Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a delightful dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors. With its melt-in-your-mouth tender chicken coated in a deliciously thick sauce, this recipe is sure to be a hit for dinner. Plus, the convenience of the slow cooker makes preparation a breeze!
Why Make This Recipe
There are countless reasons to make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to prepare—simply season, mix, and let your slow cooker do the work. This recipe requires minimal hands-on time, allowing you to go about your day while your flavorful meal cooks to perfection. It’s also perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even potluck gatherings, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. Plus, the combination of honey and garlic provides a familiar yet exciting taste that’s bound to please even picky eaters.
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Making Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is simple and straightforward. Here’s how you can whip up this delectable dish in your own kitchen.
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Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For Thickening (optional):
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Directions:
- Lightly season the chicken thighs or breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, ginger (if using), vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using) until well combined.
- Place the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring that it is well coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
- (Optional) For a thicker sauce, remove the chicken once cooked and transfer the sauce to a saucepan. Mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce. Simmer over medium heat until it thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the slow cooker or pour the thickened sauce over the chicken. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
Pro Tips for Success with Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
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Use quality chicken: The tender juiciness of the chicken is vital. Opt for good-quality boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the best flavor.
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Don’t skip the seasoning: Lightly season the chicken with salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste of the dish.
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Sauté garlic if you have time: While not necessary, a quick sauté of the minced garlic in the slow cooker before adding other ingredients can elevate the flavors even more.
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Adjust sweetness: Feel free to tweak the amount of honey based on your sweetness preference. You can always add more after cooking if it isn’t sweet enough for your taste.
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Throw in vegetables: You can add vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli for a complete meal in one pot.
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Make extra sauce: If you love that honey garlic flavor, consider doubling the sauce ingredients so you have more to drizzle over rice or noodles!
Flavor Variations for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
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Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for an extra kick.
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Citrus Twist: Incorporate some orange juice or zest into the sauce for a refreshing citrus twist that complements the garlic and honey.
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Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary along with the garlic for a more complex flavor profile.
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Sesame Oil: A few drops of toasted sesame oil can add a delightful nutty flavor to the dish.
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Asian Inspired: Add in sliced scallions, water chestnuts, or serve with jasmine rice and steamed bok choy for an Asian-inspired twist.
Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
To serve, consider pairing this dish with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice to soak up the delicious sauce. You can also serve it alongside a fresh green salad or sautéed vegetables like snap peas or broccoli to create a balanced meal. For a fun twist, serve it in lettuce wraps with crunchy veggies for a light, refreshing option. Alternatively, you can shred the cooked chicken and toss it in a hearty wrap or sandwich for a delightful lunch treat.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you wish to keep it longer, this dish freezes beautifully! Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|————–|———|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbohydrates| 28g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sodium | 520mg |
FAQ About Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can absolutely use chicken breasts if you prefer. They’ll cook similarly, but keep an eye on cooking time as breasts can dry out if overcooked. The cook time will be roughly the same if you use boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! You can substitute regular soy sauce with gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to enjoy a gluten-free version of this recipe. Just keep an eye on the labels to ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
How can I thicken the sauce?
If you want a thicker sauce, you can create a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with a little bit of water. Add this to the sauce in a saucepan and simmer until thickened. Alternatively, you can remove the lid from the slow cooker for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some evaporation.
What types of side dishes pair well with this meal?
Many side dishes complement Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken wonderfully. Steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans, are light options. Rice is a classic pairing, while quinoa or a fresh salad can also be great choices to balance the sweet and savory of the chicken.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken holds up well in the refrigerator and can be portioned out for meal prep. Store individual servings in meal prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a fantastic dish that comes together with minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor. With its sweet and savory notes, it makes for a satisfying meal that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re cooking for your family, friends, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to impress while keeping things easy and delightful in the kitchen. Give it a try, and savor the deliciousness!
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Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
- Total Time: 250 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free Option
Description
A delightful dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors with tender chicken coated in a thick honey garlic sauce, making it a hit for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)
- 2 tablespoons water (for thickening sauce)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Lightly season the chicken with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, ginger (if using), vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using) until well combined.
- Place seasoned chicken in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over it, ensuring it is well coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- (Optional) For a thicker sauce: remove the chicken once cooked and transfer the sauce to a saucepan. Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, stir into the sauce, and simmer until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the slow cooker or pour the thickened sauce over it. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
For best flavor, use quality chicken and don’t skip seasoning. You can customize the sweetness and add vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
