Honey Garlic Chicken in a Slow Cooker

Introduction

Have you ever wondered how a simple kitchen gadget could transform your weeknight dinner routine? If you’re among the countless home cooks seeking the perfect balance of flavor, convenience, and health, you’ll find that honey garlic chicken in a slow cooker checks all the boxes. This mouthwatering dish not only pleases the palate with its savory sweetness but also requires minimal effort, making it a go-to meal for busy families. Let’s dive deeper into how to create this culinary delight!

Ingredients List

To prepare an irresistible honey garlic chicken in a slow cooker, gather the following ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, for a juicier option)
1/2 cup honey (wildflower honey brings a floral note; feel free to substitute with agave syrup if vegan)
1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium is a healthier choice)
4 cloves of garlic, minced (or 1 tablespoon of garlic powder)
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or a teaspoon of ground ginger)
1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening, can be swapped with arrowroot powder)
1 tablespoon water
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Sesame seeds for additional crunch (optional)

Timing

Creating honey garlic chicken in a slow cooker is remarkably efficient. You’ll need approximately:

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 4 to 6 hours on low heat or 2 to 3 hours on high heat
Total Time: About 4.5 to 6.5 hours, making it 20% less time-consuming than many traditional cooking methods.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. This adds depth to the flavor profile.

Step 2: Whisk the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. The aroma will immediately make you hungry!

Step 3: Combine in Slow Cooker

Place the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker and pour the honey garlic mixture over the top. Ensure the chicken is well coated.

Step 4: Cook

Cover and set your slow cooker to low for 4 to 6 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours. During this time, the chicken will absorb the incredible flavors and become tender.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker. Mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry, then stir this into the remaining sauce. Cook on high for 10-15 minutes until thickened.

Step 6: Serve

Slice the chicken, drizzle the thickened sauce on top, and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for presentation. Enjoy your delicious honey garlic chicken!

Nutritional Information

Each serving of honey garlic chicken (approximately 4 ounces) provides:

Calories: 300
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fat: 6g
Fiber: 0.5g
Sugar: 25g

This data indicates that not only is this dish satiating, but it also provides a good amount of protein, making it great for maintaining muscle mass and energy levels.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

To suit various dietary needs, consider the following modifications:

Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Lower Sugar: Substitute honey with a low-calorie sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.
Vegetarian: Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh for a plant-based option. Adjust cooking time accordingly, as tofu will require a shorter cooking time.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your honey garlic chicken with these creative serving ideas:

Serve it over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or quinoa for a wholesome meal.
Pair with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the flavors.
Make it a wrap by placing the chicken in a whole-grain tortilla with lettuce and avocado.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Chicken: This can lead to dry, tough meat. Stick to the recommended cooking times.
Not Marinating: If time permits, marinate the chicken for an hour before cooking for enhanced flavors.
Skipping the Thickening Step: Without thickening the sauce, you may end up with a watery dish. Always follow through!

Storing Tips for the Recipe

To keep leftovers fresh:

Store cooled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze the chicken in the sauce in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Conclusion

In summary, this easy recipe for honey garlic chicken in a slow cooker combines taste, health, and convenience. With minimal effort, you can prepare a dish that delights the entire family while maintaining a nutritious profile. Don’t hesitate to give it a try, share your feedback, or explore similar recipes on our blog!

FAQs

Q1: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Just increase the cooking time by an hour when using frozen chicken.

Q2: Can I reheat leftovers?
Absolutely! Reheat in a microwave or on the stove until heated through, being careful not to overcook.

Q3: How can I customize the spice level?
Feel free to add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick!

By incorporating these insights and instructions, you can confidently create a delicious and nutritious honey garlic chicken that will be a hit at your dinner table!

Honey Garlic Chicken

A flavorful and convenient slow-cooked honey garlic chicken that combines savory and sweet elements with minimal effort.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 5

Total Time 6 30

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, Asian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) Thighs provide a juicier option.
1/2 cup honey Wildflower honey brings a floral note; agave syrup can be used as a substitute for vegan.
1/4 cup soy sauce Low-sodium is a healthier choice.
4 cloves garlic, minced Can substitute with 1 tablespoon of garlic powder.
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated Alternatively, use 1 teaspoon of ground ginger.
1 tablespoon cornstarch For thickening; can be swapped with arrowroot powder.
1 tablespoon water Used to mix with cornstarch.
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Sesame seeds for additional crunch (optional)

Instructions

Preparation

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

Sauce Preparation

In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.

Combine Ingredients

Place the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker and pour the honey garlic mixture over the top.

Cooking

Cover and set your slow cooker to low for 4 to 6 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours.

Thickening the Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker.
Mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry, then stir this into the remaining sauce.
Cook on high for 10-15 minutes until thickened.

Serving

Slice the chicken, drizzle the thickened sauce on top, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the chicken in the sauce for up to 3 months.

Keyword Easy Dinner, Healthy Chicken Recipe, Honey Garlic Chicken, Quick Family Meal, Slow Cooker Chicken

Written by Salaheddine — founder of Tasty Sunrise, sharing easy and comforting homemade recipes for every occasion.

📩 admin@tastysunrise.com • Pinterest