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Easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken and Rice Recipe

crockpot honey garlic chicken and rice - featured image

This Cozy Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken and Rice is a set-it-and-forget-it meal that delivers tender, fall-apart chicken and perfectly fluffy rice in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s made with simple ingredients and takes just 10 minutes of prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (basmati or jasmine)
  • 1.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth (for rice)
  • 2–3 green onions, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Trim excess fat, season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, 1 cup chicken broth, tomato paste, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until smooth.
  3. Place chicken thighs in the bottom of a 5-6 quart crockpot in a single layer. Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or on HIGH for 1.5-2 hours, until chicken is tender and shreds easily.
  5. Using tongs, transfer cooked chicken to a cutting board. Let rest for a few minutes, then shred with two forks or chop into bite-sized pieces.
  6. Add 1 cup rice and 1.5 cups chicken broth to the crockpot with the remaining sauce. Stir to combine, ensuring rice is submerged. Cover and cook on HIGH for 45-60 minutes, until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  7. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth. Pour slurry into the crockpot and stir gently. Cook uncovered for 5-10 minutes until sauce thickens.
  8. Return shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir to combine. Let heat through for about 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  9. Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

For best results, sear the chicken thighs in a hot skillet with oil before adding to the crockpot for extra flavor. Do not add rice too early to avoid mushiness. Use a crockpot liner for easy cleanup. If using chicken breasts, reduce initial cooking time to 2-3 hours on low. For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot honey garlic chicken, slow cooker chicken and rice, easy weeknight dinner, honey garlic chicken, crockpot recipe