This delicious Bored of Lunch Honey Garlic Shredded Chicken is made in 5 hours and 15 minutes using boneless chicken thighs, honey, sriracha, garlic, and dark soy sauce.

To make Honey Garlic Shredded Chicken in your slow cooker or crockpot, combine the ingredients, cook on high for 4–5 hours or on low for 6–7 hours, and shred the chicken once it’s tender. This process ensures the chicken is flavorful and moist.

This is another deliciously versatile shredded meat recipe, this time with plenty of sauce so the chicken stays moist but falls apart during the long, slow cook. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Can I use frozen chicken thighs in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs in this recipe, but you need to increase the cooking time. Cook on high for 5–6 hours or on low for 7–8 hours to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Shredded Chicken Ingredients

• 8 boneless chicken thighs
• 4 tbsp of honey
• 3 tbsp of sriracha
• 8 garlic cloves, crushed
• 5 tbsp of dark soy sauce
• 1 tbsp of hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp of tomato purée
• 1 tbsp of cornflour mixed with 1 tbsp of water
• Chopped spring onions, to garnish

How To Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Shredded Chicken

1. Prepare the slow cooker: Place the boneless chicken thighs in the slow cooker, ensuring they are spread out evenly across the bottom.
2. Mix the sauce: In a bowl, thoroughly combine the honey, sriracha, crushed garlic, dark soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and tomato purée until smooth and well mixed.
3. Add the sauce: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker, making sure each piece is evenly coated with the flavorful sauce.
4. Thicken the sauce: Mix the cornflour with water to form a paste, then stir this paste into the slow cooker to help thicken the sauce as it cooks.
5. Cook the chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook the chicken on high for 4–5 hours or on low for 6–7 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
6. Shred the chicken: Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, leaving some chunks for texture, then garnish with chopped spring onions before serving.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

You know the chicken is done when it is tender and easily shreds with a fork. It should also reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If it doesn’t shred easily, continue cooking and check every 30 minutes until it reaches the desired tenderness.

Recipe Tips

• Use fresh ingredients: Always use fresh garlic and quality soy sauce to enhance the flavor of your Honey Garlic Shredded Chicken, making sure the dish tastes vibrant and rich. Fresh ingredients really do make a big difference in the overall taste and quality.
• Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of sriracha in the recipe. Conversely, if you love heat, add an extra tablespoon of sriracha. This allows you to customize the spice level to your liking.
• Shred the chicken: For perfectly shredded chicken, use two forks to gently pull the chicken apart while it’s still warm. This method ensures that the chicken shreds easily and evenly, giving you the best texture.
• Thicken the sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix an additional tablespoon of cornflour with water and stir it into the slow cooker towards the end of the cooking time. This helps achieve a sauce with a more substantial consistency.

Recipe Variations

• Add vegetables: You can add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking. This not only adds nutrients but also creates a more colorful and varied dish.
• Use chicken breasts: If you prefer white meat, substitute the chicken thighs with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. The cooking time remains the same, but the texture will be slightly different. Chicken breasts tend to be leaner and less fatty.
• Try different sauces: Experiment with different sauces like teriyaki or barbecue sauce in place of hoisin sauce. This variation can bring new flavors and a different twist to the dish, making it a fun way to explore new tastes.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute the soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. This simple swap makes the dish suitable for those with gluten intolerance or those who prefer a gluten-free diet without compromising on flavor.

What To Serve With Honey Garlic Shredded Chicken

Serve your Honey Garlic Shredded Chicken with vibrant, complementary sides like roasted Brussels sprouts, garlic mashed potatoes, jasmine rice, Greek Green Beans, and a fresh cucumber salad.

You can also pair this dish with fluffy naan bread, zesty coleslaw, or creamy avocado slices for added flavor.

How To Store Leftover Honey Garlic Shredded Chicken

In The Fridge:

Store leftover Honey Garlic Shredded Chicken in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent contamination. Place the container in the fridge within two hours of cooking to ensure safety. The chicken can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days without losing its quality.

In The Freezer:

You can store Honey Garlic Shredded Chicken in the freezer by placing it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Ensure all air is removed before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Label the container with the date and store it for up to 3 months for the best quality.

How To Reheat Leftover Honey Garlic Shredded Chicken

Reheat your leftover Honey Garlic Shredded Chicken on the stovetop by placing it in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Alternatively, microwave the chicken on a microwave-safe plate, covering it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on high for two minutes, then stir and continue heating for another minute if needed.

Check out More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• Slow Cooker Gravy Pulled Chicken
• Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Curry
• Slow Cooker Sticky Honey Chicken