Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

If you’re looking for a recipe that practically makes itself and will have everyone at the table asking for seconds, then you’ve found it! This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is sweet, savory, and oh-so-tender. The chicken practically melts in your mouth as it soaks up all those delicious honey garlic flavors. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or whenever you want a meal that tastes like you’ve been slaving in the kitchen for hours (but without all the effort). Trust me, this is one of those recipes you’ll make over and over again!

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

This dish is one of those easy, flavorful, and comforting meals that checks all the boxes. Here’s why it’s going to become a new favorite in your rotation:

• Minimal Effort: The slow cooker does all the work for you. Simply toss everything in, set it, and let it cook low and slow while you go about your day.
• Sweet and Savory: The combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates a flavor profile that’s both sweet and savory—a total crowd-pleaser.
• Tender Chicken: The slow cooking method makes the chicken juicy and tender. You won’t believe how easy it is to shred once it’s done!
• Family-Friendly: This recipe is perfect for kids and adults alike. It’s simple, flavorful, and adaptable to picky eaters.
• Versatile: You can serve this chicken over rice, in wraps, on salads, or with roasted veggies. There are endless ways to enjoy it!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to create this delicious, melt-in-your-mouth chicken:

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Both options work great, but chicken thighs will be extra juicy and tender.
• Honey: Adds that perfect amount of sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves give the dish a bold and aromatic kick.
• Soy Sauce: For a savory depth that balances out the sweetness of the honey.
• Rice Vinegar: Just a touch of acidity to brighten up the sauce.
• Sesame Oil: Adds a nice hint of nuttiness to the flavor profile.
• Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce at the end for that glossy, smooth finish.
• Sesame Seeds (optional): For a little crunch and visual appeal when serving.
• Green Onions (optional): For garnish and a touch of fresh flavor.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to let your slow cooker work its magic? Let’s get started!

Prepare the Chicken:

Place your chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker. You don’t need to do any extra prep here—just lay them in whole!

Make the Sauce:

In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure it’s all coated. It’s like a sweet and savory bath for your chicken!

Set It and Forget It:

Cover the slow cooker with the lid, set it to low, and cook for about 4-6 hours. The chicken will get wonderfully tender and absorb all those amazing flavors. (If you’re in a rush, you can cook it on high for 2-3 hours, but low and slow works best.)

Thicken the Sauce:

Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and set it aside. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a couple of tablespoons of water to make a slurry. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the remaining sauce in the slow cooker and cook on high for about 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens to a nice, glossy consistency.

Shred the Chicken:

While the sauce is thickening, shred the chicken using two forks. It should pull apart easily because it’s so tender!

Serve and Enjoy:

Return the shredded chicken to the thickened sauce and stir to coat. Serve it over steamed rice, with veggies, or in a wrap. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if you’d like. It’s the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and satisfying!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 330
Total Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 900mg
Total Carbohydrates: 26g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 21g
Protein: 32g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4-6 hours (slow cooker)
Total Time: 4-6 hours 10 minutes

How to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

The beauty of this dish is its versatility! Here are a few ideas to serve it up:

• Over Rice: The classic pairing. Serve this chicken over steamed white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• With Veggies: Roasted vegetables, like broccoli, carrots, or green beans, make a delicious side that pairs perfectly with the sweet-savory chicken.
• In Wraps: Shred the chicken and roll it up in a tortilla with fresh veggies and a drizzle of extra sauce. You’ve got yourself a tasty wrap or taco!
• On a Salad: Toss the shredded chicken on top of a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette for a lighter meal.
• With Noodles: Toss the shredded chicken with noodles (like rice noodles or soba) for a delicious stir-fry-style meal.

Additional Tips

• Chicken Thighs vs. Chicken Breasts: While both work, chicken thighs will be more juicy and tender after slow cooking, so consider going with them for an extra juicy bite.
• Make it Spicy: Want a little heat to balance the sweetness? Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
• Storage Tips: Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the chicken for up to 3 months—just let it cool completely before freezing.
• Quick Serve: If you don’t want to thicken the sauce with cornstarch, just serve the chicken right from the slow cooker. It’ll be a little thinner, but still absolutely delicious.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen chicken?
A1: Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just increase the cooking time by about 1-2 hours, and ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.

Q2: Can I make this in a pressure cooker?
A2: Yes, you can make this recipe in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot! Cook on high for about 20-25 minutes, then release the pressure and proceed with the rest of the recipe.

Q3: Can I double this recipe?
A3: Absolutely! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra chicken and sauce. You may need to increase the cooking time slightly.

Q4: How do I reheat leftovers?
A4: Reheat leftovers in the microwave or in a pan on the stovetop with a little splash of water to keep it moist.

Q5: Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?
A5: Yes! You can swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar for a slightly different flavor profile.

Q6: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A6: Yes! This dish is great for meal prepping. You can cook it in advance, let it cool, and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Q7: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs?
A7: Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and will be extra tender!

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is as easy as it is delicious. With minimal prep and a slow-cooked, melt-in-your-mouth result, it’s perfect for busy days when you want something comforting and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the possibilities for how to serve it are endless, so you can enjoy it in a new way each time. Get ready to make this one a regular in your recipe rotation—it’s going to be a family favorite!

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