Honey Garlic Chicken
A sweet and savory slow cooker meal that’s perfect for busy days, combining tender chicken with an irresistible honey garlic sauce.
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.
Notes
Searing the chicken adds extra flavor. Adjust the sweetness by reducing honey or adding more vinegar. Add vegetables during the last hour of cooking for added nutrition.