why make this recipe
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a fantastic dish that brings together sweet and savory flavors. It’s not only easy to make, but it also requires minimal hands-on time. If you’re looking for a meal that is tender, delicious, and perfect for busy weeknights, this dish checks all the boxes. With simple ingredients and a slow cooker helping to do the work, you can enjoy a scrumptious meal with very little effort.
how to make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
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 honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, ginger, vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
- Place the chicken in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s 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 and transfer the sauce to a saucepan. Mix 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 green onions.
how to serve Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Serve the Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken over a bed of rice or alongside steamed vegetables. The sauce is flavorful, so make sure to spoon some over the chicken and rice. This dish also pairs well with a simple salad for a complete meal.
how to store Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Store any leftover Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, you can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through.
tips to make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
- For more flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for a few hours before cooking.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Feel free to add vegetables such as bell peppers or carrots to the slow cooker for added nutrition.
variation
You can easily adapt this recipe by using different cuts of chicken or even substituting chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option. Adding vegetables to the slow cooker can change up the flavor and make the meal heartier.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but the cooking time may need to be extended. Make sure it is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
2. Can I use other types of vinegar?
Yes, you can use any type of vinegar you have on hand, like white vinegar or balsamic vinegar, but the flavor might vary slightly.
3. Is it possible to make this dish in an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! You can use the sauté function to cook the sauce first, then add the chicken and cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes. Be sure to do a natural release for best results.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
- Total Time: 315 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A delicious and easy recipe for tender honey garlic chicken made in a slow cooker.
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 Thickening (optional):
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Garnish: Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Lightly season the chicken thighs or breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, ginger, vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
- Place the chicken in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 240-300 minutes or high for 120-180 minutes, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Optional: For a thicker sauce, remove the chicken and transfer the sauce to a saucepan. Mix 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 green onions.
Notes
For more flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for a few hours before cooking. This dish can be easily adapted for vegetarians by substituting chicken with tofu.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 300 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: slow cooker, honey garlic chicken, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, Asian cuisine
