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Okay, let me tell you – weeknights? They’re *crazy*. Between the kids, homework, and trying to remember if I actually showered that day, dinner can feel like a Mount Everest climb. That’s where my trusty slow cooker comes in, and this **Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken**? It’s a total lifesaver! I’ve been slow cooking for, gosh, probably 15 years now, and trust me, I’ve seen it all. From tough roasts turned melt-in-your-mouth tender, to soups that taste like they simmered all day (even though I just dumped everything in before work!), the slow cooker is my secret weapon. This particular recipe? It’s got that perfect sweet-and-savory thing goin’ on, the chicken is fall-apart tender, and the smell? Wow! You won’t believe how easy (and yummy!) dinner can be. Seriously, this is one of those recipes that becomes a regular in your rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Okay, so why *will* you love this recipe? Let me tell ya:
- It’s ridiculously easy – seriously, dump-and-go simplicity at its finest!
- The flavor is outta this world. Honey and garlic? Come on, that’s a winning combo every time!
- The whole family will devour it. Even my picky eaters are fans!
- Slow cooking means super tender, juicy chicken every single time. No dry chicken allowed!
- It makes meal prep a breeze. Perfect for busy weeknights (or weekends, let’s be real!).
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Alright, let’s gather up our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to make some seriously yummy Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken. Don’t skimp on the garlic – it makes all the difference!
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup honey (the good stuff!)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (I use low sodium!)
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or more, I won’t judge!)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!)
- Cooked rice, for serving (any kind you like!)
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Okay, so here’s the super simple rundown on how to make this magic happen. Seriously, it’s so easy, you might feel like you’re cheating, but trust me, you’re not!
- First, grab your slow cooker and place those chicken thighs right in there. Don’t worry about browning them or anything fancy – just plop ’em in!
- Next, in a bowl (any bowl will do!), whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and those red pepper flakes if you’re feeling a little spicy! Give it a good whisk until everything’s all mixed up and that garlic is evenly distributed.
- Now, pour that glorious sauce all over the chicken. Make sure every piece gets a good coating. You want that flavor to really soak in!
- Pop the lid on that slow cooker and let it do its thing. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through – it should shred super easily with two forks.
- Speaking of shredding, once the chicken is cooked, grab two forks and shred it right there in the slow cooker. It should just fall apart!
- Finally, serve it over cooked rice. I usually make a big batch in my rice cooker, but any kind of rice works! You can even use quinoa or cauliflower rice if you’re feeling fancy.
And that’s it! Told ya it was easy. Now, get ready for some seriously delicious Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken!
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Want to take your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken to the *next level*? Of course, you do! Here are a few of my favorite tips:
- **Chicken Choice:** Thighs are my go-to because they stay super moist, but you *can* use breasts. Just watch ’em, so they don’t dry out!
- Sauce Thickening:** If you like a thicker sauce (I kinda do!), whisk a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Easy-peasy!
- Serving Stars:** Don’t just plop the chicken on rice! Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or a drizzle of sriracha if you’re feeling bold. Makes it look fancy (even though it’s ridiculously easy!).
Variations for Your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Okay, so you’ve made the basic recipe (because, duh, it’s amazing!), but wanna mix things up? I get it! Here are a few ways to tweak your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and keep things interesting:
- **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch (or a LOT!) of cayenne pepper for extra heat. Or, try smoked paprika for a smoky depth of flavor.
- Veggie Power:** Toss in some broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, or even some chunks of pineapple during the last hour of cooking. Adds some color and extra nutrients!
- Ginger Zing:** Grate a tablespoon of fresh ginger into the sauce for a warm, aromatic twist. Trust me on this one!
- Orange Delight:** Add a splash of orange juice and some orange zest to the sauce for a citrusy kick. It’s surprisingly delicious!
Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Alright, you’ve got your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken…now what? Don’t just eat it straight from the slow cooker (tempting, I know!). Here are some of my all-time fave ways to serve it up:
- **Rice, Rice, Baby:** Classic cooked rice is always a winner. Brown rice, white rice, jasmine rice…you name it!
- Veggie Power:** Steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a simple side salad all pair perfectly with the sweet and savory chicken.
- Noodle Mania:** Toss it with some lo mein noodles or udon noodles for a heartier meal.
- Lettuce Wraps:** For a lighter option, serve it in lettuce wraps with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and some chopped green onions. So fresh!
FAQ About Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Got questions? I got answers! Here are some of the things I get asked *all* the time about this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken. Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered!
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?
Yep, you totally can! Chicken thighs are my personal fave ’cause they’re super juicy and forgiving, but chicken breasts will work just fine. Just keep an eye on ’em, so they don’t dry out. Maybe shorten the cooking time a bit, too. You’ll want to check on them every now and then.
How do I thicken the honey garlic sauce?
Ah, the million-dollar question! If you want a thicker sauce (and trust me, sometimes I do!), just whisk together a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water. Then, stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. It’ll thicken right up!
Can I make this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! This is a *great* make-ahead meal. You can cook it completely and then store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Or, you can even freeze it for longer storage. Just thaw it out and reheat it when you’re ready to eat!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Almost! To make it completely gluten-free, just make sure you’re using a tamari sauce instead of regular soy sauce. Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative that tastes just as yummy!
Can I double or triple this recipe?
You betcha! Just make sure your slow cooker is big enough to handle it all. You might need to add a little extra cooking time, too. But yeah, doubling or tripling is totally doable for feeding a crowd!
Storage and Reheating Instructions for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Okay, so you’ve got leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Here’s the lowdown on how to keep that Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken tasting amazing, even the next day (or the day after!):
- **Fridge Time:** Pop any leftovers in an airtight container and stash them in the fridge. They’ll be good for about 3-4 days. Perfect for a quick lunch or another easy dinner!
- **Freezer Frenzy:** Wanna keep it longer? No problem! Freeze the chicken (again, in an airtight container or freezer bag) for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating Rescue:** To reheat, just thaw it out in the fridge overnight. Then, you can microwave it, heat it up in a skillet, or even pop it back in the slow cooker on low for a bit. Just make sure it’s heated all the way through!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Okay, so just a heads-up: the nutrition info you see? It’s an estimate! It can change depending on the exact ingredients you use (brands, cuts of chicken, etc.). So, take it with a grain of salt, alright?
Print
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
- Total Time: 6 hr 10 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Prepare chicken in a slow cooker with a honey garlic sauce.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Pour sauce over chicken, ensuring it is evenly coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until chicken is cooked through.
- Shred chicken with two forks directly in the slow cooker.
- Serve over cooked rice.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- You can use chicken breasts instead of thighs, but they may become drier.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 6 hr
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 30
- Cholesterol: 100