How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of “Sweet and Savory Delight: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken,” a dish that effortlessly combines the succulent juiciness of chicken with a delectable honey garlic sauce. This recipe allows for a hassle-free cooking experience, where the slow cooker does all the work, infusing the chicken with a sweet, garlicky, and slightly tangy flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is a surefire way to satisfy your family’s cravings for a home-cooked meal that’s both delicious and nourishing.
Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken:
- Effortless Cooking: Simply set it in the slow cooker and let the magic happen, freeing up your time for other activities.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates a rich, multi-dimensional sauce that’s both sweet and savory.
- Versatile: Serve over rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by adults and kids alike, making it a fantastic choice for family dinners.
Ingredients Notes For Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts work well, absorbing the sauce and staying tender.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps to thicken the sauce, creating a beautiful glaze.
- Garlic: Minced or sliced, it’s the key ingredient that gives the dish its aromatic and savory depth.
- Soy Sauce: Provides a salty, umami flavor that balances the sweetness of the honey.
- Ketchup or Tomato Paste: Adds a tangy, rich base to the sauce.
- Seasonings: Red pepper flakes, dried herbs, or fresh ginger can enhance the complexity of the flavors.
Recipe Steps:
- Prepare the Sauce: In the slow cooker, whisk together honey, garlic, soy sauce, ketchup or tomato paste, and any additional seasonings.
- Add the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in the slow cooker, ensuring they are well coated with the sauce.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Thicken the Sauce: If desired, remove the chicken and thicken the sauce in the slow cooker by adding a cornstarch slurry, cooking on high until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Serve: Return the chicken to the slow cooker to coat with the thickened sauce, then serve over your chosen side dish.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in a suitable container for up to 3 months, thawing in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons ginger grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 cup onion finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Place the chicken thighs or breasts in the slow cooker.
Make the Sauce:
- In a bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and onion until well combined.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker, making sure the chicken is well coated.
Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Thicken the Sauce:
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and set it aside.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the water to create a slurry.
- Stir the cornstarch slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker. Increase the heat to high and let the sauce thicken for about 15-20 minutes.
Serve:
- Return the chicken to the slow cooker and coat with the thickened sauce.
- Serve the honey garlic chicken over rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
