Here’s a delicious and easy recipe for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, as it requires minimal prep time and lets your slow cooker do the work!
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Sliced green onions (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken thighs or breasts with salt and pepper, then place them in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Make the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil (if using), and ground ginger until well combined.
- Add sauce to the slow cooker: Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker, making sure the chicken is well coated.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Thicken the sauce (optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl until smooth. About 30 minutes before serving, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and whisk the cornstarch mixture into the sauce. Return the chicken to the slow cooker and let it cook for an additional 30 minutes on high.
- Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred it with two forks, or serve it whole. Drizzle the sauce over the chicken.
- Garnish and enjoy: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving. Serve over rice, quinoa, or with steamed vegetables.
Recipe Notes:
- Chicken options: You can use chicken breasts or thighs based on your preference. Thighs tend to be juicier, but either works well.
- Adjust sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey to your taste, or substitute it with maple syrup for a different flavor.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Time and Temperature:
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
- Total time: 4-6 hours
- Slow cooker setting: Low or High
This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is flavorful, tender, and sure to be a family favorite. Enjoy!