Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Set It and Forget It Flavor
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a dinner that practically cooks itself? This crockpot honey garlic chicken recipe is the answer. Honestly, is there anything better than coming home to a ready-made, mouthwatering meal? This recipe delivers sweet, savory, and oh-so-tender chicken every time.
Brief Overview
This classic Asian inspired dish is a crowd pleaser. It is originally from a Chinese restaurant recipe. It's incredibly easy, even for complete beginners! Expect prep time of 10 minutes, then set the slow cooker to work for 3 to 8 hours.
This recipe serves about 6 people, perfect for a family dinner or meal prepping.
Main Benefits
This dish is packed with protein and flavor. This honey garlic chicken crockpot recipe easy is perfect for busy weeknights.
The best part? It makes you look like a culinary genius with minimal effort. A healthy and delicious way to use weeknight crockpot chicken recipes .
Ready to dive in? Let's talk ingredients.
What You'll Need for Your Slow Cooker Masterpiece
To make this culinary magic happen, you'll need just a handful of ingredients. Here's a quick rundown:
- 2.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
- 1/2 cup honey.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce.
- 1/4 cup ketchup.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced.
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, if you're feeling spicy).
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch.
- 2 tablespoons cold water.
- Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish (optional).
Why This Recipe Rocks
Okay, so maybe you're thinking, "Another easy crockpot chicken recipes ? What makes this one so special?" Well, for starters, the combination of honey and garlic is simply irresistible.
The slow cooker transforms ordinary chicken thighs into tender, flavorful delights. Trust me, this is a slow cooker asian chicken recipes that will become a staple in your household.
I swear! There are few crockpot chicken thigh recipes this easy and delicious.
Plus, it is so versatile. Want to serve it with rice? Perfect. Noodles? Also amazing. Feeling virtuous? Serve it with steamed vegetables or even with honey garlic chicken slow cooker rice .
Honestly, you cannot go wrong with this slow cooker honey garlic chicken thighs .
Extra tips for your consideration
Don't skip searing the chicken for 5 minutes before if you want extra depth of flavor. It really makes a difference and helps create a caramelized crust.
You can also add your favorite vegetables to make a crockpot honey garlic chicken with vegetables dish all in one.
Ingredients & Equipment: Your Secret Weapons
Let's get down to brass tacks. To make this crockpot honey garlic chicken recipe sing, you need the right ingredients and tools.
It's not rocket science, honestly. But, like any good recipe, quality counts.
Main Ingredients Deconstructed
- Chicken thighs: 2.5 lbs (about 1.13 kg ) boneless, skinless. Top tip: Don't skimp on quality here. Decent chicken = decent slow cooker honey garlic chicken thighs . You know? Chicken breasts work too but honestly , thighs are the bomb in a slow cooker because they stay juicy.
- Honey: 1/2 cup ( 120 ml ). Go for a good quality honey, it makes a difference!
- Soy sauce: 1/4 cup ( 60 ml ). Low sodium is your friend if you're watching your salt intake.
- Ketchup: 1/4 cup ( 60 ml ).
- Rice vinegar: 2 tablespoons ( 30 ml ).
- Garlic: 4 cloves , minced (about 2 teaspoons ). Fresh is best, always!
- Ginger: 1 teaspoon , grated or minced.
- Red pepper flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, but I say go for it if you like a kick ).
- Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon .
- Cold water: 2 tablespoons .
- Optional Garnish: Sesame seeds, chopped green onions.
This simple list will ensure you have everything you need to make an amazing honey garlic chicken crockpot recipe easy .
Seasoning Secrets: Let's Talk Flavor
The sauce? It's where the magic happens! The sweetness of honey meets the umami of soy sauce. It makes some of the best slow cooker asian chicken recipes and the tang of rice vinegar creates a symphony of flavors.
A bit of ginger adds a lovely warmth. Red pepper flakes offer a cheeky kick!
Don't have rice vinegar? Apple cider vinegar works in a pinch. I once used white wine vinegar and it was still delicious. Remember, a dash of sesame oil can enhance flavors.
Essential Equipment: Keep It Simple
For this easy crockpot chicken recipes , you'll need:
- Slow cooker (crockpot): 6-quart or larger is perfect.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Small bowl.
- Whisk.
- Knife and cutting board.
- Grater (for ginger, optional).
No fancy gadgets needed. A fork and spoon can substitute a whisk if required. You are free to experiment with this honey garlic chicken slow cooker rice recipe.
Let's Talk Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken, Shall We?
Honestly, who doesn't love an easy weeknight meal? Especially one where you can pretty much dump everything in and forget about it? That's why I'm obsessed with this crockpot honey garlic chicken recipe .
It's the perfect solution for those nights when you're too tired to even think about cooking. You know? We've all been there.
I love serving it on honey garlic chicken slow cooker rice , you can cook it directly together!
Prep Steps: Your Winning Head Start
Essential mise en place is key, guys. Get your chicken thighs ready (about 2.5 lbs, or 1.13 kg).
Then mince four cloves of garlic. Honestly, pre-minced garlic from the jar? Totally acceptable. We are looking for easy crockpot chicken recipes after all.
Don't forget grating about a teaspoon of ginger or using a minced version.
Time saving organization tips : Measure out your liquids ahead of time. Pour 1/2 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 1/4 cup of ketchup, and 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar into a measuring cup.
This makes the whole process so much faster.
step-by-step to Crockpot Glory
- Place your chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
- Whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, if you like a little kick) in a small bowl.
- Pour that gorgeous sauce over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6- 8 hours or high for 3- 4 hours , until the chicken is super tender. The internal temperature should hit 165° F ( 74° C) .
- Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Pour this slurry into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes to thicken the sauce.
Pro Tips for a Crockpot Champion
Want to take your honey garlic chicken slow cooker game to the next level? Sear the chicken before putting it in the slow cooker.
This gives it a fantastic color and deeper flavor. I know, I know, extra step but so worth it!. Another thing to consider for your weeknight crockpot chicken recipes , is to reduce the honey if you're not a big fan of sweetness.
make-ahead option? Absolutely. You can mix the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Easy crockpot chicken recipes can be also be crockpot chicken thigh recipes and can adapt to your preference.
Recipe Notes for Your Amazing Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
Hey there, fellow food lover! So, you’re about to embark on the journey of making this crockpot honey garlic chicken recipe .
Awesome! Just wanted to add a few thoughts. Cooking it is super easy and can be one of the best easy crockpot chicken recipes .
So, let's dive into some extra tips and tricks.
Serving Suggestions That'll Wow
Okay, so presentation matters, right? First off, this honey garlic chicken slow cooker rice combo is a classic for a reason.
Pile the rice high and top it with that luscious, sticky chicken. Garnish with some sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Boom! Want to get fancy? Try plating it in individual bowls for a restaurant vibe. As for sides, I love serving this with steamed broccoli, those frozen stir fry vegetable mixes, or even just a simple salad.
For a drink pairing, a light beer would do well.
Storage Tips: Making the Good Times Last
Alright, let's talk leftovers. Honestly, this crockpot honey garlic chicken recipe easy is often even better the next day! Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge.
It will stay good for up to 3-4 days . Want to freeze it? No problem. Just pop it in a freezer safe container, and it should be good for up to 2 months .
When you're ready to reheat, you can microwave it, warm it up in a pan, or even toss it back in the slow cooker on low heat.
Variations: Make it Your Own!
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Thinking of going gluten-free? Swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.
Want it a little different? If you like pineapple, add that to your crockpot honey garlic chicken with vegetables . Also, I would add a teaspoon of sesame oil for a deeper Asian flavor.
Nutrition Basics
This slow cooker asian chicken recipes is relatively healthy. Each serving has around 350-400 calories, and lots of protein. The honey does add some sugar.
But honestly, it's worth it! Plus, the garlic and ginger have great health benefits. It is one of the best weeknight crockpot chicken recipes that won't make you feel guilty.
Making this slow cooker honey garlic chicken thighs recipe and the best crockpot chicken thigh recipes and slow cooker chicken recipes for beginners is a winner for a busy weeknight.
Enjoy creating this meal! This chinese honey garlic chicken slow cooker inspired recipe will surely be a hit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this crockpot honey garlic chicken recipe?
You absolutely can! While chicken thighs stay a bit more moist during the long cooking time, chicken breasts will work just fine. Just be sure to keep an eye on them, as they can dry out if overcooked.
Check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) that’s your cue to get them out before they get too dry, alright?
My sauce is too thin. How do I thicken the honey garlic sauce in this slow cooker recipe?
No worries, mate! A thin sauce is easily fixed. Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch (or tapioca starch) with two tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir this slurry into the crockpot. The sauce will thicken up beautifully.
If it's still too thin after a few minutes, you can repeat the process with a bit more slurry, but add it gradually.
How long can I store leftovers of this crockpot honey garlic chicken recipe?
Leftovers, if you have any (it’s usually that good!), will keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. You can also freeze it for longer storage, up to 2-3 months. When reheating, you might want to add a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent it from drying out.
Can I make this crockpot honey garlic chicken recipe healthier?
You bet! To make it healthier, use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the sodium content. You could also reduce the amount of honey or use a natural sweetener like maple syrup in moderation.
Serving it with brown rice and plenty of steamed vegetables instead of white rice or noodles will also significantly boost the nutritional value. You could even try substituting with cauliflower rice for a lower carb option!
Is there anything I can add to this honey garlic chicken slow cooker recipe to spice it up?
Definitely! If you fancy a bit of a kick, try adding more red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture. A teaspoon or two of sriracha is another excellent option, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper. You could also add some finely chopped fresh chili peppers for a more vibrant heat.
Just remember to taste as you go, adding a little at a time until you reach your preferred level of spiciness nobody wants a surprise fire alarm!
Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Set It And Forget
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 375 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 17.5g |
| Fiber | 1g |
