Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Forget take-out! This slow cooker honey garlic chicken recipe is unbelievably easy and delicious. Juicy chicken in a sticky-sweet glaze – perfect for busy weeknights. Get the recipe!

Recipe Introduction: Sticky, Sweet, and Sorted!

Fancy something dead easy for dinner? ever wondered what to cook for dinner easy peasy? me too! i've got you.

Let me tell you about this slow cooker honey garlic chicken . honestly, it's like takeaway, but way better. it's got that classic sweet and savory thing going on, you know? that honey garlic sauce is just chef's kiss .

This recipe is like a hug in a bowl. think of your favourite honey chicken recipe from your local chinese takeaway.

Now imagine it, but you can actually taste the chicken! it's inspired by those asian-american flavours. it's proper comforting food that's ready when you are.

This dish's roots are in asian-american cuisine, where sticky, sweet sauces reign supreme! it’s so easy anyone can make it, and it takes like, 10 minutes to prep.

Cook time is 3- 4 hours on high or 6- 8 hours on low. this honey chicken crockpot wonder serves 4-6 hungry bellies.

Why You'll Love This Delicious Crockpot Chicken

One of the best things about this is how easy it is. it's proper easy slow cooker chicken . the chicken gets so tender, it just falls apart! the taste is also spot on: all that sticky honey glazed chicken goodness.

Plus, this slow cook honey garlic chicken is a winner because chicken is a great source of lean protein! and honestly, this honey chicken crockpot is perfect for a busy weeknight when you need a cheap meal idea .

Is It Really That Easy?

Oh my gosh, it is! it's a classic chicken crockpot recipes easy type of meal! it's one of those few ingredient chicken crockpot recipes that’s so simple, you'll be making it every week.

Just bung it all in the crock pot honey garlic chicken thighs or breasts, and let the slow cooker do its thing.

It makes my life so easy! let's get started, shall we?

Right, let's dive into the essentials for making some delicious crockpot chicken . I reckon this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is going to become a firm favourite. Seriously, it's that easy!

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Sorted!

Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Matter

Alright, here’s what you’ll need. We're making the honey chicken recipe here. I'm telling you, your family will love you for it!

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: About 2.5 lbs (1.1 kg). This cut is ideal for this honey chicken crockpot recipe. Seriously, they stay moist!
• Honey: ½ cup (120 ml). Quality is key here. A good local honey will do wonders.
• Low-sodium soy sauce: ¼ cup (60 ml). Watch the salt, yeah?
• Rice vinegar: 2 tablespoons (30 ml). Or, in a pinch, apple cider vinegar is alright.
• Ketchup: 2 tablespoons (30 ml). It adds a nice tang, honestly.
• Garlic: 4 cloves , minced. Loads of it. Because honey garlic sauce needs garlic.
• Ginger: 1 tablespoon , grated. Fresh is best, you know?
• Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon . Adds a nutty richness.
• Sriracha: 1 teaspoon (optional). For a cheeky little kick.
• Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons . To thicken things up at the end.
• Cold water: 2 tablespoons . For the slurry.

Honestly, finding decent chicken is half the battle. Look for thighs that are plump and pink. If they smell a bit funny, best give them a miss!

Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauces

Okay, so the honey garlic sauce is where the magic happens. this crockpot chicken honey garlic soy sauce version is killer.

I’ve even experimented with a bit of brown sugar for extra caramelization.

• Essential spices: Garlic and ginger are non-negotiable. It's what makes this sweet garlic chicken crock pot so addictive.
• Flavor enhancers: A dash of sesame oil goes a long way. And don't underestimate the power of a good sriracha.
• Quick subs: No rice vinegar? Apple cider vinegar works. Out of ginger? Ground ginger will do , but fresh is always better.

This reminds me, one time I was making this for a friend's potluck, and I completely forgot the garlic! I had to dash to the shop, red-faced as you like! Lesson learned: always double-check!

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You really don’t need fancy kit for this. We're aiming for few ingredient chicken crockpot recipes , right?

• Slow cooker (Crock-Pot): Obvious, innit?
• Small bowl: For mixing the honey garlic sauce .
• Whisk: To get that sauce nice and smooth.

Honestly, if you don't have a whisk, a fork'll do at a push. and if you don't have a slow cooker, you can braise this in the oven, but it won't be quite the same easy slow cooker chicken .

But a slow cooker makes it so easy to cook for dinner .

So there you have it! all you need to get started on this easy crockpot honey garlic chicken recipe. i’m telling you, it’s one of those cheap meal ideas that tastes anything but.

Grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking! next, we'll go through the super fast crock pot chicken recipes part, don't you dare to miss it!

Right then, let’s talk slow cooker honey garlic chicken , shall we? honestly, sometimes after a long day, i just want something yummy without all the fuss.

You know? this recipe nails that perfectly! it's proper easy. it's a great what to cook for dinner easy kinda meal.

Prepping for Honey Garlic Heaven

The Essential Bits

First things first, let's get organized. mise en place , as they say in posh cooking shows. chop your 4 cloves garlic , grate about 1 tablespoon grated ginger , and measure out all the sauces.

It's a game changer. having all the ingredients ready just makes everything smoother.

Time-Saving Tips & Safety

To be fair, there's not much to chop! but you can save even more time by using pre-minced garlic or ginger paste.

Just don't tell anyone i said that, alright? and obviously, be careful when you're wielding a knife. no one wants to end up in a&e over dinner!

The Magical Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Let's Get This Show on the Road!

Ready? Here are the steps. Dead simple, I promise:

1. Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the ½ cup honey , ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce , 2 tablespoons rice vinegar , 2 tablespoons ketchup , minced garlic, grated ginger, 1 teaspoon sesame oil , and 1 teaspoon sriracha (if you fancy a bit of a kick).
2. Chicken Time: Place about 2.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chunks of breast) in your slow cooker.
3. Sauce It Up: Pour that gorgeous honey garlic sauce all over the chicken. Make sure every piece is nicely coated.
4. Cook Low and Slow: Set your slow cooker to low for 6- 8 hours or high for 3- 4 hours . The chicken should be cooked through and easy to shred. Aim for an internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) .
5. Thickening Magic: In the last 30 minutes (on high) or 1 hour (on low), mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water into a slurry and stir it into the slow cooker to thicken the honey garlic sauce .
6. Shred & serve: Shred the chicken in the slow cooker and serve hot.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Ace Techniques

For a more intense flavour, you can sear the chicken in a pan before popping it in the slow cooker.

Honestly, it does make a difference! also, don't be shy with the garlic – it's the star of the show!

Dodging Disaster

The biggest mistake? Overcooking the chicken. It'll end up dry, even in the slow cooker. Also, adding the cornstarch slurry too early can result in a gummy sauce, so time is everything!

Making it Easy

You can totally make the honey garlic sauce the night before. it'll save you even more time on a busy weeknight.

Plus, it gives the flavors a chance to meld together, which is always a good thing. this is one of the easy crockpot chicken recipes you can make the night before! if you're looking for delicious crockpot chicken look no further!

Right then, there you have it! give this honey chicken crockpot recipe a go and you won't be disappointed. it's proper lush! enjoy! i reckon this could become one of your favourite chicken crockpot recipes easy .

If you're looking for some cheap meal ideas give this a go.

Right then, let's chat about nailing this slow cooker honey garlic chicken thing. it's not just about chucking stuff in a pot; it's about making it brilliant .

I've had my fair share of kitchen mishaps, so trust me, these little tweaks make all the difference.

Recipe Notes

Serving Suggestions: Fancy Pants or Pub Grub?

Honestly, the slow cooker honey chicken is so versatile. for a bit of a fancy-pants presentation, try plating it artfully on a bed of fluffy jasmine rice, garnished with sesame seeds and some finely chopped green onions.

Makes you feel like you're in a proper restaurant, you know? or, if you’re going for a comfort food vibe, pile it high on a crusty roll with some quick slaw.

Cheap meal ideas don’t have to be boring! what to cook for dinner easy ? sorted.

Complementary sides ? Steamed broccoli is always a winner for balance. For drinks, try an ice-cold beer or a crisp glass of white wine. Both complement the sweetness perfectly.

Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh, Mate!

Right, you've made a massive batch of this honey chicken crockpot wonder. What to do with leftovers?

• Refrigeration Guidelines: Get it into an airtight container ASAP after it cools down. It'll keep happily in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
• Freezing Options: Yep, you can freeze it! Portion it out into freezer-safe containers. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating Instructions: Microwave is fine in a pinch, but honestly, gently reheating it in a pan on the hob is best. Keeps the honey glazed chicken nice and glossy.

Variations: Get Your Creative Hats On!

I’m all about making recipes your own. Here are a couple of ideas:

• Dietary Adaptations: Need a gluten-free version? No worries, just swap the soy sauce for tamari. Easy peasy!
• Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: In summer, chuck in some pineapple chunks for a tropical twist. Adds a nice zing. This will be Delicious Crockpot Chicken no matter what!

Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff

Let's be real. You're making honey garlic sauce , there's going to be sugar. I found some stats once that said the average Brit consumes about 17 teaspoons of added sugar a day, we should probably keep that in check, eh? But hey, it's all about balance, innit?

• Simplified nutrition info (per serving, roughly): Calories: 350, Protein: 35g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 10g. Remember, this is just a guesstimate.
• Key Health Benefits: Chicken is a good source of protein, and garlic has some ace health properties. Just don't go overboard on the honey!

So there you have it. The honey chicken recipe , all boxed off. Don't be scared to experiment. And most importantly? Have fun! It's easy crockpot honey garlic chicken , and I promise, your Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs will be a hit! You got this! Chicken Crockpot Recipes Easy ? Too right! Enjoy this Sweet Garlic Chicken Crock Pot !

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this slow cooker honey garlic chicken recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work perfectly well. Just keep in mind that chicken breasts tend to be leaner than thighs and can dry out if overcooked. To prevent this, consider cutting them into chunks and checking for doneness a bit earlier than the recipe suggests. You want an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) - no one wants a dodgy tummy, now do they?

How do I prevent the sauce from being too watery in my slow cooker honey garlic chicken?

Slow cookers can sometimes produce excess liquid, especially with chicken. Adding the cornstarch slurry in the last 30 minutes on high (or 1 hour on low) will thicken the sauce nicely, preventing it from being too watery. Another tip is to avoid opening the lid too often during cooking, as this releases heat and moisture. If, after thickening, it's still a bit runny, you can always transfer the sauce to a saucepan and reduce it on the stovetop for a few minutes before serving – a bit like what your Nan does with gravy!

Can I make this recipe ahead of time, and how should I store leftover slow cooker honey garlic chicken?

Yes, you can! This recipe is great for meal prepping. Simply cook the chicken according to the instructions, let it cool completely, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the chicken moist. Reheating it in the microwave or on the hob will work perfectly fine.

I’m trying to watch my sodium intake. Can I still make this slow cooker honey garlic chicken?

Definitely! The main source of sodium is the soy sauce. Use low-sodium soy sauce and you’ll significantly reduce the sodium content. Also, check the labels on the ketchup and other ingredients for sodium levels. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavours if you're cutting back on salt. Remember, healthy eating doesn’t mean missing out on flavour!

What can I serve with this slow cooker honey garlic chicken for a complete meal?

This chicken is incredibly versatile! It's fantastic served over rice, quinoa, or noodles. Steamed broccoli, stir-fried vegetables, or an Asian-inspired coleslaw make excellent side dishes. For a really satisfying meal, try pairing it with some spring rolls or egg rolls. Think of it like your own little Chinese takeaway, but healthier and homemade!

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