Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
If you’re looking for a delicious, fuss-free dinner that practically cooks itself, then this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is just what you need.
With tender, juicy chicken coated in a sticky, flavorful sauce that’s both sweet and savory, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. The best part? It only requires a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Ingredients Needed
Choosing the Right Chicken Cuts
For this recipe, chicken thighs are ideal because they stay moist and tender during the long, slow cooking process. Bone-in, skin-on thighs add even more flavor, but boneless, skinless thighs are also a great option if you prefer a leaner cut. If you prefer chicken breasts, you can use them as well, but be aware that they may not be as juicy as thighs.
Essential Ingredients for the Sauce
The sauce is the heart of this dish, and it’s made with just a handful of pantry staples. You’ll need honey for sweetness, soy sauce for a savory depth, and garlic for that aromatic kick. A splash of rice vinegar adds a bit of tang, while ketchup provides a subtle tomato flavor and helps to thicken the sauce. Finally, a touch of sesame oil adds a nutty richness that ties everything together.
Optional Add-ins for Extra Flavor
While the basic sauce is delicious on its own, you can customize it with a few additional ingredients. Fresh ginger adds a warm, spicy note, while red pepper flakes can give the dish a bit of heat. You can also toss in some sliced onions or bell peppers to cook along with the chicken for added flavor and texture.
Preparing the Chicken
Trimming and Prepping the Chicken
Start by trimming any excess fat from the chicken thighs and patting them dry with paper towels. This helps the chicken brown better if you choose to sear it before slow cooking and ensures that the sauce doesn’t become too greasy.
Seasoning the Chicken for Maximum Flavor
Before adding the chicken to the slow cooker, season it generously with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also sprinkle on some additional spices like paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder to enhance the flavor.
Browning the Chicken Before Slow Cooking (Optional)
While this step is optional, browning the chicken in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker can add a lot of flavor. Simply heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side, until it’s golden brown. This caramelizes the surface of the chicken and helps to deepen the flavor of the dish.
Making the Honey Garlic Sauce
Balancing Sweetness and Savory Notes
The key to a great honey garlic sauce is finding the right balance between sweetness and savory flavors. Start by whisking together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small bowl. Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness or acidity to your liking—adding more honey for sweetness, more soy sauce for saltiness, or more vinegar for tang.
Mixing and Adjusting the Sauce Ingredients
Once you’re happy with the flavor balance, stir in the minced garlic. If you’re adding ginger or red pepper flakes, mix them in at this stage as well. The garlic and other aromatics will infuse the sauce with their flavors as it cooks, creating a rich and complex taste.
Adding Fresh Herbs and Aromatics
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding some fresh herbs or aromatics to the sauce. A few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary can add a subtle herbal note, while sliced green onions or cilantro make a great garnish at the end.
Cooking the Chicken in the Slow Cooker
Setting the Right Temperature and Time
The beauty of slow cooking is that you can set it and forget it. For this recipe, cook the chicken on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Cooking on low yields the most tender and flavorful results, as the chicken has more time to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Layering the Chicken and Sauce in the Slow Cooker
To ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and absorbs all the flavors of the sauce, place the seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the top, making sure each piece is well-coated. If you’re adding vegetables, layer them around the chicken or on top of the sauce.
Tips for Avoiding Overcooked Chicken
Overcooking can make the chicken dry and stringy, so it’s important to check for doneness as the cooking time nears its end. The chicken should be tender and easy to pull apart with a fork, but not falling apart completely. If your slow cooker tends to run hot, you might want to start checking the chicken about 30 minutes before the recommended cooking time.
Serving the Honey Garlic Chicken
Best Side Dishes to Complement the Chicken
Honey Garlic Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Steamed rice is a classic choice, as it soaks up the delicious sauce. You could also serve it with mashed potatoes, quinoa, or noodles. For a lighter option, try pairing the chicken with steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or carrots.
Garnishing and Presentation Tips
To make your dish look as good as it tastes, consider garnishing the chicken with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and some chopped green onions. A few slices of fresh chili or a drizzle of extra honey can also add visual appeal and a bit of extra flavor.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Leftover Honey Garlic Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to do so in short intervals to avoid drying out the chicken.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
How to Thicken the Sauce
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will help the sauce thicken as it continues to cook. Alternatively, you can transfer the sauce to a saucepan and simmer it on the stove until it reaches your desired consistency.
Adjusting the Flavor Profile to Your Liking
One of the great things about this recipe is its versatility. If you like a sweeter sauce, add a bit more honey; for a saltier, more savory sauce, increase the soy sauce. You can also play around with the garlic and spice levels to create a sauce that’s perfectly suited to your taste buds.
Making the Dish Ahead of Time
This dish is perfect for meal prep, as it actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld together. Simply prepare the dish as directed, then let it cool and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the chicken in the slow cooker or on the stove until it’s warmed through.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender, flavorful chicken and rich, sticky sauce, it’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize the flavors to your liking and pair it with your favorite side dishes.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but keep in mind that they may not be as juicy as thighs. Be sure to monitor the cooking time closely to avoid overcooking.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, you can mix in red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chopped fresh chili peppers into the sauce.
What vegetables work well in this recipe?
Bell peppers, onions, broccoli, and carrots all pair well with the flavors of honey garlic chicken.
Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?
Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup, brown sugar, or agave nectar, but keep in mind that the flavor profile may change slightly.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
If you’re looking for a delicious, fuss-free dinner that practically cooks itself, then this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is just what you need. With tender, juicy chicken coated in a sticky, flavorful sauce that’s both sweet and savory, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. The best part? It only requires a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken thighs boneless skinless
- For serving: chopped scallions, sesame seeds, rice optional, to taste
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes optional
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions
Add the chicken thighs to your Crockpot (in an even layer).
Add the sauce ingredients (except for the cornstarch) to a bowl and whisk together until combined.
Pour the sauce over the chicken and cook on high for 3.5 hours. Low for 6-8 hours will work too.
Mix the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl, and then pour it into the slow cooker. Give it a stir. Let it cook (on high) for another 15 minutes or so to ensure the cornstarch has activated and the sauce thickens.
You can leave the chicken pieces whole or shred them with 2 forks (I do this right in the slow cooker). Serve over rice and with scallions and sesame seeds sprinkled over top if desired.