why make this recipe
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a delicious and easy meal that comes together effortlessly. With minimal prep time and cooking, you can enjoy a mouth-watering dish that is perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of sweet honey and savory garlic creates a flavorful sauce that makes the chicken tender and juicy. This recipe is not only satisfying but also versatile—you can serve it over rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a healthier option.
how to make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts
- ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons chili paste (sambal oelek, sriracha, or hot sauce of choice)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Prepared brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for serving
- Toasted sesame seeds for garnish
- Chopped green onion for garnish
Directions
- Place the chicken in the bottom of a slow cooker.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, tomato paste, chili paste, garlic, and rice vinegar. Pour over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or HIGH for 2 to 3 hours.
- Remove the chicken to a plate and whisk cornstarch into the cooking liquid in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 15 minutes to thicken the sauce, stirring occasionally.
- Shred the chicken with forks and return to the slow cooker, stirring to coat with the sauce.
- Serve over rice, topped with green onions and sesame seeds.
how to serve Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Serve the Honey Garlic Chicken over a bed of brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. This meal pairs well with the crunch of toasted sesame seeds and the fresh taste of chopped green onions on top. You can also add some steamed vegetables for extra color and nutrition if desired.
how to store Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
To store any leftover Honey Garlic Chicken, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
tips to make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
- For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for a few hours before cooking.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to add more chili paste or hot sauce.
- Using chicken thighs will result in a more tender and juicy meal compared to chicken breasts.
variation
You can easily customize this recipe by adding vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to the slow cooker for added nutrition and flavor. You could also use different types of meat, such as pork or tofu, for a varied meal.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it may take longer to cook. Make sure the chicken reaches the proper internal temperature of 165°F.Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken a day ahead. Simply store everything in the refrigerator and cook it on the day you plan to serve.Is this dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, use a gluten-free soy sauce alternative and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts Using chicken thighs will result in a more tender and juicy meal.
- ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free soy sauce.
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons chili paste (sambal oelek, sriracha, or hot sauce) Add more for a spicier dish.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch Used to thicken the sauce.
For Serving
- Prepared brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice For serving.
- Toasted sesame seeds For garnish.
- Chopped green onion For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the chicken in the bottom of a slow cooker.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, tomato paste, chili paste, garlic, and rice vinegar. Pour over the chicken.
Cooking
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or HIGH for 2 to 3 hours.
- Remove the chicken to a plate and whisk cornstarch into the cooking liquid in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 15 minutes to thicken the sauce, stirring occasionally.
- Shred the chicken with forks and return to the slow cooker, stirring to coat with the sauce.
Serving
- Serve over rice, topped with green onions and sesame seeds.