Oh my goodness, I can’t tell you how much joy this slow cooker honey garlic chicken recipe brings to my busy weeknights! There’s something magical about coming home to the smell of savory, sweet goodness wafting through the house. I remember the first time I made this dish; my family was hooked from the very first bite! It’s such a breeze to throw everything into the slow cooker, set it, and forget it for a few hours. Trust me, the combination of honey and garlic creates a mouthwatering sauce that’s just begging to be drizzled over rice or veggies. You’re going to love it!
Ingredients
To whip up this delicious slow cooker honey garlic chicken, you’ll need some simple yet high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 lbs chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless, your choice!)
- 1/2 cup honey (the sweeter, the better, right?)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (I love using low-sodium for a lighter touch)
- 1/4 cup ketchup (yes, it adds a lovely tang!)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (don’t skimp on this—garlic is life!)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (for that extra zing)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to help thicken things up at the end)
- 2 tablespoons water (to mix with the cornstarch)
- Salt and pepper to taste (you know your palate best!)
Gather these ingredients, and you’re already halfway to a fantastic meal! Trust me, it’s going to be worth it.
How to Prepare Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
First things first, let’s get those chicken thighs ready! Place your chicken thighs right in the slow cooker, making sure they’re spread out evenly for even cooking. No need to fuss over them just yet!
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a separate bowl, combine 1/2 cup honey, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup ketchup, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon rice vinegar. Mix it all together until it’s nicely blended. Oh, the aroma is already heavenly!
Step 3: Combine and Cook
Now, pour that luscious sauce all over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Give it a little stir to make sure the chicken is coated well. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Just let it do its thing while you go about your day!
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
About 20 minutes before you’re ready to serve, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl until smooth. Add this mixture to the slow cooker and stir it in. Cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens up beautifully!
Step 5: Serve
Once thickened, return the chicken to the sauce, ensuring it’s coated in that fantastic glaze. Serve it up over a bed of rice or with your favorite veggies, and get ready for a delicious meal!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! Each serving of this slow cooker honey garlic chicken recipe is packed with flavor and comes in at about 350 calories. You’ll also get around 10g of fat, 30g of protein, and 40g of carbs. Keep in mind, these are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what to expect!
Tips for Success
To make sure your slow cooker honey garlic chicken turns out absolutely perfect, here are a few of my go-to tips! First, don’t shy away from using bone-in chicken thighs; they add extra flavor and moisture. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, feel free to adjust the honey to your taste. Also, keep an eye on the cooking time—if you’re cooking on low, 7 hours is often just right, while 4 hours on high usually does the trick. Lastly, for a little extra kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. It’s a game changer!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy preparation: Just toss everything into the slow cooker!
- Great flavor: The perfect balance of sweet and savory from honey and garlic.
- Family-friendly: Even picky eaters will love this dish!
- Healthy option: Packed with protein and gluten-free.
- Versatile: Serve it over rice, noodles, or with veggies for a complete meal!
FAQs About Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Got questions about this slow cooker honey garlic chicken recipe? I’ve got you covered! If you’re out of chicken thighs, you can totally use chicken breasts instead—just remember they might cook a bit faster. As for storage, leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove to keep that delicious flavor intact! Want to spice things up? Try adding some ginger or a splash of Sriracha to the sauce for an extra kick. Enjoy experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store your leftover slow cooker honey garlic chicken, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to keep it moist. Trust me, you want to maintain that amazing flavor and texture! Enjoy every bite!
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe That Will Wow You
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious slow cooker recipe for honey garlic chicken that is easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, and rice vinegar.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Remove chicken and set aside.
- Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl.
- Add cornstarch mixture to the slow cooker and stir.
- Cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Return chicken to the sauce and serve.
Notes
- Serve with rice or vegetables.
- Can use chicken breasts instead of thighs.
- Adjust honey for sweetness preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: slow cooker honey garlic chicken recipe
