Slow Cooker Sticky Chicken (4 Ingredients Only!) — The Easiest, Most Flavorful Chicken You’ll Ever Make
If you’re craving tender, juicy chicken with an irresistibly sticky glaze, this Slow Cooker Sticky Chicken recipe is your new best friend. With only 4 main ingredients and just 5 minutes of prep, it’s the ultimate hands-off meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd, this recipe is perfect for anyone seeking simple slow cooker chicken dishes that deliver big on flavor with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Sticky Chicken
- Just 4 simple ingredients: Pantry staples that come together for incredible flavor
- Totally hands-off: Let your slow cooker work its magic
- Sweet and savory sticky glaze: Perfectly caramelized every time
- Versatile serving options: Over rice, noodles, or in sandwiches for easy meals
- SEO powerhouses: Recipes for “easy 4-ingredient meals” and “slow cooker chicken recipes” attract tons of traffic
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup soy sauce (or coconut aminos for gluten-free option)
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional but highly recommended!)
- Optional garnish: sesame seeds and chopped green onions
Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker (crockpot)
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Saucepan (optional, for thickening sauce)
- Serving utensils
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker
Place the chicken thighs or breasts in the slow cooker. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, and minced garlic. Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
2. Cook Until Tender
Set slow cooker to HIGH for 3–4 hours or LOW for 6–7 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
3. Optional: Thicken the Sauce
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it or leave whole, as preferred. Pour the remaining sauce into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat for 5–10 minutes until it thickens into a luscious glaze.
4. Serve and Garnish
Drizzle the thickened sauce over the chicken. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for an extra burst of flavor and color.
Serving Suggestions & Creative Twists
- Over steamed rice: Classic and comforting
- With noodles: Toss with lo mein or ramen for an easy dinner
- In tacos or wraps: Add crunchy slaw and a drizzle of sriracha mayo for a fresh twist
- Spicy version: Stir 1 tablespoon sriracha into the sauce before cooking for a kick
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze cooked chicken and sauce separately for up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Yes! Chicken breasts work well but can dry out faster—monitor cooking time closely.
Q: Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
A: Absolutely. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes and do a natural release.
Q: How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Substitute soy sauce with coconut aminos to keep it gluten-free.
This Slow Cooker Sticky Chicken is a hands-off, flavorful, and versatile recipe that fits perfectly into busy lifestyles. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or craving a simple dinner, this sticky chicken delivers moist, tender bites with an addictive glaze every time. Try it tonight and watch it become a fast favorite in your recipe rotation!
Slow Cooker Sticky Chicken (4 Ingredients Only!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place chicken in the slow cooker.
- Whisk honey, soy sauce, ketchup, and garlic in a bowl; pour over chicken.
- Cook on HIGH for 3–4 hours or LOW for 6–7 hours.
- Remove chicken and shred or leave whole.
- (Optional) Simmer sauce in a saucepan for 5–10 minutes to thicken.
- Drizzle sauce over chicken; garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
* Add sriracha for spice.
* Use Instant Pot: Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes with natural release.