Gluten-Free Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Save this recipe on:

Tender, juicy, and sweetly savory, this Gluten-Free Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is one of those set-it-and-forget-it meals that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and your plate with bold, comforting flavors. It blends the sweetness of honey, the sharpness of garlic, and the umami of soy sauce into one incredibly simple but crave-worthy dish. Best of all, it’s naturally gluten-free and made in a slow cooker—which means minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or preparing a make-ahead dish for guests, this shredded chicken makes for a versatile main that pairs with everything from rice to roasted vegetables. Plus, the leftovers taste even better the next day, making it a smart meal-prep solution.

Can I Use Any Chicken Cut for Honey Garlic Chicken?

While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are most commonly used for their lean texture and shredding ease, you can also opt for boneless chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier, more flavorful result. Just be sure to trim excess fat.

Ingredients for the Gluten-Free Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs – The heart of the recipe; these slow-cook to tender perfection.
• Honey – Brings natural sweetness and depth to the sauce.
• Garlic – Fresh minced garlic adds sharp, aromatic complexity.
• Tamari (or gluten-free soy sauce) – Delivers a salty, umami balance while keeping it gluten-free.
• Tomato paste – Thickens the sauce and adds a hint of tang.
• Apple cider vinegar – Cuts through the sweetness with acidity.
• Ground ginger – A warm note that complements the garlic.
• Cornstarch + water – Used at the end to thicken the sauce if needed.
• Green onions – For fresh garnish and a touch of bite.

---

How To Make the Gluten-Free Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Mix the Sauce

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, minced garlic, tamari, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, and ground ginger until smooth.

Step 2: Arrange Chicken in Slow Cooker

Place the chicken breasts or thighs into the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2.5-3 hours until the chicken is fork-tender and fully cooked through.

Step 4: Shred and Thicken

Remove the chicken to a plate and shred with two forks. If you want a thicker sauce, stir a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water) into the liquid in the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for an additional 15 minutes.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat with the thickened sauce. Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top before serving.

---

Serving and Storing This Sticky, Sweet Chicken

This dish is best served hot and fresh from the slow cooker, spooned over steamed jasmine rice, quinoa, or fluffy mashed potatoes. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months—just thaw and reheat in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

What to Serve With Gluten-Free Honey Garlic Chicken?

Steamed Jasmine or Basmati Rice

A soft bed of rice soaks up all that sticky, garlicky sauce perfectly.

Garlic Roasted Broccoli

Roast your broccoli with a bit of garlic to echo the flavor in the chicken.

Cucumber Sesame Salad

Cool and crunchy, this salad adds a refreshing contrast.

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Sweet on sweet? Trust us—this combo works and feels like comfort food bliss.

Stir-Fried Green Beans

Lightly crisp and garlicky, they round out the plate beautifully.

Gluten-Free Noodles

Tossed with sesame oil, they make a tasty alternative to rice.

Pineapple Fried Rice

For a tropical twist, the fruity-salty mix pairs beautifully with honey garlic.

---

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you’re all about easy, flavorful chicken meals, don’t stop here! Check out these other great options:

• Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts when you want velvety richness.
• Chicken Marsala Casserole for cozy comfort.
• Marry Me Chicken Pasta if you’re in the mood for romance on a plate.
• Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs for a smoky twist.
• Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni when carbs call your name.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use thighs or breasts? Did you serve it over noodles or rice?

I love seeing how everyone puts their own spin on these recipes. Questions? Tips? Drop them below — we’re all in this flavor journey together.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting meals on ChefAlchemy’s Recipes and discover your new go-to for delicious dinner wins!

---

Print

Save this recipe on: