Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Introduction

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a simple and delicious dish that brings together sweet and savory flavors in a wonderful way. This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a tasty dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Just set it, forget it, and enjoy a warm meal when you come home!

Why make this recipe

Making Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a great choice for several reasons. First, it requires minimal hands-on time. You can prepare the ingredients in just a few minutes, and the slow cooker does the rest. Second, the combination of honey and garlic creates a mouthwatering sauce that makes the chicken tender and full of flavor. Lastly, it’s a versatile dish that pairs well with rice, noodles, or veggies, making it a perfect family meal.

How to prepare Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Ingredients:

2 to 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1/2 cup honey
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 cup water or chicken broth
1 to 2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons water (for slurry)

Steps:

In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes if using. This sauce creates the delicious flavor base for your chicken.
Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure it’s well-coated.
Cover and cook on low heat for 4 to 6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shredded with a fork. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to deeply infuse the meat.
Once the chicken is cooked, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry, then stir it into the slow cooker. Increase temperature to high and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your liking.
Shred the chicken right in the sauce or serve whole with a generous drizzle of the honey garlic glaze. Garnish with optional green onions, cilantro, or toasted sesame seeds if desired.

How to serve Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Serve the Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken over a bed of steamed rice or noodles. You can also pair it with stir-fried vegetables or a fresh salad. The sweet and sticky sauce is perfect for drizzling over everything on your plate!

How to store Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stove. You may want to add a splash of water to keep the sauce moist while reheating.

Tips to make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken perfectly

Make sure to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce for the best flavor.
Avoid lifting the lid of the slow cooker during cooking to maintain the heat and cooking time.
If you want a little more spice, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.

Variations

You can easily customize this recipe! Try adding some chopped vegetables to the slow cooker, like bell peppers or broccoli, for a complete meal. You can also substitute the chicken with pork or tofu for different protein options.

FAQ

1. Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it may increase the cooking time. Make sure to cook it on low for a longer period, about 6 to 8 hours.

2. Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
You can reduce the amount of honey or use a sugar substitute. You could also use low-sodium soy sauce to lower the sodium content.

3. Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can prepare all the ingredients the night before and store them in the refrigerator. Just transfer to the slow cooker in the morning, set the timer, and you’ll come home to a delicious meal.

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a delightful dish that combines ease of preparation with fantastic flavors, making it a must-try for any busy home cook!