Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a deliciously simple dish that combines sweet and savory flavors in a tender, juicy meal. Perfect for busy days, it requires minimal prep and lets your slow cooker do all the work.

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, minced garlic, grated ginger (if using), vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Step 3: Place the chicken in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring it is 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 chopped green onions before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken breasts for a leaner option, but thighs remain juicier and more flavorful.
• Add a splash of orange juice or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for extra zing.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
• Serve over steamed rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.

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. Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep the chicken tender.

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 for even cooking. If using frozen chicken, increase the cooking time and ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

How can I make the sauce thicker without cornstarch?

You can let the sauce simmer uncovered on the stove to reduce and thicken naturally, or mix in a small amount of arrowroot powder as an alternative thickener.

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 53 reviews

• Author: Hugo
• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 5 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken recipe combines tender chicken thighs or breasts with a deliciously sweet and savory honey garlic sauce cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. It’s an easy, hands-off meal that yields flavorful, tender chicken infused with garlic, ginger, and a hint of spice, ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner.

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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)

For Thickening (optional)

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

Garnish

• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions

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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), vinegar, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
3. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Place the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker and pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated.
4. Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours or on high heat for 2 to 3 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
5. Optional Sauce Thickening: If a thicker sauce is desired, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and transfer the sauce to a saucepan. Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir this into the sauce. Simmer over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
6. Serve and Garnish: Return the chicken to the slow cooker and pour the thickened sauce over it or serve the sauce on top. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving for added texture and flavor.

Notes

• Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier meat, or breasts for a leaner option.
• Adjust the red pepper flakes to taste or omit for no heat.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
• The sauce can be thickened with cornstarch or left as is for a thinner glaze.
• Serve this chicken over steamed rice or alongside vegetables for a complete meal.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently to retain moisture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Honey Garlic Chicken, Slow Cooker Chicken, Easy Dinner, Crockpot Chicken, Sweet and Savory Chicken