Honey Garlic Chicken – Set It and Forget It!

The *best* best chicken crockpot meals? My Honey Garlic Chicken is a simple, sweet & savory lifesaver! Just dump it in the crockpot & go! Get the recipe now.

Alright, let's dive into the world of best chicken crockpot meals ! are you tired after a long day and need something easy but delicious? honestly, who isn't? this honey garlic chicken recipe is exactly what you need.

Honey Garlic Chicken: Your Weeknight Savior

Think of this dish as a hug in a bowl. It's sweet, it's savory, and it's ridiculously easy. You know? It's inspired by those classic Chinese takeout flavors we all secretly crave.

This isn't just another chicken recipe. It's a taste of pure comfort.

Where does it come from? And how long it takes?

This style of cooking is based on slow cooking techniques. mississippi chicken in oven is a relative of the recipe.

It brings together classic chinese flavors into the home cooking that americans all love. this dish is dead easy to make.

Prep takes about 15 minutes. cooking? about 4- 6 hours on low, or 2- 3 hours on high. perfect for those days you want a proper sit down without any fuss.

Makes about 6 servings so there will be plenty for everyone or leftovers.

Why this chicken is the absolute BEST

Listen up! chicken is a great source of protein. this meal is packed with it. great way to get you up and moving.

Easy crockpot dinners are perfect for busy families. honestly, this honey garlic chicken is special because it's proper tasty and needs almost zero effort.

It is also delicious with mississippi chicken and potatoes skillet . what more could you want?

Now, let's talk ingredients.

Alright, let's dive into what you need to make the best chicken crockpot meals . seriously, these are game-changers for busy weeknights.

I'm talking minimal effort, maximum flavor. think easy crockpot dinners kinda vibe. it's like a hug in a bowl, innit?

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients - The Chickeny Bits

Right, let's sort out our main bits.

• Chicken thighs: 2.5 lbs (1.1 kg) , boneless and skinless. seriously, use thighs. they're more forgiving than breasts in the crockpot dishes .

  Trust me. quality-wise, look for chicken that's pink and plump, not grey or slimy. no one wants dodgy chicken, yeah?

• Honey: 1/2 cup (120 ml) . Go for a good quality honey, local if you can. Makes a difference, honestly.

• Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup (60 ml) , low sodium. Don't want it too salty, do we?

• Ketchup: 1/4 cup (60 ml) . Heinz is a classic, but whatever you fancy.

• Rice Vinegar: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . Adds that zing , you know?

• Sesame Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . This is a flavor bomb, so don't skip it.

• Garlic: 4 cloves , minced. Fresh is always best.

• Ground Ginger: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) . Adds warmth and spice.

• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) , optional if you want a kick.

• Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) (optional, for thickening).

• Water: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) (for mixing with cornstarch).

I remember one time I tried to make this with chicken breasts... total disaster. Dried out like the Sahara. Lesson learned!

Seasoning Notes - Spice Up Your Life

Okay, let's talk spices. It's all about that sweet and savory balance.

• Essential Spice Combination: Garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if you're feeling brave!). They just work .

• Flavor Enhancers: Sesame oil is your friend here. Also, a tiny splash of fish sauce (optional, but adds umami).

• Quick Substitution Options: No rice vinegar? Apple cider vinegar works in a pinch. Out of honey? Maple syrup is alright but changes the flavour a bit.

Equipment Needed - Simple is Best

Don't need fancy gadgets here.

• Essential Tool: A 6-quart (5.7 liter) slow cooker/crockpot .
• Household Alternatives: None, really. You need a crockpot for this!

See, that wasn't so bad, was it? now you're ready to get cooking some of the best chicken crockpot meals this side of the thames!.

You could even try adapting it to make something like mississippi chicken in oven or even a mississippi chicken and potatoes skillet using the same sort of flavours.

. the original mississippi pot roast is fab too. now go get your pinny on!

Right then, let's chat about best chicken crockpot meals . Honestly, who doesn't love a good crockpot recipe? Especially when you’re knackered after a long day.

Prep Like a Pro for Crockpot Chicken

This is the key. getting your mise en place sorted. basically, have everything chopped and measured before you even switch on the slow cooker.

It saves time and your sanity. also, when working with raw chicken, remember to wash your hands ! we don't want any nasty surprises, do we?

Honey Garlic Chicken: Slow Cooker Magic Step-by-Step

Alright, here's the lowdown on this Honey Garlic Chicken recipe. It's proper easy.

1. Trim about 2.5 lbs of chicken thighs and chuck 'em in the crockpot.
2. In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 1/4 cup of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons of sesame oil, and 4 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want some heat. It should smell amazing.
3. Pour that lovely sauce over the chicken. Make sure everything is coated.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4- 6 hours , or on high for 2- 3 hours. Trust me, low and slow is the way to go.
5. (Optional) : If you want a thicker sauce, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and add it to the pot in the last half-hour. Cook on high.
6. Shred the chicken with two forks. It should just fall apart.
7. Serve over rice or noodles, and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Bob's your uncle!

This is how you can create delicious easy crockpot dinners.

Crockpot Chicken Pro Tips (aka Secrets I've Learned the Hard Way)

Right, listen up. don't overcook the chicken. it will be tough. chicken thighs are the best for crockpots. they stay juicy.

Chicken breasts can sometimes get a bit dry, you know? also, don't keep opening the lid. each time you do, you lose heat, and it takes longer to cook.

Talking about mississippi chicken in oven, i am experimenting a slow and low temperature technique, if the crockpot is not available.

A family favourite is easy crockpot mississippi chicken . for a quick meal you can try mississippi chicken and potatoes skillet

This recipe works well with adaptations too. you can try adding minced meat for a totally different experience. think of these crockpot dishes as blank canvases.

Don't be afraid to experiment. i found this similar recipe: mississippi chicken southern living and crockpot mississippi chicken southern living .

It is similar to mississippi pot roast . enjoy experimenting.

Alright, let's dive into some extra bits and bobs for making your honey garlic chicken the best chicken crockpot meals you've ever whipped up! these are the kinda things i've learned along the way, often through a bit of trial and error, you know? hopefully, they'll save you some bother.

Recipe Notes

Fab Serving Suggestions

Right then, you've got this amazing, fragrant Honey Garlic Chicken...now what? Presentation is key, even if it's just for your Instagram, eh?

Think about how you're gonna plate it. a bed of fluffy rice is always a winner, especially jasmine rice, that fragrant stuff.

A sprinkle of sesame seeds and some vibrant chopped green onions makes it look super fancy. for sides, some steamed broccoli or crispy stir-fried veg would be spot on.

As for drinks? a crisp, cold beer or even a sparkling lemonade cuts through the richness nicely. honestly, the mississippi chicken in oven variation is pretty amazing with roast potatoes!

Spot On Storage Tips

Got leftovers? No worries, mate! This stuff keeps like a dream.

Pop it in an airtight container and it'll be grand in the fridge for up to 3 days. if you're thinking longer-term, freezing is your best bet.

Portion it out into freezer bags or containers, and it'll happily last for up to 2 months. to reheat, just thaw it out overnight in the fridge, then microwave it or warm it up in a pan on the hob until it's piping hot.

You can also reheat the easy crockpot mississippi chicken .

Cracking Variations

Fancy a bit of a twist? I’ve got you!

For a gluten-free version , use tamari instead of soy sauce - simples! and swap out the cornstarch for arrowroot if you need to.

If you are looking for some easy crockpot dinners , feel free to add some veggies to it, like chunks of bell peppers and onions.

Or, if you're feeling adventurous, throw in some pineapple for a tropical vibe. the mississippi chicken southern living recipe also suggests adding a dollop of cream cheese for extra richness - cheeky but good.

For other seasonal swaps , butternut squash in the autumn or fresh peas in the spring, both would be great addition.

What about a mississippi chicken and potatoes skillet for a rustic dinner option, that's one to think about.

Nutrition Nitty-Gritty

Alright, let's keep it simple, yeah?

Each serving is around 350 calories, packed with protein (about 35g) which is great for keeping you full. there's some fat (around 15g) and carbs (about 20g) too, plus a bit of sodium (about 500mg), so watch that if you're keeping an eye on your salt intake.

Honey is great, but you can always opt to replace it with maple syrup. crockpot dishes are generally low in calories.

Don't let these values put you off though! chicken is a fantastic source of lean protein, and this dish is a tasty way to get your fill.

Plus, you're getting a good dose of vitamins and minerals from the garlic and ginger. it's all about balance, isn't it?

Right, i reckon you're ready to give this a go! don't be shy, get stuck in and let me know how it turns out.

You know, there are variations like crockpot mississippi chicken southern living , mississippi pot roast using minced meat , and mississippi chicken and potatoes skillet you can try next.

Happy cooking, and remember, even if it's not perfect, it'll still be delicious!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some of the best chicken crockpot meals that are also easy to make?

This Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is a winner! It's incredibly simple - just toss everything in the crockpot and let it work its magic. The honey garlic sauce is both sweet and savory, making it a real crowd-pleaser. It's the perfect "set it and forget it" meal for busy weeknights.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs for this best chicken crockpot meals recipe?

You can use chicken breasts, but be warned, they can dry out more easily in the slow cooker than chicken thighs. If you do use chicken breasts, reduce the cooking time by at least an hour and keep a close eye on them. Chicken thighs are much more forgiving and stay nice and moist, resulting in a better final product.

How do I thicken the sauce in this honey garlic chicken crockpot recipe?

If you want a thicker sauce, create a cornstarch slurry. Whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. In the last 30 minutes of cooking, pour the slurry into the crockpot and stir well. Cook on high for another 30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your liking. Just remember, a little goes a long way!

What can I serve with this Honey Garlic Chicken?

This chicken is fantastic served over rice or noodles – think fluffy white rice, brown rice for a healthier option, or even lo mein noodles. For a veggie side, try steamed broccoli, green beans, or bok choy. It's also delicious with a side of crispy spring rolls or egg rolls. Basically, whatever floats your culinary boat!

How long does leftover Honey Garlic Chicken last, and how should I store it?

Leftover Honey Garlic Chicken will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. It's also freezer-friendly! Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. It’s practically a brand new dish after a quick reheat!

Is the recipe for the best chicken crockpot meals healthy?

This recipe can be part of a balanced diet. Using low-sodium soy sauce will reduce the sodium content. Serve with brown rice or cauliflower rice and plenty of steamed vegetables to create a well-rounded meal. Remember to always consider portion sizes, and adjust ingredients to suit any dietary restrictions. Every little helps!

Previous Recipe: Crispy Baked Fries Recipe: Proper Pub Chips at Home!
Next Recipe: Fiesta Chicken Recipe: My Zesty Chipotle Lime Dream!