Easy Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken: A Weeknight Favorite! 🍯🍗✨
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a foolproof chicken recipe that is both delicious and easy to prepare, look no further than this slow cooker honey garlic chicken. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines the natural sweetness of honey with the savory aroma of garlic, creating a mouthwatering meal that the entire family will love. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, it’s an ideal easy slow cooker chicken recipe that delivers big flavor every time. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner, this recipe promises juicy, tender chicken infused with a tasty glaze — a true better-than-takeout dinner option.
2. Ingredients for Honey Garlic Chicken in the Slow Cooker
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (optional for tang)
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch (for thickening, optional)
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
3. How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken – Step-by-Step
Prep the Chicken and Sauce
Begin by placing the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of your Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, rice vinegar, ginger, and black pepper to create a flavorful sauce.
Cook the Chicken
Pour the honey garlic mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Thicken the Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked, if you’d like a thicker glaze, remove the chicken and set aside. Transfer the cooking liquid to a small pot and bring to a simmer. Dissolve 2 teaspoons of cornstarch in a tablespoon of water, then gradually stir into the simmering sauce. Cook until thickened.
Finish and Garnish
Return the chicken to the sauce or serve it drizzled with the glaze. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for an added crunch and flavor. For serving ideas, check out our easy one-pan dishes for inspiration.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Honey Garlic Chicken
Store any remaining chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. To keep the glaze flavorful, consider reserving some sauce to spoon over leftovers.
5. Serving Suggestions for Your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
This easy slow cooker chicken pairs beautifully with steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles. You can also serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh salad, like our zesty cucumber salad for a well-rounded meal. For added crunch, sprinkle with extra sesame seeds and chopped herbs, or try it in wraps for a delicious lunch or dinner.
6. Frequently Asked Questions About Honey Garlic Chicken in the Slow Cooker
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be more flavorful and stay moist during slow cooking. They are a great alternative for this recipe.
Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, by using a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, you can easily adapt this recipe for gluten intolerance.
How long does it take to prepare this slow cooker honey garlic chicken?
The prep time is approximately 10 minutes, and the cooking process takes 4 to 6 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high. It’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Definitely! Add a dash of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker – This spacious slow cooker allows you to make large batches of easy slow cooker chicken effortlessly and keeps everything warm until serving.
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set – Use this to prepare accompanying dishes like rice or vegetables with ease.
- Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker – Perfect for cooling beverages to enjoy with your meal or making refreshing drinks alongside your chicken.
8. Additional recipes and meal ideas
If you love this foolproof chicken recipe, explore other flavorful dishes like mongolian beef, orange chicken, or Jamaican brown stew chicken. These recipes are also quick, hearty, and perfect for weeknights!
9. Conclusion
In summary, this slow cooker honey garlic chicken is a foolproof, easy, and flavorful dish that cualquier may try. Its simplicity, tenderness, and sweet-savory glaze make it a perfect weeknight dinner. Plus, with the right kitchen tools, like our recommended slow cooker and cookware set, you’ll enjoy cooking this dish even more. Be sure to store leftovers properly and experiment with different sides for a full meal experience. Happy cooking!
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Easy Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken: A Weeknight Favorite!
Discover the delicious ease of Easy Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken, a perfect weeknight dinner that combines sweet honey, savory garlic, and tender chicken all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. This foolproof recipe promises juicy, flavorful chicken with minimal prep and maximum flavor, ideal for busy families and home cooks alike.
- Total Time: 2-6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (optional for tang)
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch (for thickening, optional)
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Place the chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker. Whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, rice vinegar, ginger, and black pepper in a small bowl to create the sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours until tender.
- Remove chicken and set aside. Transfer cooking liquid to a small pot and simmer. Dissolve cornstarch in water and stir into the simmering sauce until thickened.
- Return chicken to the sauce or serve with the glaze. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- For a thicker glaze, dissolve 2 teaspoons of cornstarch in water and cook until sauce thickens.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently.
- Reserve some sauce for drizzling over leftovers for added flavor and moisture.
- Experiment with adding red pepper flakes or sriracha for a spicy version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2-6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten-Free Option Available
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast or thigh with sauce
- Calories: 350 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg