Why Make This Recipe
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a perfect dish for busy days when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also creates a tasty meal with minimal effort. The chicken cooks slowly, absorbing the sweet and savory flavors of the honey garlic sauce while keeping it tender and juicy. It’s a great option for family dinners, meal prep, or even a cozy gathering with friends.
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients:
- â…“ cup honey
- â…“ cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- Cooked white or brown rice
- Chopped green onions or cilantro
Directions:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, low sodium soy sauce, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until fully combined.
- Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the slow cooker and pour the prepared honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours (or 4-6 hours if using thighs) or on high for 2-3 hours (or 2-4 hours for thighs), until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165° F and is tender.
- Take the cooked chicken out of the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes on a clean surface or bowl.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to form a slurry. Stir this mixture into the sauce in the slow cooker, cover, and cook on high for another 10-20 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Shred the rested chicken using two forks, then return it to the slow cooker to coat with the thickened sauce.
- Spoon the honey garlic chicken and sauce over cooked rice, and garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro for a fresh finish.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Serve the honey garlic chicken over a bed of cooked white or brown rice. The rice absorbs the flavorful sauce, making every bite delicious. Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro to add a pop of color and freshness. This dish pairs well with steamed broccoli or a simple side salad for a complete meal.
How to Store Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
To store leftovers, let the chicken cool completely and place it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to store it for a longer period, consider freezing it. Place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag, and it can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or slow cooker.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
- Choose the Right Chicken: Use either chicken breasts or thighs, depending on your preference. Thighs tend to be more flavorful and tender.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you like it sweeter, feel free to add a bit more honey. If you prefer a bolder flavor, increase the soy sauce.
- Thicken the Sauce: If you want a thicker sauce, add more cornstarch mixed with water until you reach the desired consistency.
Variation
For a different twist, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas to the slow cooker for a complete meal with added nutrition. They can be added during the last hour of cooking to keep them tender-crisp.
FAQs
-
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it will increase the cooking time. Make sure to check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165° F. -
Can I make this recipe without soy sauce?
Yes, you can use a soy sauce substitute, such as tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a different flavor. -
What can I serve with honey garlic chicken?
It pairs well with rice, quinoa, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it in a wrap or over noodles for a different meal idea.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
A delicious and tender chicken dish infused with sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, perfect for busy days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 300 minutes
- Total Time: 315 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Ingredients
- â…“ cup honey
- â…“ cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- Cooked white or brown rice
- Chopped green onions or cilantro
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, low sodium soy sauce, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until fully combined.
- Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the slow cooker and pour the prepared honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours (or 4-6 hours if using thighs) or on high for 2-3 hours (or 2-4 hours for thighs), until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is tender.
- Take the cooked chicken out of the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to form a slurry. Stir this mixture into the sauce in the slow cooker, cover, and cook on high for another 10-20 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Shred the rested chicken using two forks, then return it to the slow cooker to coat with the thickened sauce.
- Spoon the honey garlic chicken and sauce over cooked rice, and garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro.
Notes
Serve over rice and garnish with green onions or cilantro. Pairs well with steamed broccoli or a simple side salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
