Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a deliciously simple dish that combines sweet and savory flavors in a tender, melt-in-your-mouth meal. Perfect for busy days, it requires minimal prep and delivers big on taste.

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, for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Chopped green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Lightly season the chicken thighs or breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, ginger, vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
3. Step 3: Place the chicken in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated.
4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
5. Step 5: (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.
6. Step 6: Return the chicken to the slow cooker or pour the thickened sauce over the chicken. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken breasts for a leaner option or thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat, or omit for a milder taste.
• Serve over steamed rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
• For added texture, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds just before serving.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water to loosen it before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use thawed chicken to ensure even cooking. If using frozen, increase the cooking time and check the chicken’s doneness before serving.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to keep the recipe safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 124 reviews

This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken recipe combines tender, juicy chicken thighs or breasts with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. It’s a simple, fuss-free meal cooked low and slow, perfect for busy days. The sauce includes a delightful blend of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and a hint of ginger, finished with optional red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Serve garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an extra burst of flavor and texture.

• Author: Rita
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high
• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 5 hours 10 minutes (low) or 2 hours 10 minutes to 3 hours 10 minutes (high)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 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

For Garnish:

• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken: Lightly season the chicken thighs or breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides to enhance their flavor before cooking.
2. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, grated ginger, vinegar, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
3. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Place the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker and pour the prepared sauce over it, making sure each piece is well coated.
4. Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
5. Optional Sauce Thickening: If a thicker sauce is preferred, carefully remove the chicken and transfer the sauce to a saucepan. Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce and simmer over medium heat until thickened, about 2 to 3 minutes.
6. Serve: 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.

Notes

• You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs if preferred, but cooking time may vary slightly.
• Use low sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
• The ginger and red pepper flakes are optional but add an extra layer of flavor and slight heat.
• If you prefer a gluten-free option, ensure the soy sauce used is gluten-free.
• The sauce can be thickened directly in the slow cooker, but transferring to a saucepan heats it faster and prevents sticking.
• Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stove or microwave.

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, honey garlic chicken, easy chicken recipe, crockpot chicken, weeknight dinner, chicken thighs recipe