Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a dish that combines sweet and savory flavors with the convenience of a slow cooker. This recipe transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for busy weeks or cozy family dinners. With minimal prep and a few key ingredients, you can enjoy a tender, flavorful dish that requires very little fuss.
Why We Love This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken recipe. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to prepare—just season the chicken, mix the sauce, and let your slow cooker do the work. This recipe is also wonderfully versatile; you can serve it over rice, noodles, or alongside your favorite veggies. The combination of honey, soy sauce, and garlic creates a delightful balance of flavors that everyone at the table will appreciate. Plus, you’ll be amazed at how tender the chicken becomes after hours of slow cooking, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
To create this delicious dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium if preferred)
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- Sliced green onions for garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Directions
Making Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is as straightforward as it gets. Here’s how to do it step-by-step.
- Season the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This simple step adds a base layer of flavor that enhances the overall dish.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you prefer a little heat). Whisk these ingredients together until well blended, creating a fragrant sauce that will bring your chicken to life.
- Combine in the Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is thoroughly coated. This step is crucial for allowing the flavors to penetrate the chicken as it cooks.
- Set the Cooker: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The goal is to have the chicken fully cooked and tender. Be sure to resist the temptation to lift the lid too often, as this can extend the cooking time.
- Thicken the Sauce: Once your chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and set it aside. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Pour this mixture into the sauce remaining in the slow cooker, stirring well to combine. This will help thicken the sauce, creating a luscious coating for the chicken.
- Return the Chicken: Add the chicken back into the slow cooker. Use a spoon to coat each piece with the thickened sauce. Allow it to cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes on low, so the sauce thickens to your liking and enhances the chicken’s flavor.
- Serve: Finally, serve your honey garlic chicken over a bed of cooked rice or noodles. This will soak up the delicious sauce and make every bite delightful.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Serving Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is an opportunity to get creative. This dish pairs beautifully with various sides and garnishes. Here are some fantastic suggestions:
- Over Rice or Noodles: The simplest and most popular way to enjoy this dish is over steamed rice or cooked noodles. The grains absorb the sweet and savory sauce, making for a satisfying meal.
- With Vegetables: Consider adding steamed or sautéed veggies on the side. Broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas can offer a colorful and nutritious contrast.
- Casual Style: For a more casual meal, create a build-your-own bowl. Serve the chicken with rice or noodles and a selection of toppings like chopped scallions, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of additional soy sauce for those who like more flavor.
- As a Wrap or Sandwich: You can also shred the chicken and use it as a filling in wraps or sandwiches. Combine with fresh veggies and your favorite sauce for a delightful lunch option.
Expert Tips: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
To get the most out of your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Use a Quality Soy Sauce: The flavor of soy sauce is a critical component of this dish. Opt for a high-quality brand for the best taste.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you find the sauce too sweet for your palate, you can reduce the amount of honey slightly. The balance is essential for a flavor that satisfies.
- Check Chicken Temperature: Make sure to check that your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s safe to eat.
- Enhance with Fresh Ingredients: For extra flavor, consider adding fresh ginger along with the garlic for a zesty kick.
- Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: Thickening the sauce not only improves the texture but also helps the flavors cling to the chicken, making each bite more impactful.
How to Store Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
If you happen to have leftovers (which is often the case with this delightful dish), you can store them easily. Here’s how:
- Refrigerate: Transfer any leftover chicken and sauce to an airtight container. It will stay good in your refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken and sauce. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, ensuring to remove as much air as possible. It should last for about 2 to 3 months.
- Reheat: When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them thoroughly in the microwave or a pot on the stove. You might want to add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce a bit if it thickens too much in the fridge.
Variation of Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
There are plenty of ways to add a personal touch to your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken. Here are some variations to consider:
- Add Veggies: Toss in some diced bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas into the slow cooker along with the chicken for added nutrition and color.
- Spicy Version: If you enjoy a little heat, consider adding more crushed red pepper flakes or even a dash of sriracha to the sauce mixture. This will elevate the flavor profile and cater to those who love spicy food.
- Garlic Lover’s Delight: Boost the garlic flavor by doubling the amount of minced garlic in the recipe. This will intensify the aromatic profile and provide a more robust taste.
- Pineapple Twist: For a sweet and tangy addition, add pineapple chunks to the slow cooker. It will add a delightful sweetness that enhances the overall dish.
- Sauté First: If you have extra time, consider sautéing the garlic in the sesame oil before adding it to the sauce mixture. This can create an even deeper flavor base for your dish.
FAQ about Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken?
Cooking Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken typically takes about 4 to 5 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but keep in mind that the cooking time may need to increase by an hour or so to ensure the chicken reaches the correct internal temperature.
What can I substitute for hoisin sauce?
If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can use a mixture of soy sauce, peanut butter, and a bit of sugar as a substitute.
Is it possible to make this dish without soy sauce?
For a soy-free option, you might consider using coconut aminos as a substitute for soy sauce, keeping in mind that the flavor will be slightly different.
How spicy is the Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken?
The spice level can be adjusted according to your preference. The crushed red pepper flakes are optional, so if you prefer milder flavors, you can simply leave them out.
With these tips, tricks, and variations, you’re well on your way to mastering Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken! Enjoy the process and let your taste buds take you on a delicious journey.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium if preferred)
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- Sliced green onions for garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk together until well blended.
Cooking
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring complete coverage.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken and set aside. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth and pour into the remaining sauce in the slow cooker, stirring to combine.
- Return the chicken to the slow cooker, coating it with the thickened sauce, and cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes.
Serving
- Serve the honey garlic chicken over cooked rice or noodles.
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