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1.5 to 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1 inch pieces; 1 small yellow onion diced; 2 cloves garlic minced; 1/2 cup honey; 1/2 cup soy sauce low sodium recommended; 1/4 cup ketchup; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional for heat; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons cold water; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds for garnish; 2 green onions sliced for garnish; Cooked rice for serving

21 Effortless Crockpot Chinese Dinner Recipes

I honestly think there is nothing better than coming home after a long day to the smell of a warm meal waiting for you. It is like a giant hug from your kitchen. If you are anything like me, you are always looking for ways to make dinner time less of a chore and more of a joy. That is exactly why I am so obsessed with crockpot recipes lately. They take the stress out of the evening rush and let you focus on what really matters, which is eating something delicious with the people you love.

You know what is even better? When that meal tastes like something you would order from your favorite local spot but without the high price tag or the delivery wait. Making Easy Homemade Asian Food has become a bit of a hobby of mine because the flavors are so bold and satisfying. This honey garlic chicken is a total winner in that department. It is sweet, salty, and has just enough garlic to make your mouth water. Plus, it is one of those Great Easy Recipes that requires almost zero effort from the cook. Let me tell you, once you try this, you might never go back to the frozen stuff again.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to fall in love with this dish. First of all, it is incredibly Family Friendly Crockpot Recipes material. Kids love the sweetness of the honey and the familiar taste of the soy sauce. It is not overly spicy, though you can certainly add some heat if you want to. For parents, the best part is the hands off nature of the whole process. You just toss everything in and let the machine do the heavy lifting. It is a lifesaver on those nights when you have soccer practice, homework, and a million other things on your plate.

Another reason this is such a hit is how well it works for gatherings. If you need Potluck Chinese Food that actually stays warm and tasty, this is your go to. It travels easily in the pot and stays juicy for hours. I have brought this to many neighborhood get togethers and there are never any leftovers. It is also one of those Asian Dishes For A Crowd that feels special without being complicated to prepare in large batches. You can easily double the recipe if you have a larger slow cooker.

Finally, the texture of the chicken is just perfect. By using crockpot recipes techniques, the meat becomes so tender it almost melts. The sauce thickens up into this beautiful golden glaze that coats every single piece. It looks beautiful on the plate, especially when you add those bright green onions and sesame seeds on top. It really brings that Chinese Dinner At Home vibe to life without needing a wok or any professional skills.

Ingredients

Before you get started, make sure you have everything ready. Most of these items are likely already in your pantry, which is what makes this one of the most convenient crockpot recipes out there. Here is what you will need for this Easy Homemade Asian Food staple.

1.5 to 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1 inch pieces
1 small yellow onion diced
2 cloves garlic minced
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup soy sauce low sodium recommended
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional for heat
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds for garnish
2 green onions sliced for garnish
Cooked rice for serving

Step By Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep The Chicken

Start by taking your chicken thighs and cutting them into bite sized pieces. I usually aim for about 1 inch cubes. This ensures they cook evenly and are easy to eat. Season them very lightly with a bit of salt and pepper. Remember that the soy sauce is quite salty, so do not go overboard here. Once seasoned, place the chicken pieces into the bottom of your 6 quart slow cooker. This is the foundation for one of your new favorite crockpot recipes.

Step 2: Whisk The Sauce

In a medium bowl, you are going to create the magic. Combine the diced onion, minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, ketchup, vegetable oil, and those red pepper flakes if you want a little kick. Whisk it all together until the honey is well incorporated. This sauce is what makes this Delish Crockpot Recipes choice so memorable. The ketchup might seem unusual, but it adds a great tang and helps with the color of the final glaze.

Step 3: Combine And Cook

Pour that beautiful sauce mixture right over the chicken in the pot. Give it a gentle toss to make sure every single piece of meat is covered in that liquid gold. Now, put the lid on. Set your slow cooker to LOW and let it do its thing for 3 to 4 hours. You want the chicken to be cooked through and very tender. Using the low setting is a hallmark of Slower Cooker Recipes because it prevents the meat from getting tough.

Step 4: Thicken The Sauce

Once the time is up, use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside in a bowl. You will notice the sauce is quite thin right now. To fix that, mix your cornstarch and cold water in a small cup until it is smooth. Whisk this slurry into the sauce remaining in the slow cooker. Turn the heat up to HIGH, cover it, and let it cook for another 10 to 15 minutes. You will see it transform into a thick, glossy glaze.

Step 5: Finish And Serve

Return the chicken to the slow cooker and toss it well so it is completely coated in the thickened sauce. It should look rich and inviting. Serve it immediately over a big bowl of warm rice. Sprinkle those toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the top for that professional touch. It is the perfect way to enjoy a Chinese Dinner At Home with very little cleanup involved.

How To Store Leftovers

If you happen to have any of this Easy Homemade Asian Food left, you are in luck. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Place the leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 or 4 days. When you are ready to eat, you can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove. If the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge, just add a tiny splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it up again.

You can also freeze this dish if you want to prep ahead. It is one of those crockpot recipes that freezes remarkably well. Just let it cool completely before putting it in a freezer safe bag or container. It will stay good for about 2 or 3 months. To serve, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then heat it through. It is a great way to have a quick meal ready for those extra busy weeks when you do not have time to even think about cooking.

Tips

Here is a little secret for the best results. I highly recommend using chicken thighs rather than breasts for most crockpot recipes. Thighs have a little more fat, which means they stay juicy and tender during the long cooking process. If you really prefer chicken breasts, just keep a close eye on them. You might want to reduce the cooking time by about 30 to 45 minutes to make sure they do not get dry or stringy.

If you want a texture that is even closer to what you get at a restaurant, you can sear the chicken pieces in a hot skillet with a little oil for 2 or 3 minutes before putting them in the slow cooker. This gives them a nice brown crust. Honestly though, it is not strictly necessary. This recipe is designed to be one of those Great Easy Recipes where you can skip the extra steps and still get a fantastic result. Also, if you find the sauce a bit too sweet, you can always add a teaspoon of rice vinegar to balance things out with a little acidity.

When you are serving this for Asian Dinner Party Recipes, consider adding some steamed broccoli or snap peas on the side. The green vegetables look beautiful against the dark golden sauce and add a nice crunch to the meal. It makes the whole plate feel well rounded and healthy. Plus, the extra sauce in the pot is perfect for drizzling over the vegetables too.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, crockpot recipes are all about making life easier without sacrificing flavor. This honey garlic chicken is the perfect example of how a few simple ingredients can turn into a meal that everyone craves. Whether you are making it for a quiet Chinese Dinner At Home or preparing Asian Dishes For A Crowd, it never fails to impress. It is reliable, budget friendly, and so much better than takeout.

I hope this becomes a staple in your house just like it has in mine. There is something so satisfying about mastering Easy Homemade Asian Food in your own kitchen. It gives you the confidence to try new things and the comfort of knowing a good meal is always just a few hours away. So, dust off that slow cooker and give this one a try tonight. You definitely will not regret it.

FAQ

Can I Make This Gluten Free?

Yes, you absolutely can. To make this one of your gluten free crockpot recipes, simply swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. Also, double check that your ketchup is certified gluten free. The cornstarch is naturally gluten free, so you are good to go there. It still tastes just as delicious and is perfect for Asian Dinner Party Recipes where guests might have dietary restrictions.

Can I Add Vegetables To The Pot?

You certainly can, but timing is everything. If you want to add veggies like bell peppers or carrots, toss them in at the beginning with the chicken. If you prefer softer veggies like broccoli or snap peas, wait until the last 30 minutes of cooking so they do not get mushy. This is a great way to turn this into one of those Family Friendly Crockpot Recipes that includes a full serving of greens.

Is This Recipe Too Spicy For Kids?

Not at all. The recipe as written is very mild. The red pepper flakes are completely optional. If you leave them out, the sauce is just sweet and savory, which kids usually love. It is one of the best Great Easy Recipes for introducing children to new flavors without overwhelming them. You can always keep the spicy flakes on the table for the adults to add to their own bowls later.

How Do I Double This For A Crowd?

If you are preparing Asian Dishes For A Crowd, you can simply double all the ingredients. Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough, usually a 6 quart or 8 quart size works best for a double batch. The cooking time remains about the same, though it might take a few extra minutes for the pot to come up to temperature. It is a fantastic choice for Potluck Chinese Food because it is so easy to scale up.

About the Author

Ricardo Solis

February 22, 2026

I've always seen food as a vibrant language. My passion ignited watching an old street vendor in Oaxaca transform humble ingredients into a symphony of flavors with just a simple grill. It wasn't just cooking; it was pure alchemy, a way to connect and tell a story. That moment, the aroma, the precision, it showed me my path was to translate culture through taste.