This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a flavor-packed dish that’s irresistibly sweet, savory, and tender. Perfect for busy days, this recipe requires minimal effort and delivers maximum taste. With a balance of honey, garlic, soy sauce, and a hint of spice, it’s ideal for family meals or meal prep.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Don’t skip searing: Lightly browning the chicken before adding it to the crockpot enhances the flavor.
- Layering matters: Place chicken on the bottom and sauce on top to ensure even cooking.
- Thicken the sauce: For a glossy glaze, transfer the sauce to a pan and simmer with cornstarch after slow cooking.
- Adjust sweetness: Taste the sauce after cooking and add more honey or soy sauce to balance flavors.
- Serve creatively: Pair with rice, quinoa, or steamed veggies for a wholesome meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is a lifesaver for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. It requires minimal prep, making it perfect for those who love set-it-and-forget-it meals. The honey and garlic combination creates a harmony of sweet and savory flavors that even picky eaters will enjoy. It’s versatile, healthy, and freezer-friendly, allowing you to enjoy leftovers or prepare meals in advance. The tender, fall-apart chicken smothered in a luscious glaze is truly irresistible.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Tender chicken simmered in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, perfect for effortless and delicious slow-cooked meals.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts
- ½ cup honey
- ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper. For added flavor, sear the chicken in a skillet with a splash of oil until golden on each side (optional).
- Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes.
- Assemble in the slow cooker: Place the chicken in the crockpot. Pour the honey garlic sauce over it, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water. Transfer the sauce to a pan and simmer with the cornstarch mixture until thickened.
- Serve: Return the sauce to the chicken or serve it drizzled on top. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Pair with rice or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- Adjust the cooking time based on the size of the chicken pieces.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 698Total Fat 36gSaturated Fat 10gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 26gCholesterol 290mgSodium 1156mgCarbohydrates 43gFiber 1gSugar 35gProtein 57g
The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.
Ingredients Notes
- Chicken: Use skinless, boneless thighs or breasts for ease, but thighs tend to be juicier.
- Honey: Opt for raw honey for a natural sweetness that enhances the dish.
- Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is recommended to avoid over-salting.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds bold flavor; don’t substitute with powder for best results.
- Optional Spice: Red chili flakes add a slight kick but are adjustable or optional.
- Cornstarch: Used for thickening the sauce post-cooking for a rich, glossy finish.
Variations and Substitutions
- Protein Swap: Replace chicken with turkey breasts, pork chops, or tofu for a vegetarian twist.
- Sweeteners: Maple syrup or agave nectar can replace honey for different flavor profiles.
- Soy Sauce Alternatives: Tamari or coconut aminos are excellent gluten-free options.
- Spice Level: Add sriracha or diced chili for extra heat, or omit entirely for a milder taste.
- Herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley, cilantro, or green onions for a pop of freshness.
Storage Options
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water to maintain sauce consistency.
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