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Close-up of a delicious, healthy slow cooker recipe featuring chicken in a rich sauce, served over brown rice with sesame seeds and green onions on a white plate.

Healthy Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

This healthy slow cooker recipe for Honey Garlic Chicken blends sweet and savory flavors with minimal effort. Tender, juicy chicken simmers in a rich honey garlic sauce — perfect for stress-free weeknights or meal prep!
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Calories: 385

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 0.33 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 0.33 cup honey
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tsp chili paste (sriracha or sambal oelek)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • to serve prepared brown rice or quinoa
  • to taste toasted sesame seeds
  • to taste chopped green onion

Equipment

  • 6-quart slow cooker
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • instant-read thermometer optional but recommended
  • Two Forks for shredding

Method
 

  1. Place chicken in the bottom of your 6-quart or larger slow cooker. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, tomato paste, chili paste, garlic, and rice vinegar. Pour over the chicken.
  2. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the chicken reaches 165°F internally. Flip once halfway through if desired.
  3. Remove chicken and set aside. Whisk cornstarch into remaining liquid in slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH for 15–30 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally.
  4. Shred the chicken with two forks and return it to the thickened sauce. Stir to combine and coat well.
  5. Serve over brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and green onions.

Notes

Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version. Adjust chili paste to taste — use more for heat or omit for a milder dish. For a thicker sauce, use the stovetop method. Serve with rice, quinoa, or lettuce wraps.