Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together sweet and savory flavors in a warm, comforting meal. Made easily in a slow cooker, this recipe allows you to enjoy tender chicken infused with aromatic honey and garlic, all while you go about your day. Just set it and forget it until dinner time!
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is perfect for busy people who want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The slow cooker does all the work for you, and the combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates a delicious sauce that pairs wonderfully with rice or veggies. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and requires only a few ingredients!
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Making Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is simple and straightforward. Follow these easy steps to create a flavorful meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 6-7 Boneless Chicken Thighs
- 3/4 cup Honey
- 3/4 cup Soy Sauce
- 2 tbsp Hoisin Sauce
- 2 cloves Garlic, crushed (or 1 1/2 tbsp minced garlic)
- 1 tbsp Fresh Ginger Root (or 1 tbsp dry ginger)
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil
- 2 tbsp Cornstarch
- 1/4 cup Water
Directions:
- In a 5-quart slow cooker, add the chicken thighs.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Once done, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water.
- Whisk this mixture into the sauce in the slow cooker.
- Return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker and let it cook for another 15 minutes to let the sauce thicken.
- Serve over rice and enjoy!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
This dish is best served over a bed of rice to soak up all the delicious sauce. You can also add steamed vegetables on the side for a well-rounded meal. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for an extra touch.
How to Store Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the shredded chicken and sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the honey and garlic mixture for a few hours before cooking.
- You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey according to your taste.
- Serve with a side salad or steamed broccoli for added nutrition!
Variation
You can customize this recipe by adding vegetables directly into the slow cooker, such as bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas. This’ll add color and nutrition to your meal.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts if you prefer. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as breasts may cook faster than thighs.
Can I make this recipe without soy sauce?
You can try using coconut aminos as a soy sauce alternative for a different flavor.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is not spicy. If you like heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture!
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6-7 thighs Boneless Chicken Thighs
- 3/4 cup Honey
- 3/4 cup Soy Sauce
- 2 tbsp Hoisin Sauce
- 2 cloves Garlic, crushed (or 1 1/2 tbsp minced garlic)
- 1 tbsp Fresh Ginger Root (or 1 tbsp dry ginger)
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil
Thickening the Sauce
- 2 tbsp Cornstarch
- 1/4 cup Water
Instructions
Preparation
- In a 5-quart slow cooker, add the chicken thighs.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
Cooking
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Once done, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water.
- Whisk this mixture into the sauce in the slow cooker.
- Return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker and let it cook for another 15 minutes to let the sauce thicken.
Serving
- Serve over rice and enjoy!
