Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite crockpot honey garlic chicken recipe! It’s become a staple in our family, and I promise you, once you try it, you’ll see why. Imagine tender, juicy chicken thighs bathed in a sweet and savory sauce that’s bursting with flavor—seriously, it’s a game-changer! The best part? You just toss everything in the crockpot and let it do its magic! No fuss, no complicated steps, just pure deliciousness waiting for you at dinner time. Trust me, the smell wafting through your home as it cooks is something you won’t forget. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. You’re going to love it!
Ingredients for Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 pounds chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
How to Prepare the Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Now, let’s dive into how to make this incredible crockpot honey garlic chicken! It’s super straightforward, and I’ll walk you through each step so you can make it with confidence. Ready? Let’s go!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, grab your crockpot and lay those beautiful chicken thighs right at the bottom. You want them to soak up all that flavor!
- In a separate bowl, mix together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, ground ginger, and black pepper. Whisk it all up until it’s well combined and smooth. Oh, the aroma already is amazing!
- Pour that glorious mixture over the chicken. Make sure every piece is coated—trust me, that’s where the magic happens!
- Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. If you’re home, sneak a peek halfway through; the smell will be irresistible!
- Once the chicken is tender and fully cooked, carefully remove it and set it aside on a plate. You want to keep it nice and juicy!
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the water until it’s smooth. Then, stir this mixture into the sauce left in the crockpot. This will thicken it up wonderfully!
- Cook on high for an additional 15 minutes, and then return that chicken to the pot, giving it a good coat in the thickened sauce. You’re almost there!
And there you have it! Simple, right? Just serve it up and get ready for some happy taste buds!
Nutritional Information
Before you dig in, here’s a quick look at the nutritional info for this delicious crockpot honey garlic chicken! Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. For one serving, you can expect approximately:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
It’s a balanced meal that packs a flavorful punch while keeping things relatively healthy. Enjoy every bite without the guilt!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Absolutely delicious with a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors
- Effortless preparation—just toss everything in the crockpot!
- Great for busy weeknights, making dinner a breeze
- Family-friendly dish that even picky eaters will enjoy
- Healthier option with lean chicken and wholesome ingredients
- Leftovers taste even better the next day!
Tips for Success
To truly nail this crockpot honey garlic chicken, I’ve got a few handy tips up my sleeve! First off, if you prefer a bit more sweetness, don’t hesitate to adjust the honey to your taste—add a little more for that extra sticky goodness! And for those who like a kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate the flavor profile beautifully.
When it comes to cooking time, I always recommend checking the chicken a little earlier if you’re on high heat; every crockpot is different! You want it tender but not overcooked. If you have time, cooking on low is my favorite way to let those flavors deepen.
Lastly, don’t forget to serve it with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions for that fresh pop! It adds a lovely touch and makes it look extra appetizing. You’re going to impress everyone—trust me!
Variations of the Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Now, let’s get creative with this crockpot honey garlic chicken recipe! One of the best things about it is how easily you can switch things up. For a twist, try using chicken breasts instead of thighs if you prefer a leaner option. They cook just as well and will still be juicy!
Feeling adventurous? Swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein experience. Just keep an eye on cooking times—shrimp cooks much faster, so add it in the last hour on low or 30 minutes on high.
You can also play with flavors! Add some sriracha for a spicy kick, or toss in a tablespoon of hoisin sauce for an extra layer of sweetness and depth. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs or even a splash of orange juice for a citrusy vibe. The possibilities are endless, so have fun with it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers from this delicious crockpot honey garlic chicken are always a treat! To store, simply place any remaining chicken and sauce in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days—perfect for meal prep or enjoying later in the week!
When you’re ready to reheat, you can do so in the microwave or on the stovetop. Just make sure to warm it gently so the chicken remains tender and juicy. If it’s a bit thick, feel free to add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it up. Enjoy your tasty leftovers!
Serving Suggestions
Now that your crockpot honey garlic chicken is ready to shine, let’s talk about what to serve it with! I love pairing it with fluffy white rice or jasmine rice, as it soaks up that delicious sauce beautifully. Steamed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots make for a vibrant side that adds color and crunch to your plate. You could even whip up a quick cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast. Whatever you choose, these sides will complement the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken perfectly!
Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe: 7 Ways to Enjoy
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A flavorful and easy crockpot honey garlic chicken recipe that cooks to perfection.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Place chicken thighs in the crockpot.
- In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, rice vinegar, ginger, and black pepper.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Once cooked, remove chicken and set aside.
- Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl.
- Stir the cornstarch mixture into the sauce in the crockpot.
- Cook on high for an additional 15 minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Return chicken to the crockpot and coat with the sauce.
Notes
- Serve with rice or vegetables.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Adjust honey for sweetness preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: crockpot honey garlic chicken recipe
