Why You’ll Love This Dish
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a fantastic meal that combines convenience with amazing flavors. With its sweet and savory sauce, this dish brings warmth and comfort to any dinner table. Perfect for busy days, you can set it in your slow cooker and let it do all the work while you focus on other things. Plus, it’s a hit with both kids and adults alike, making it a great choice for family dinners!
Simple Steps to Make Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For Thickening (optional):
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Directions
- Lightly season the chicken thighs or breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, ginger, vinegar, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
- Place the chicken in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- (Optional) For a thicker sauce, remove the chicken and transfer the sauce to a saucepan. Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce. Simmer over medium heat until it thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the slow cooker or pour the thickened sauce over the chicken. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
Serving Suggestions for Honey Garlic Chicken
This delicious Honey Garlic Chicken is best served over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside your favorite steamed vegetables. The sweet and tangy sauce pairs perfectly with grains, soaking into the rice and adding flavor to every bite. You can also serve it with a simple side salad for a fresh contrast.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through.
Handy Tips for Perfecting Honey Garlic Chicken
- Searing the Chicken: If you have time, sear the chicken in a skillet before placing it in the slow cooker. This adds extra flavor and a nice color.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the honey slightly or balance it with a bit more vinegar.
- Add Vegetables: Toss in some chopped bell peppers or broccoli during the last hour of cooking for added nutrition and color.
Tasty Variations
You can easily customize this recipe to suit your tastes. For a spicier version, increase the red pepper flakes or add some chopped jalapeños. You can also switch up the protein by using chicken legs or even pork for a different flavor profile.
Nutritional Information
While the exact nutritional information can vary based on your ingredients and portion size, one serving of Honey Garlic Chicken typically provides around 300 calories, 27g of protein, and 20g of carbohydrates. It’s a filling meal that won’t weigh you down!
Great Family Serving Ideas
This dish is perfect for family dinners. You can serve it with jasmine rice, quinoa, or even noodles. Add a green vegetable like steamed broccoli or snap peas for a complete and colorful meal that everyone will enjoy!
Pairing Suggestions: What to Enjoy with Honey Garlic Chicken
To complement the rich flavors of Honey Garlic Chicken, consider pairing it with a refreshing cucumber salad, garlic bread, or crispy wontons. These side dishes enhance the overall meal experience and keep everyone coming back for more!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this recipe with frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken in the slow cooker. Just add an extra hour to the cooking time for it to cook through completely.
2. Is it possible to make this dish in the oven instead of a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can bake it in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.
3. How can I make this dish low-carb?
You can omit the honey or replace it with a low-carb sweetener. Serve the chicken over cauliflower rice or a salad for a low-carb option.
Enjoy making this lovely honey garlic chicken recipe that fills your home with delightful aromas and brings your loved ones together at the dinner table!
Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For Thickening (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Lightly season the chicken thighs or breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, ginger, vinegar, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
- Place the chicken in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated.
Cooking
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- (Optional) For a thicker sauce, remove the chicken and transfer the sauce to a saucepan. Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce. Simmer over medium heat until it thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the slow cooker or pour the thickened sauce over the chicken. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
