Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken garnished with sesame seeds.

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

by

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is the epitome of convenience meeting flavor. This recipe brings together tender, juicy chicken and a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce that infuses every bite with delightful depth. It’s a hands-off dish that transforms simple ingredients into a comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining guests, or meal prepping, this recipe delivers incredible taste with minimal effort.

Ingredients

  • Chicken: 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • Honey: ½ cup
  • Soy sauce: ⅓ cup (use low-sodium if preferred)
  • Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
  • Ketchup: ¼ cup
  • Rice vinegar: 2 tablespoons
  • Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon (optional, for thickening)
  • Water: 2 tablespoons (if using cornstarch)
  • Sesame seeds: For garnish
  • Green onions: Chopped, for garnish

Directions

  1. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the slow cooker or use a liner for easy cleanup.
  2. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, ketchup, and rice vinegar until well combined.
  3. Assemble Ingredients: Place the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring it’s in a single layer. Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken.
  4. Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
  5. Optional Thickening: If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken once cooked and set it aside. Mix cornstarch with water to form a slurry, then stir it into the sauce. Turn the slow cooker to high and let the sauce thicken for 10-15 minutes. Return the chicken to the sauce.
  6. Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve warm over rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4-6, depending on portion sizes
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
  • Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 5 hours 10 minutes

Variations

  • Protein Options: Swap chicken thighs or breasts for drumsticks or wings.
  • Vegetarian Twist: Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version.
  • Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
  • Citrusy Flavor: Incorporate a splash of fresh orange juice or lemon juice into the sauce for a zesty touch.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Storage and Reheating

  • Storage: Let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheating: Warm leftovers in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken in the slow cooker?
Yes, but it’s safer to thaw the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker to ensure even cooking.

2. How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Using dark meat like chicken thighs and cooking on low heat can help retain moisture.

3. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure your slow cooker is large enough to fit the chicken and sauce without overflowing.

4. What side dishes go well with this?
Rice, quinoa, steamed broccoli, or roasted vegetables are excellent pairings.

5. Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can use the sauté function to thicken the sauce and pressure cook the chicken for about 10 minutes.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a fuss-free recipe that’s perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal with minimal prep. The combination of sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and aromatic garlic creates a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. With its easy customization options and make-ahead potential, this recipe is a must-have in your culinary repertoire. Try it today and discover the magic of slow cooking!

Related Recipes to Explore

  1. Link to a Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes to provide readers with another slow cooker chicken option.
  2. Suggest the Taco Soup in Slow Cooker as a hearty and comforting alternative slow-cooked dish.
  3. Include the Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet to showcase another honey garlic-inspired recipe.
  4. Offer the Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken Recipe for readers who enjoy global flavors.
  5. Link to the Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe for a stovetop variation of a garlicky favorite.
  6. Recommend the Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Bake as a comfort food classic.
  7. Mention the Crock-Pot French Onion Meatballs for a different crockpot recipe featuring savory flavors.
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Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken garnished with sesame seeds.

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

  • Author: Meryem
  • Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Print Recipe

Description

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a mouthwatering dish combining tender chicken with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. This effortless recipe requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep. Serve it with rice, noodles, or steamed veggies for a wholesome meal everyone will love.

Ingredients

Chicken: 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

Honey: ½ cup

Soy sauce: ⅓ cup (use low-sodium for a healthier option)

Garlic: 4 cloves, minced

Ketchup: ¼ cup

Rice vinegar: 2 tablespoons

Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon (optional, for thickening)

Water: 2 tablespoons (if using cornstarch)

Sesame seeds: For garnish

Green onions: Chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the slow cooker or use a liner for easy cleanup.

Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, ketchup, and rice vinegar until smooth.

Assemble Ingredients: Lay the chicken in the slow cooker in a single layer. Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated.

Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

Optional Thickening: For a thicker sauce, remove the chicken, mix cornstarch with water, and stir it into the sauce. Turn the slow cooker to high and let the sauce thicken for 10-15 minutes. Return the chicken to the pot.

Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve over rice, noodles, or with steamed vegetables.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
  • Category: Global Flavors
  • Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4-6
  • Calories: 260 kcal
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg