Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken

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🐔 Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken

📖 Description

Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken is a tender, slow-cooked dish featuring juicy chicken simmered in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. This easy, hands-off recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or family dinners. The slow cooker allows the flavors to deepen while keeping the chicken moist and flavorful. Serve it over rice, noodles, or alongside vegetables for a well-balanced meal.

⏱️ Prep & Cook Time

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 4–5 hours (LOW) or 2–3 hours (HIGH)

  • Total Time: ~4–5 hours

🍽️ Servings

Serves: 4 people

🛒 Ingredients

  • 1½ lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

  • ½ cup honey

  • ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce

  • ¼ cup ketchup

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar

  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for depth of flavor)

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch

  • 2 tablespoons water

  • Optional garnish: sesame seeds, chopped green onions

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sauce
    In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, vinegar, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.

  2. Add Chicken to Crockpot
    Place chicken in the slow cooker in a single layer.

  3. Pour Sauce Over Chicken
    Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken.

  4. Cook

    • LOW: 4–5 hours

    • HIGH: 2–3 hours
      Chicken should be tender and fully cooked (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).

  5. Shred or Slice Chicken
    Remove chicken and shred with two forks or slice, then return it to the crockpot.

  6. Thicken the Sauce
    Mix cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Stir into the crockpot.
    Cook on HIGH for 10–15 minutes until sauce thickens.

  7. Serve & Garnish
    Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.

📝 Notes

  • Chicken thighs provide extra juiciness, while breasts are leaner.

  • Sauce thickens more as it cools.

  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

 Tips for Best Results

  • Do not overcook chicken breasts to avoid dryness.

  • For deeper flavor, briefly sear chicken before slow cooking (optional).

  • Add vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or bell peppers during the last hour.

  • Double the sauce if serving over rice or noodles.

🥗 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

  • Calories: 320 kcal

  • Protein: 32 g

  • Carbohydrates: 38 g

  • Sugar: 30 g

  • Fat: 5 g

  • Sodium: 720 mg

(Values vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.)

🌟 Health Benefits

  • High Protein: Supports muscle growth and satiety.

  • Lower Fat: Especially when using chicken breast.

  • Immune Support: Garlic provides antioxidants and immune-boosting properties.

  • Balanced Energy: Honey offers natural carbohydrates for sustained energy.

❓ Q & A

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes, but increase cook time by about 1 hour on LOW and ensure chicken reaches 165°F.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Yes. Freeze cooked chicken and sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Q: How do I make it spicy?
A: Add sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or extra red pepper flakes.

Q: What can I serve with it?
A: Steamed rice, quinoa, noodles, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables pair perfectly.

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