Servings
6
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
4–5 hours
Total Time
About 4½–5 hours
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 lb (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- ½ cup honey
- ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
For the Rice
- 2 cups cooked or instant white rice
- ½ cup additional chicken broth, if needed
Optional Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or green onions
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- Steamed broccoli, for serving
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together:
- Honey
- Soy sauce
- Chicken broth
- Minced garlic
- Rice vinegar
- Sesame oil
- Black pepper
- Onion powder
Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken.
3. Slow Cook
Cover and cook:
- LOW: 4–5 hours
- HIGH: 2½–3½ hours
Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
4. Shred the Chicken
Remove the cooked chicken and shred it with two forks.
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the honey garlic sauce.
5. Add the Rice
For the best texture, do not add instant rice at the beginning.
Stir in the cooked or instant rice near the end and allow it to absorb the sauce according to the rice package directions. Add a little extra chicken broth if the mixture becomes too thick.
6. Serve
Spoon the honey garlic chicken and rice onto plates.
Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley and sesame seeds. Serve with steamed broccoli or another vegetable.
Texture & Flavor
The finished dish should be:
- Tender and juicy chicken
- Sweet honey-garlic flavor
- Savory soy sauce notes
- Moist, flavorful rice
- Thick, glossy sauce
Nutrition Estimate
Approximate per serving, depending on the ingredients used:
- Calories: 450–550
- Protein: 35–42 g
- Carbohydrates: 55–65 g
- Fat: 8–14 g
- Sodium: 700–1,000 mg
Using low-sodium soy sauce can significantly reduce the sodium.
Nut & Allergen Information
Nuts: No peanuts or tree nuts are intentionally included.
However, check the labels of packaged soy sauce, broth, sesame oil, and rice for possible cross-contact if cooking for someone with a severe allergy.
Other possible allergens:
- Soy: soy sauce
- Sesame: sesame oil and sesame seeds
- Gluten: regular soy sauce may contain wheat
For a gluten-free version, use a certified gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
Q&A
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are especially juicy and work very well.
Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but brown rice requires different cooking times and liquid amounts. Follow the package directions rather than adding it at the beginning.
Can I make it less sweet?
Yes. Reduce the honey to ¼ cup for a less-sweet sauce.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes. Broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas make excellent additions.
How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Final Result
A comforting slow-cooker meal featuring tender honey-garlic chicken, flavorful rice, and a glossy sweet-and-savory sauce, perfect for an easy family dinner.