If you’re seeking an effortlessly delicious dinner that bursts with flavor and fits perfectly into a busy schedule, then this Gluten-Free Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine tender chicken infused with a sweet-savory sauce made of honey, garlic, and gluten-free soy sauce—all slow-cooked to juicy perfection. This recipe is simple, wholesome, and wonderfully satisfying, making weeknight meals something to look forward to again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish is in its simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a crucial role in delivering that delectable balance of sweet, tangy, and umami flavors—plus a gorgeous glaze that clings to every tender bite. Here’s everything you need to create this crowd-pleasing dish at home:
- Honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps create a sticky, luscious sauce.
- Gluten-free soy sauce or tamari: Adds that deeply satisfying salty, umami richness essential to the sauce.
- Ketchup: Brings a subtle tang and thickness to the sauce’s texture.
- Garlic (minced): Injects a punch of aromatic, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with honey.
- Apple cider vinegar: Balances sweetness with a bright, mild acidity that lifts the dish.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: The tender protein soaking up all those wonderful flavors.
- Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce for that glossy coating you’ll love.
- Water: Mixed with cornstarch to create the slurry that thickens the sauce.
- Green onions (chopped): Adds fresh color and a mild oniony crunch to finish the dish.
How to Make Gluten-Free Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Layer the Chicken
Start by placing your boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker. This ensures even cooking and that every piece gets plenty of exposure to the delicious sauce.
Step 2: Whisk the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, ketchup, minced garlic, and apple cider vinegar until smooth. This flavorful mixture is what will transform the chicken into a tender, flavorful masterpiece.
Step 3: Pour and Coat
Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated well. This generous coating means every bite of chicken will be bursting with sweet-garlicky goodness.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours, or if you’re short on time, cook on HIGH for 2.5 to 3.5 hours. The chicken will become wonderfully tender and soak up all those beautiful flavors from the sauce.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. This step turns your chicken into perfect bite-sized pieces that will absorb even more sauce.
Step 6: Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry
In a small bowl, stir together the cornstarch and water until fully combined. This slurry is key to thickening your sauce into that glossy glaze everyone loves.
Step 7: Combine and Thicken
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, add the cornstarch slurry, and stir everything well. This mixture will thicken into a delectable sauce that hugs every piece of chicken.
Step 8: Final Cook
Cook uncovered on HIGH for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. This final step allows the sauce to thicken beautifully and deepen in flavor.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for a fresh, colorful touch and serve your dish hot. It’s now ready to impress at your dinner table!
How to Serve Gluten-Free Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped green onions are the classic finishing touch here—they add a burst of color and a fresh, mild bite that perfectly balances the richness of the sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds for a little extra texture and nuttiness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple steamed rice to soak up all the sauce, or quinoa for a nuttier, more nutritious option. For a veggie boost, steamed broccoli or sautéed snap peas add crunch and vibrant green contrast that complements the dish’s sweet and savory notes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this chicken recipe over cauliflower rice or wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves for a low-carb meal option. Alternatively, use it as a flavorful filling for gluten-free tortillas to make honey garlic chicken tacos that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken will stay delicious for up to 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy weeknight dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This dish freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion, and it will keep its flavor and texture for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much, and stir to restore its perfect consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Both chicken breasts and thighs work great in this recipe. Thighs tend to stay juicier during slow cooking, but breasts will still absorb the flavors beautifully.
Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and ensure your ketchup is gluten-free, this recipe is entirely safe for gluten-free diets.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
You sure can! Use the sauté function to mix the sauce, then cook the chicken on high pressure for about 10 minutes, followed by a quick release. Finish by thickening the sauce using the sauté mode with the cornstarch slurry.
What if I don’t have cornstarch to thicken the sauce?
You can substitute with arrowroot powder or tapioca starch in equal amounts for thickening. Just mix with water first to create a slurry before adding to the slow cooker.
Can I adjust the sweetness or garlic level?
Definitely! The recipe is very forgiving. Add a little more honey if you prefer sweeter, or increase the garlic for a punchier garlic flavor. Taste as you go to suit your preferences.
Final Thoughts
This Gluten-Free Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is a game-changer for anyone craving comfort food that’s easy, flavorful, and perfect for busy days. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together around the dinner table thanks to its irresistible sauce and tender chicken. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it!
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Gluten-Free Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (slow cooker LOW) or 3.5 hours (slow cooker HIGH) plus 20 minutes for thickening
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Gluten-Free Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish perfect for a comforting weeknight meal. Tender chicken thighs cooked slowly in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, thickened to perfection and garnished with fresh green onions. It’s naturally gluten-free and packed with flavor, requiring minimal prep and hands-off cooking.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 0.5 cup honey
- 0.5 cup gluten-free soy sauce or tamari
- 0.25 cup ketchup
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Thickening Slurry
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Garnish
- 2 stalks green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Place Chicken in Slow Cooker: Arrange the chicken thighs or breasts in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Prepare Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, ketchup, minced garlic, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
- Coat Chicken: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, ensuring every piece is evenly coated.
- Cook Chicken: Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or on HIGH for 2.5–3.5 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
- Make Slurry: In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and water, stirring to create a smooth slurry.
- Add Slurry and Chicken Back: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, add the slurry, and stir well to combine with the sauce.
- Thicken Sauce: Cook uncovered on HIGH for an additional 15–20 minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top and serve the honey garlic chicken hot.
Notes
- You can use either chicken thighs or breasts depending on your preference; thighs tend to be more tender and flavorful.
- Ensure you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to keep the recipe gluten-free.
- For thicker sauce, you can add a little more cornstarch slurry if needed during the last step.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
