Need a dinner that’s packed with flavor and super simple to make? This Slow Cooker Honey Soy Chicken is your answer! With a perfect balance of sweet and savory, the chicken turns out tender and juicy every time. Set it, forget it, and let the slow cooker work its magic!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet and Savory Perfection: The honey-soy sauce creates a deliciously balanced glaze that’s irresistible.
Tender and Juicy: Slow cooking ensures the chicken is perfectly cooked and full of flavor.
Effortless Meal: Minimal prep and hands-off cooking make it ideal for busy days.

Ingredients

Chicken Breast: Provides lean protein, serving as a tender and juicy base for the dish.
Reduced-Sodium Soy Sauce: Imparts a rich umami flavor, enhancing the savory profile while keeping sodium levels in check.
Honey: Adds a natural sweetness, balancing the savory elements with its smooth, syrupy texture.
Hoisin Sauce: Contributes depth and a hint of sweetness, enriching the complexity of the flavors.
Rice Vinegar: Offers a tangy note, lifting and balancing the richness of the sauces.
Toasted Sesame Oil: Brings a nutty, aromatic quality, adding warmth and depth to the dish.
Garlic: Infuses a robust aroma and flavor, enhancing the overall savory experience.
Scallions: Provide a fresh, mild onion flavor, adding brightness and color.
Sesame Seeds: Introduce a subtle crunch and nutty taste, enhancing the texture of the dish.
Salt: Balances flavors and enhances the savory elements, ensuring a well-seasoned dish.
Black Pepper: Adds a gentle kick of spice, complementing the sweet and savory components.

How To Make Slow Cooker Honey Soy Chicken

Chicken breasts in a slow cooker and around it each bowl having different sauce and spice.

Step One: Grate the garlic and keep it in a small bowl. Add chicken to the slow cooker.

Chicken breasts and sauces sauce in a slow cooker.

Step Two: Pour in honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and toasted sesame oil. Mix well to coat the chicken.

Sauces, garlic, and chicken in a slow cooker.

Step Three: Add hoisin sauce, grated garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir everything until combined.

Chicken mixed very well in a all sauces and garlic.

Step Four: Cook for 3-4 hours on high or 6-7 hours on low. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking.

Cooked chicken shredded in a slow cooker.

Step Five: Shred the cooked chicken using a hand mixer or forks for quick shredding.

Slow cooker honey soy chicken served with rice topped with scallions and sesame seeds.

Step Six: Serve over rice. Garnish with sliced scallions and sesame seeds. Enjoy!

Honey soy chicken served with rice topped with scallions and sesame seeds.

Expert Tips To Cook Honey Soy Chicken Perfectly

Marinate First: Let the chicken sit in the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking for deeper flavor.
Thicken the Sauce: After cooking, transfer the sauce to a pan and simmer with a cornstarch slurry for a glossy finish.
Add Fresh Ginger: Grate a small piece of ginger for an extra layer of warmth and flavor.
Toast the Sesame Seeds: Lightly toast the sesame seeds for a nutty, aromatic garnish.

Variations To Try

Crispy Honey Soy Chicken: After cooking, broil the shredded chicken with a drizzle of sauce for a caramelized, crispy texture.
Citrus Infusion: Add orange or lime zest to the sauce for a refreshing, citrusy flavor.
Vegetable-Enhanced Version: Include broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas in the slow cooker for added nutrients.

How To Store Honey Soy Chicken

Refrigeration: Cool the chicken completely and store it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: Place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating:

Stovetop: Heat in a skillet with a splash of water or stock until warmed through.
Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between for even heating.

What Goes With Honey Soy Chicken?

Instant Pot White Rice: A classic pairing to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Fried Rice: Add vegetables and egg for a hearty side.
Noodles: Serve with stir-fried or plain noodles for a comforting meal.
Mashed Potatoes: A creamy and satisfying side that complements the sauce.
Dumplings: Pair with steamed or pan-fried dumplings for an Asian-inspired feast.
Sesame Cucumber Salad: A refreshing, cool side dish.

FAQ’S

How do I make this dish less sweet?

Reduce the amount of honey or substitute it with a less sweet alternative, like agave nectar.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but ensure your slow cooker has enough space, and adjust the cooking time as needed.

How can I thicken the sauce?

Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken.

Side view of honey soy chicken cooked in slow cooker, served with rice, topped with scallions and sesame seeds.

Slow Cooker Honey Soy Chicken

This Slow Cooker Honey Soy Chicken is sweet, savory, and so easy to make—perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep! Serve it with rice for a comforting, family-friendly dinner.

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 4

Total Time 4 10

Serving Size Servings

Ingredients

2 lb. Chicken Breast
1 Cup Reduced-Sodium Soy Sauce
1/2 Cup Honey
1/4 Cup Hoisin Sauce
1 tbsp. Rice Vinegar
1 tbsp. Toasted Sesame Oil
6 Cloves Garlic
2 Scallions
1 tsp. Sesame Seeds
1/4 tsp. Salt
1/4 tsp. Black pepper

Instructions

Grate the garlic and keep it in a small bowl. Add chicken to the slow cooker.
Pour in honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and toasted sesame oil. Mix well to coat the chicken.
Add hoisin sauce, grated garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir everything until combined.
Cook for 3-4 hours on high or 6-7 hours on low. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking.
Shred the cooked chicken using a hand mixer or forks for quick shredding.
Serve over rice. Garnish with sliced scallions and sesame seeds. Enjoy!