Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a delightful dish that perfectly marries sweet and savory flavors, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or meal prep. This recipe allows you to enjoy tender, fall-apart chicken without spending hours in the kitchen. With minimal prep time, you can set it and forget it while the slow cooker does all the magic. Whether you’re a busy parent juggling work and family or someone who simply loves deliciously easy meals, this dish will soon become a staple in your home.
Why We Love This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
This recipe stands out not only for its incredible taste but also for how simple it is to prepare. You can create a stunning, flavorful meal with just a handful of ingredients. The harmony between honey, soy sauce, and garlic creates a savory glaze that seeps into the chicken, infusing it with juicy goodness. Plus, the use of a slow cooker means you can easily cater to your busy schedule. Set it in the morning, and by dinner, you will have a spectacular meal ready to serve, leaving you free to focus on other things. It’s no surprise that this dish is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for both casual family dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients about Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
To make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients. Each component plays a critical role in delivering that rich, mouthwatering flavor.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium if preferred)
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- Sliced green onions for garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Directions
Creating this dish is a straightforward process that requires minimal effort yet results in a full-flavored meal.
- Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This step enhances the chicken’s inherent flavors and sets the stage for the sauce.
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. This mixture will form the sauce that coats the chicken, offering a wonderful balance of sweetness and umami.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is well-coated. If you have the time, consider allowing the chicken to marinate in the sauce for a little while before cooking; this will deepen the flavors even further.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to become incredibly tender while absorbing all the flavors of the sauce.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and set it aside on a plate. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water until it forms a smooth paste. Add this mixture to the remaining sauce in the slow cooker. Stir to thicken the sauce, allowing it to reduce slightly, which will intensify its flavor.
- Return the chicken to the slow cooker and coat it with the thickened sauce. Let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes on low. This final step ensures that the chicken is enveloped in that delicious glaze.
- To serve, scoop cooked rice or noodles onto plates and place the honey garlic chicken on top. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of color and a bit of crunch.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
When it comes to serving your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken, you have options aplenty. This dish’s versatility makes it a fantastic centerpiece for various meals. Serve it over a bed of fluffy steamed rice to soak up the aromatic sauce or accompany it with freshly cooked noodles, allowing the flavors to meld harmoniously.
For a delightful presentation, consider adding a side of stir-fried vegetables. Brightly colored peppers, broccoli, and snap peas not only provide a nutritious boost but also create a visually appealing plate. You can also add a simple salad dressed with sesame oil and rice vinegar for a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken.
For larger gatherings, this dish works beautifully on a buffet-style table, allowing guests to help themselves. Just ensure you keep it warm in the slow cooker to maintain its luscious texture. Whatever way you choose to serve it, you’re sure to impress everyone at your table.
Expert Tips: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
- Select Quality Chicken: Choosing high-quality chicken breasts can elevate the flavor of the dish. Look for fresh, plump breasts that will remain juicy throughout the cooking process.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Depending on your preference for sweetness, feel free to adjust the amount of honey in the sauce. Adding a touch more can create a sweeter glaze, while reducing it will result in a more savory flavor.
- Customize Your Sauce: Don’t hesitate to experiment with the ingredients in the sauce. Adding a dash of ginger or garlic powder can enhance the overall flavor profile. You can also use different types of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar, for a unique twist.
- Make It Spicy: If you enjoy heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add some sliced fresh chili peppers to the sauce. It will give the dish a nice kick without overpowering the essential flavors.
- Use Leftovers Creatively: If you have leftovers, they can be repurposed easily! Use the honey garlic chicken to prepare sandwiches, wraps, or salads for a quick lunch the next day.
How to Store Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Storing your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is simple and convenient. Allow any leftover chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. The chicken, along with any remaining sauce, can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, consider freezing the chicken. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, making sure to remove any excess air. It can last in the freezer for about 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Variation of Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
There are multiple ways to customize your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken based on personal preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few variations you might want to try:
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or cauliflower. Cut the tofu into chunks and marinate it in the sauce before cooking for a plant-based version that absorbs all the tasty flavors.
- Add Veggies: Incorporate vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas directly into the slow cooker. They will cook down with the chicken, adding flavor and nutrition.
- Use Different Proteins: While chicken breasts are the star of this dish, you could also use chicken thighs for a more succulent flavor. Alternatively, try the recipe using shrimp, which will cook quicker than chicken.
- Teriyaki Twist: Swap out the hoisin sauce for teriyaki sauce to give it a different flavor profile while still maintaining the delightful honey-garlic essence.
- Honey Garlic Meatballs: To create a fun appetizer or a different meal, mix ground chicken or turkey with honey garlic sauce and form meatballs. Cook them in the slow cooker just as you would chicken.
FAQ
What can I serve with Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken?
You can serve this dish with fluffy rice, noodles, or a side of vegetables. It pairs well with steamed broccoli, stir-fried bell peppers, or a simple salad.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it is best to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight for more even cooking. If cooking from frozen, add an hour to the cooking time.
How do I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, you can increase the crushed red pepper flakes in the sauce or include sliced fresh chili peppers for an extra kick.
Can I make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freeze it. Just be sure to reheat thoroughly before serving.
Is Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken healthy?
When made with lean chicken and served with vegetables, this dish can be a healthy option. Adjust the amount of honey and sauce ingredients to suit your dietary preferences.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts About 1.5 lbs
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup soy sauce Low sodium if preferred
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes Optional for heat
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- to garnish Sliced green onions
- to garnish Sesame seeds
- to serve Cooked rice or noodles
Instructions
Preparation
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
Cooking
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the slow cooker and pour the prepared sauce over the chicken.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken and set aside. Mix cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl until smooth, then add to the remaining sauce to thicken.
- Return the chicken to the slow cooker and coat it with the thickened sauce. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes on low.
Serving
- Serve the honey garlic chicken over cooked rice or noodles, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
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