Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a simple, flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken thighs or breasts simmer in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, creating a meal that’s both comforting and delicious.

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

• 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 and pour the sauce over it, making sure the chicken is well coated.
4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
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 into the sauce. Simmer over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
6. Step 6: Return the chicken to the slow cooker or pour the thickened sauce over it. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat, or breasts for a leaner option.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
• Serve over steamed rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Substitute rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar if preferred.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. The sauce may thicken further upon refrigeration; add a splash of water or broth when reheating if needed.

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 and food safety. If using frozen chicken, increase the cooking time and check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the chicken and sauce in a covered skillet over low heat on the stove for about 30-40 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 608 reviews

This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken thighs cooked in a savory honey garlic sauce. Perfect for busy days, this recipe combines sweet honey, tangy soy sauce, and aromatic garlic and ginger for a mouthwatering meal that requires minimal effort. Serve with steamed rice or vegetables for a complete and comforting dinner.

• Author: Windy
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (low) or 2 hours 10 minutes (high)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Asian
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

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

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)

Thickening (optional)

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

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 the flavor.
2. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, grated ginger (if using), rice or apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes for a sweet and savory sauce with a hint of spice.
3. Combine Chicken and Sauce in Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated for even flavor distribution.
4. Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional): For a thicker sauce, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and transfer the sauce to a saucepan. Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stir into the sauce. Simmer over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Finish and Serve: Return the chicken to the slow cooker or pour the thickened sauce over the chicken. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a delicious presentation before serving.

Notes

• Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat compared to chicken breasts.
• Low sodium soy sauce helps control the salt content without compromising flavor.
• The ginger and red pepper flakes are optional but add depth and mild heat to the dish.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, do not skip the cornstarch slurry step.
• Serve with steamed rice, noodles, or sautéed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, honey garlic chicken, easy chicken recipe, slow cooker dinner, slow cooker honey garlic, Asian chicken recipe, healthy chicken recipe