Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
If you’re looking for a flavorful, easy-to-make dinner that the whole family will love, this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a must-try! Tender chicken cooked in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce makes for a comforting and satisfying meal. The best part? It’s all done in your slow cooker—minimal effort, maximum flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: Let the slow cooker do all the work for you. Just set it and forget it!
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of garlic, honey, and soy sauce creates a rich, sweet, and savory glaze.
• Family-Friendly: This dish is a hit with both kids and adults.
• Versatile: Serve it over rice, noodles, or with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated (optional for extra flavor)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch (for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
• Sesame seeds and chopped green onions, for garnish

Tools You’ll Need

• Slow cooker
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Small saucepan (optional, for thickening the sauce)

How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ketchup, hoisin sauce, ginger, and sesame oil.

Step 2: Add to the Slow Cooker
2. Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, ensuring they are evenly coated.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
4. (Optional) For a thicker sauce, remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and set aside. In a small saucepan, combine the cornstarch and water, whisking until smooth. Add the liquid from the slow cooker to the saucepan and cook over medium heat until the sauce thickens.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish
5. Return the chicken to the sauce, if thickened, or simply serve the chicken with the sauce as is. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over steamed jasmine or brown rice for a hearty meal.
• Pair with roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or green beans.
• Try it over noodles for an Asian-inspired twist.

Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger elevate the flavors of this dish.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the honey slightly.
• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes, but be sure to thaw the chicken before placing it in the slow cooker for even cooking.

Q2: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.

Q3: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, simply double all the ingredients. Ensure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra chicken and sauce.

Conclusion: A Comfort Food Classic!

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal. With its irresistible combination of sweet and savory flavors, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious simplicity of slow cooking!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours on low (or 2-3 hours on high)

Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 320 | Protein: 24g | Carbohydrates: 28g | Fat: 10g | Fiber: 1g

Did you try this recipe? Share your feedback in the comments, and don’t forget to pin it for later!

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