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Slow Cooker Honey Soy

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

This slow-cooked honey-soy chicken is full of bold flavor from a sweet-savory marinade with orange, garlic, and ginger. The chicken is lightly seared before cooking for added depth, then finished with a rich sauce reduction. It’s an easy, hands-off meal ideal for busy days. Serve over rice and garnish with parsley for a simple but satisfying dinner. The meat is tender, juicy, and coated in a sticky glaze you’ll want to drizzle over everything.

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Published By Ioana
Updated on Mon, 28 Jul 2025 13:13:01 GMT
A plate of chicken with a sauce. Bookmark
A plate of chicken with a sauce. | ioanacooks.com

Get out your crock pot This slow cooker honey soy chicken is an easy and flavorful dinner that transforms everyday chicken drumsticks and thighs into tender bites of sweet savory citrus infused goodness It simmers all day in a sauce made with honey soy orange garlic and ginger then gets coated in a thick glaze at the end

I first made this during a rainy Sunday when I had chicken to use up and needed comfort food Now it is a monthly favorite in my house

Ingredients

  • Chicken pieces: use bone in drumsticks or thighs for best flavor and texture
  • Honey: brings sweetness and balances the tangy vinegar
  • Orange juice and zest: add a bright fresh citrus layer
  • Low sodium soy sauce: gives depth without making it too salty
  • Garlic and fresh ginger: essential for bold savory aromatics
  • Rice wine vinegar: provides a subtle bite
  • Crushed red pepper: adds a gentle heat
  • Toasted sesame seeds: give crunch and a nutty note
  • Olive oil: used to sear the chicken before slow cooking
  • Fresh parsley: sprinkled on top for color and freshness
  • Cooked white rice: perfect base to soak up the sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Slow Cooker:
Spray the inside of a 5 to 6 quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray so the chicken does not stick during cooking
Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl whisk together the honey orange zest and juice soy sauce salt minced garlic ginger rice vinegar red pepper flakes and sesame seeds until well combined
Sear the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat Season chicken with salt and pepper Sear each piece for about 3 minutes per side until golden and crusted then transfer to the slow cooker
Slow Cook:
Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours until the chicken is very tender and reaches 165 degrees in the thickest part Baste the tops halfway through if possible to keep the skin moist
Reduce the Sauce:
When done remove the chicken and set aside Carefully transfer the liquid from the slow cooker into a skillet Stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch then bring to a boil on high Boil about 5 minutes until slightly thickened
Coat and Serve:
Pour the thickened sauce back over the chicken and toss gently to coat Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve over warm rice
A close up of a piece of chicken with a green herb on top. Bookmark
A close up of a piece of chicken with a green herb on top. | ioanacooks.com

My favorite part is how the honey caramelizes on the chicken It reminds me of my grandmother’s Sunday soy glaze she used to make but this version is much easier and made in a slow cooker

Storage Tips

Cool the chicken completely before storing Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days For longer storage freeze for up to two months Thaw overnight before reheating gently on the stovetop or microwave

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap in boneless skinless chicken thighs if you plan to bake instead of slow cook If you do not have rice wine vinegar apple cider vinegar works in a pinch Maple syrup can substitute for honey though it will slightly change the flavor profile

Chicken with sauce on a plate. Bookmark
Chicken with sauce on a plate. | ioanacooks.com

Serving Suggestions

Serve this chicken over plain white rice or with something more flavorful like pineapple coconut rice For a full meal pair it with steamed broccoli or a crisp cucumber salad Add naan bread on the side to soak up the extra sauce

Cultural Context

This recipe draws flavor inspiration from a blend of Chinese and Southeast Asian kitchens where soy citrus and ginger are essential staples While not a traditional dish it honors the balance of sweet salty and tangy that defines many beloved recipes across Asia

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use boneless chicken?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well. Adjust cooking time to prevent drying out, around 4 to 5 hours on low.

→ Do I have to pan sear the chicken first?

Pan searing helps develop flavor and texture, but you can skip it if pressed for time. The final result will still be delicious.

→ How do I know when the chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer. Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches 165°F at the thickest part.

→ Can I prepare this the night before?

Yes. Combine the marinade and prep the chicken the night before. Store in the fridge and cook the next day.

→ What side dishes go well with this?

Serve with white rice, coconut rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the sauce.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Absolutely. Cool the chicken completely, store in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Slow Cooker Honey Soy

Slow-cooked chicken in a sweet soy glaze with garlic, ginger, and citrus for rich, savory flavor.

Time Needed to Prep
15 minutes
Cooking Duration
480 minutes
Overall Time
495 minutes
Published By: Ioana

Category of Recipe: Main Dishes

Preparation Difficulty: Easy to Make

Type of Cuisine: Asian

Number of Portions: 4 How Many It Serves (4 servings)

Dietary Preferences: Dairy-Free Suitable

Ingredients You'll Need

→ Main

Ingredient 01 1/3 cup honey
Ingredient 02 2 teaspoons orange zest
Ingredient 03 2 tablespoons orange juice
Ingredient 04 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
Ingredient 05 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Ingredient 06 3 cloves garlic, minced
Ingredient 07 1.5 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
Ingredient 08 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
Ingredient 09 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Ingredient 10 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
Ingredient 11 2 tablespoons olive oil
Ingredient 12 2.5 pounds bone-in chicken pieces
Ingredient 13 Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient 14 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Ingredient 15 Cooked white rice, for serving

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Coat a 5 to 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 02

In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, orange zest, orange juice, soy sauce, salt, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, crushed red pepper, and sesame seeds.

Step 03

Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper and sear for 3 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to the slow cooker.

Step 04

Pour marinade over chicken. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the chicken reaches 165°F. Baste halfway through to prevent the skin from drying.

Step 05

Remove chicken and set aside. Carefully transfer the liquid to a skillet, add 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and bring to a boil over high heat. Boil for about 5 minutes until thickened.

Step 06

Pour reduced sauce over chicken and stir to coat. Sprinkle with parsley and serve over cooked rice.

Extra Tips

  1. You may skip the sauce reduction step if you prefer a thinner sauce.
  2. Bone-in drumsticks or thighs provide the best texture and flavor for slow cooking.
  3. Basting the chicken during cooking helps maintain moist skin.

Tools You'll Need

  • Slow cooker (5 to 6-quart)
  • Nonstick skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Tongs
  • Whisk

Allergen Information

Carefully check food labels for allergens and consult an expert if you're uncertain.
  • Contains soy from soy sauce
  • Contains sesame seeds

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, these values are for guidance only and shouldn't replace advice from a professional.
  • Calories Per Serving: 586
  • Total Fat: 36 grams
  • Carbohydrate Amount: 27 grams
  • Protein Amount: 37 grams