Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

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🍯 Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Description

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a tender, juicy chicken dish simmered low and slow in a sweet-savory sauce made from honey, garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of tang. The result is melt-in-your-mouth chicken coated in a glossy, flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with rice, noodles, or vegetables. It’s an easy, hands-off recipe ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep.

🕒 Prep & Cook Time

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

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

  • Total Time: ~4½ hours

🍽️ Servings

4 servings

📝 Ingredients

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

  • ⅓ cup honey

  • ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tablespoon ketchup

  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)

  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, but recommended)

  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 teaspoon fresh grated)

  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)

Optional garnish:

  • Sesame seeds

  • Chopped green onions

👩‍🍳 Instructions

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

  2. Add to Slow Cooker
    Place chicken in the slow cooker and pour the sauce evenly over the top.

  3. Cook

    • Cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or

    • HIGH for 2–3 hours, until chicken is fully cooked and tender.

  4. Optional: Thicken the Sauce
    Remove chicken and set aside.
    Stir cornstarch slurry into the sauce, cover, and cook on HIGH for 10–15 minutes until thickened.

  5. Finish & Serve
    Return chicken to the slow cooker, spoon sauce over it, garnish if desired, and serve hot.

💡 Notes

  • Chicken thighs stay juicier, but chicken breasts work well if not overcooked.

  • The sauce thickens naturally as it cools slightly.

  • This recipe is very forgiving—perfect for beginners.

🔥 Tips for Best Results

  • Use low-sodium soy sauce to avoid overly salty results.

  • Don’t lift the lid during cooking—it releases heat and slows cooking.

  • Shred the chicken and mix it back into the sauce for rice bowls or wraps.

  • Add veggies (carrots, bell peppers, or broccoli) during the last hour for a one-pot meal.

🥗 Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)

  • Calories: 320

  • Protein: 28 g

  • Carbohydrates: 24 g

  • Sugar: 20 g

  • Fat: 10 g

  • Sodium: ~780 mg

(Values may vary based on ingredients used.)

🌱 Health Benefits

  • High protein for muscle repair and satiety

  • Garlic supports immune health

  • Honey provides natural sweetness and antioxidants

  • Lower fat than fried chicken recipes

  • Can be made gluten-free with tamari or coconut aminos

❓ Q & A

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: It’s best to thaw first for even cooking and food safety.

Q: Can I make this in advance?
A: Yes! It stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Q: Is this recipe kid-friendly?
A: Absolutely—sweet, mild, and customizable.

Q: Can I make it spicy?
A: Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chili garlic sauce to taste.

Q: What should I serve it with?
A: Steamed rice, jasmine rice, quinoa, noodles, or roasted vegetables.

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