When you’re focused on weight loss, this Slow Cooker recipe with tender chicken thighs and a tangy-sweet sauce makes healthy eating effortless. Simmered low and slow until fall-apart tender, the chicken soaks up flavors from soy sauce, honey, and ginger. In just 15 minutes of prep, you can enjoy a satisfying, protein-packed meal that’s perfect for staying on track without sacrificing flavor.
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Table of Contents
Ingredients for Slow Cooker
For the chicken
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs – These are perfect for slow cooking because they stay juicy and tender.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth – Keeps the dish flavorful without being too salty.
- Soy Sauce – Adds that classic umami depth to the sauce.
- Honey – Balances the savory flavors with a touch of sweetness.
- Rice Vinegar – Brings a mild tanginess that brightens everything up.
- Tomato Paste – Gives the sauce richness and a bit of body.
- Garlic – Minced finely for maximum flavor infusion.
- Fresh Ginger – Grate it yourself for the best, most vibrant taste.
For the thickening slurry
- Cornstarch – A little goes a long way to thicken the sauce.
- Cold Water – Mix it with the cornstarch to create that smooth slurry.
For garnish
- Sliced Green Onions – Adds a fresh, mild bite on top.
- Sesame Seeds – A sprinkle for a nutty finish and a bit of texture.
Cook Time for Slow Cooker Meal Prep
I love how this recipe turns into the perfect slow cooker meal prep with minimal effort on my part. Those busy weeknights just got a whole lot easier. Here’s a quick glance at the timing—it’s all about letting the machine do the work while you live your life.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 15 minutes (on high) or 6 hours 20 minutes (on low)
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes (high) or 6 hours 35 minutes (low)
If you’re looking for another fantastic set-it-and-forget-it option, you have to try my beloved Slow Cooker French Onion Chicken next. It has the same incredible, hands-off charm.
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Soy
Step 1: Arrange the Chicken
Place your boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a single layer at the bottom of your 6-quart slow cooker. Giving them a little space helps everything cook evenly and become wonderfully tender.
Step 2: Whisk the Savory Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, tomato paste, minced garlic, and grated ginger. This creates that incredible savory ginger garlic slow cooked meal base. Pour it evenly over the chicken.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Pop the lid on and let the magic happen! Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. The chicken is done when it shreds easily with a fork.
Step 4: Thicken the Glaze
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and cold water into a smooth slurry. Stir this into the sauce in the pot to start creating that sticky sesame glazed chicken recipe consistency we all love.
Step 5: Thicken and Shred
Turn the heat to high, leave the lid off, and let it bubble for another 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens nicely. Then, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the pot, letting it soak up all that goodness.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle that tender shredded chicken over rice for a complete meal. The fluffy rice with savory chicken glaze is a combination my family requests weekly.
Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks
Over the years, I’ve made this honey soy braised chicken thighs recipe more times than I can count. Along the way, I’ve picked up a few tricks to make it even more foolproof and delicious for your own kitchen.
- Flavor Swap: For a different twist, swap the soy sauce with coconut aminos. It gives a slightly sweeter, less salty profile that’s just delightful.
- Diet Tweaks: To keep things lower in sugar, you can replace the honey with a sugar-free maple syrup. It still gives you that sweetness without the carbs.
- Prep Fix: If you’re short on time in the morning, you can whisk the sauce together the night before. Just store it in a jar in the fridge and pour it over the chicken in your slow cooker the next day.
- Storage Tip: This dish stores and reheats beautifully. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months! For another great make-ahead chicken soup recipe, my classic version is always a hit. And if you love chicken, my Cilantro Lime Chicken is another fantastic, flavorful option for your rotation.
Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Equipment
- slow cooker
- measuring cups
Method
- Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, tomato paste, garlic, and ginger until well combined. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and cold water until smooth to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker sauce to thicken it.
- Increase the slow cooker to high and cook uncovered for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to desired consistency.
- Shred the chicken in the slow cooker using two forks, mixing it into the sauce.
- Serve the chicken over steamed rice, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Nutrition
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Nutrition and Health Benefits
One of the things I love most about this Slow Cooker dish is how it fits so beautifully into a balanced lifestyle. It’s a wholesome, protein-packed option that feels indulgent while being genuinely good for you. This slow cooker honey soy chicken is a fantastic source of lean protein, which helps keep you full and supports muscle maintenance.
By using low-sodium broth and controlling the amount of honey, you can easily tailor it to your dietary needs. The ginger and garlic don’t just add flavor; they bring their own wellness benefits to this savory ginger garlic slow cooked meal. For more ideas on building nutritious meals, you can explore our collection of healthy slow cooker recipes. And if you’re looking for another lean protein favorite, my grilled chicken breast is always a winner.
For reliable information on healthy eating patterns, the University of Minnesota Extension offers great resources. Here’s a quick look at the nutritional profile per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 35g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Sugar | 12g |
A Lighter Version of Slow Cooker Honey Soy
If you’re watching your sugar intake or just want a lighter twist, this recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Creating a diabetic-friendly version is simple and doesn’t sacrifice any of the deep, comforting flavors we love. The key is in a few smart swaps that make a big difference.
For a low sugar alternative, replace the honey with a sugar-free maple syrup or a natural sweetener like monk fruit. You’ll still get that lovely sweetness for your sticky sesame glazed chicken recipe without the glycemic spike. Using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce can also lower the sodium content if that’s a concern for you.
These small changes help create a blood sugar friendly meal that everyone can enjoy. For another fantastic light option, try my Greek-inspired chicken souvlaki. And if you love burgers, these juicy chicken burgers are a family favorite for a healthier twist on a classic.
Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
I truly believe that good food should be accessible to everyone, no matter your dietary needs. In my kitchen, I’ve learned that a few thoughtful tweaks can make a world of difference. Whether you’re cooking for someone who is sugar-conscious or simply exploring diabetic-friendly options, here are my go-to tips.
First, consider using a sugar alternative like stevia or xylitol to sweeten the sauce. They blend in beautifully and offer a low glycemic option that keeps the flavors balanced. Next, paying attention to portion sizes is a simple yet powerful way to support glycemic control; serving a sensible portion of the tender shredded chicken over rice is a great start.
Finally, don’t forget the power of adding non-starchy vegetables. I like to throw in some broccoli florets or bell peppers during the last hour of cooking. They add volume, fiber, and nutrients, making the meal even more satisfying and blood sugar friendly.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Soy Chicken
There’s a moment I always look forward to when this dish is finished cooking. Lifting the lid of the Slow Cooker releases an incredible aroma that fills the whole house, reminding me of cozy family dinners growing up. It’s a signal that something delicious and made with love is ready to bring everyone to the table.
For the perfect plate, I always start with a bed of fluffy rice with savory chicken glaze. The rice soaks up the amazing sauce so well. Then, I pile on that honey soy braised chicken thighs and spoon extra glaze over the top. A simple side of steamed broccoli or a crisp green salad balances the richness perfectly.
This dish is a cornerstone of my slow cooker meal prep routine. For another incredible easy weeknight dinner, you have to try my simple BBQ chicken breasts. And if you’re in the mood for something stuffed and special, these broccoli and cheese stuffed chicken breasts are always a hit.
Mistakes to Avoid
We’ve all had those kitchen moments where a simple mistake turns dinner into a disappointment. Over the years, I’ve learned a few key things that can make or break this Slow Cooker dish. Trust me, I’ve made these errors myself, especially when I first started using my slow cooker!
One common mistake is overcrowding the pot. You want that slow cooker sesame chicken to cook evenly, not steam. Give everything enough space so the heat circulates properly around each piece of chicken.
Another misstep is lifting the lid too often. I know it’s tempting to check on your savory ginger garlic slow cooked meal, but every peek adds 15-20 minutes to your cooking time. Keep it closed until the very end!
Lastly, don’t forget to brown your chicken first. That quick sear in a hot pan creates incredible depth of flavor for your honey soy braised chicken thighs. It only takes a few minutes but makes all the difference. For more essential safety tips, the University of Minnesota Extension offers excellent slow cooker food safety guidelines.
Remember these simple tips, and you’ll avoid the pitfalls that once tripped me up. Now every easy weeknight dinner turns out perfectly!
How to Store Slow Cooker
I’ll never forget the time my grandmother taught me about proper food storage. We’d just finished a big family dinner featuring her famous Slow Cooker creation, and she showed me how to portion everything into glass containers. “This way,” she said, “the flavors marry even better tomorrow.” That wisdom has stayed with me ever since.
For this slow cooker honey soy chicken, let it cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it perfect for slow cooker meal prep. The sauce actually thickens and intensifies overnight!
You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. I like to portion individual servings with some of that delicious sauce. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove. For another great make-ahead option, try my zesty cilantro lime chicken. And if you love comfort food, this hearty chicken soup stores beautifully too.
Try This Slow Cooker Yourself
I hope this recipe brings as much comfort to your table as it has to mine over the years. There’s something magical about coming home to that incredible aroma filling your kitchen. It reminds me of Sunday dinners at my aunt’s house, where the Slow Cooker was always working its magic while we played in the yard.
This truly is one of those easy weeknight dinner solutions that feels special enough for company but simple enough for busy nights. That tender shredded chicken over rice has become a staple in our home, and I hope it becomes one in yours too.
If you enjoyed this dish, you might also love my rich French onion chicken, these homemade chicken nuggets the kids adore, or this Japanese-inspired chicken dish. For something truly special, don’t miss these elegant stuffed chicken breasts or these perfectly cooked chicken thighs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a slow cooker and a crockpot?
This is one of the most common questions I get! Essentially, Crock-Pot is a brand name that became synonymous with slow cookers, much like Kleenex for tissues. All Crock-Pots are slow cookers, but not all slow cookers are Crock-Pots. The cooking method and results are virtually identical.
What cannot be cooked in a slow cooker?
Some foods just don’t work well in slow cookers. Avoid delicate vegetables like zucchini (they turn mushy), dairy products (they can curdle), and seafood (it overcooks easily). Also, never try to cook large cuts of meat that won’t fit properly or foods that need crispness, like fried chicken.
What are the disadvantages of a slow cooker?
While I love my slow cooker, it does have limitations. Cooking times are much longer than other methods, and you can’t achieve crispy or browned textures. Some models have hot spots that can cause uneven cooking, and you do need to plan ahead since most recipes take several hours.
What is a slow cooker used for?
Slow cookers are perfect for transforming tough, inexpensive cuts of meat into tender shredded chicken and other fall-apart tender dishes. They’re ideal for soups, stews, braises, and even desserts like poached fruits. I especially love mine for slow cooker meal prep and keeping food warm for gatherings.
More Cozy Chicken Dinners to Love
If this honey soy chicken touched your soul, wait until you try these other family favorites. Each one brings its own special comfort to the table.
Brazilian Mounjaro Chicken – A vibrant, citrus-kissed dish that will transport your taste buds to Rio with every bite.
Homestyle Chicken Nuggets – Crispy, golden nuggets that make even the pickiest eaters cheer at dinnertime.
Simple BBQ Chicken Breasts – Smoky, sweet, and so satisfying with just 5 minutes of prep for busy nights.
Greek Chicken Souvlaki – Light, lemony skewers that taste like a Mediterranean vacation on a plate.
