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Easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken and Rice: The Best One Pot Meal

crockpot honey garlic chicken and rice - featured image

This Easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken and Rice is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. Tender chicken thighs are slow-cooked in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, with rice cooking right in the pot for a complete, one-pot meal that requires minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/3 cup (110g) honey
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) low-sodium soy sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
  • 1 cup (240ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup (200g) uncooked long-grain white rice (basmati or jasmine)
  • 2 tablespoons (16g) cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) water
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
  • Sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker in a single layer. Trim any excess fat if needed.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, and chicken broth. Pour this mixture over the chicken, making sure each piece gets coated.
  3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
  4. About 30 minutes before serving, uncover the slow cooker and gently stir in the uncooked rice. Make sure it’s submerged in the liquid. Re-cover and cook on high for another 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  5. Once the rice is done, remove the chicken pieces to a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the rice.
  6. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. Pour this slurry into the slow cooker and stir gently. Let it cook uncovered for 5-10 minutes on high, until the sauce thickens to a glossy, sticky consistency.
  7. Drizzle with sesame oil if using, and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve hot straight from the crockpot.

Notes

Don’t add the rice too early or it will become mushy. Use chicken thighs for best texture; breasts can dry out. If your slow cooker runs hot, add an extra 1/4 cup of broth toward the end. For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce. For a spicier version, add 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot honey garlic chicken, slow cooker chicken and rice, one pot meal, easy weeknight dinner, honey garlic chicken