Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Set it and Forget it Flavor
This Crockpot honey garlic chicken recipe is SO easy Just bung it in and forget about it for a delicious weeknight dinner Get my secret to the perfect honey garlic sauce ... Healthy Eats
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever get that craving for something sweet, savory, and dead easy? This Crockpot honey garlic chicken recipe ticks all the boxes.
Honestly, it's like a hug in a bowl, with that amazing honey garlic sauce doing all the heavy lifting.
Brief Overview
This dish has roots in Asian-American cuisine. It's super simple, and you can basically set it and forget it. The easy crockpot chicken recipe takes only 10 minutes of prep.
It then cooks for 4- 5 hours on low. It serves 4 hungry people.
Main Benefits
The best bit? It is guilt-free comfort food. Chicken is a good source of lean protein. It's ideal for a busy weeknight, especially for meal prep.
What makes it special is the blend of sweet and savory, which is surprisingly addictive.
Okay, let's get cracking! This slow cooker honey garlic chicken is perfect for those nights when you can't be bothered.
Ingredient Lineup
You'll need about 2-3 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. Grab 1/2 cup of honey. Don't forget 1/2 cup of low-sodium soy sauce.
1/4 cup of ketchup is next. Then there is 1 tbsp of rice vinegar, and 1 tbsp of minced garlic.
A tsp of grated fresh ginger, and 1/4 tsp of red pepper flakes comes next. Finally, there is 1 tbsp of cornstarch, and 2 tbsp of water.
Simple Steps
Season the chicken. Then make the sauce by mixing the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
Pour the sauce over the chicken. Cook on low for 4- 5 hours, or high for 2-3. If you want a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch and water.
Stir it into the crockpot . Cook for 10- 15 minutes on high. Serve over rice or noodles.
Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Set it and Forget it Flavor Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients & Equipment for Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
Okay, let's get cracking! This Crockpot honey garlic chicken recipe is ridiculously easy. Honestly, I was surprised how much flavour you get for so little effort.
This is your ticket to a stress-free weeknight crockpot dinner .
The Main Players
- 2-3 lbs (900g - 1.35kg) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. Aim for about 4-6 pieces.
- 1/2 cup (120ml) honey.
- 1/2 cup (120ml) low-sodium soy sauce. The good stuff makes a difference.
- 1/4 cup (60ml) ketchup.
- 1 tbsp (15ml) rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
- 1 tbsp (15g) minced garlic, around 3-4 cloves. Fresh is king!
- 1 tsp (2g) grated fresh ginger, or 1/2 tsp (1g) ground ginger if you are in a pinch.
- 1/4 tsp (0.5g) crushed red pepper flakes. Only if you like a kick!.
- 1 tbsp (8g) cornstarch. This is for thickening the sauce, you know.
- 2 tbsp (30ml) water.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions, for garnish. These are optional but look great!
For the chicken, quality matters, right? Look for chicken thighs that are plump. No weird smells or discolouration, okay? If you want to create some Honey garlic chicken thighs slow cooker , these are the way to go.
Seasoning Magic: Flavours That Pop
Garlic and ginger, are like Batman and Robin. The sweet honey balances the salty soy. The rice vinegar adds a bit of tang.
Ketchup, that is our secret weapon! If you do not have Rice vinegar? You can swap it for white wine vinegar.
I would suggest you to create Honey garlic sauce for chicken by using tamari if you're dodging gluten. Suddenly, it’s gluten-free honey garlic chicken ! It's a win-win.
Tools of the Trade
You only need a crockpot (slow cooker) for this easy crockpot chicken recipe . A bowl for mixing the sauce is handy.
A whisk helps to blend the sauce. Measuring cups and spoons are essential for accurate measurements. You might want a thermometer to be sure.
A large spoon is helpful. Don't overthink it. Got no whisk? A fork will do just fine. Honestly, this crockpot chicken meal prep is all about making life easier.
Forget fancy gadgets! We are aiming for a delicious slow cooker honey garlic chicken .
Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken: The Easiest Dinner Ever!
Honestly, folks, this Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is a game changer. It's perfect for those days when you just can't be bothered to cook.
You know? I mean, who doesn't love a weeknight crockpot dinner that's almost too easy?
I remember one particularly hectic Tuesday. I had a mountain of work and the kids were driving me up the wall.
I tossed everything into the slow cooker before heading out the door. By dinner time, the house smelled amazing and a delicious meal was ready.
Talk about a lifesaver! You can even set this up as a Crockpot chicken meal prep option.
Prep Steps: Get Organized!
Essential mise en place: Get everything ready. Chop the garlic, measure out the soy sauce.
Time-saving tip: Pre-mince the garlic the night before. Store it in the fridge.
Safety first: Always wash your hands after handling raw chicken. Seriously.
Step-by-Step: Bung it in and Forget About It!
- Season the chicken thighs or breasts with salt and pepper. Pop them into the crockpot .
- Whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of heat). This is your honey garlic sauce for chicken .
- Pour the sauce over the chicken. Make sure it's coated well.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4- 5 hours or on HIGH for 2- 3 hours .
- Check that the chicken reaches an internal temp of 165° F ( 74° C) . Use an instant-read thermometer.
- Mix cornstarch and water. Stir into the sauce to thicken. Cook on HIGH for 10- 15 minutes .
- Return the chicken to the crockpot . Spoon the thickened sauce over it.
Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken
Want to really nail this dish? Here are some of my secrets! Use low sodium soy sauce! I cannot emphasize this enough.
Don't overcook the chicken. It will become dry.
If you want to make this dish gluten-free , use tamari instead of soy sauce. Easy peasy!
I think this Easy crockpot chicken recipe is really one of my favorite things to cook! This recipe can also be easily made as Honey garlic chicken thighs slow cooker ! It's a perfect Crockpot chicken Asian inspired recipe!
Now you have it, now go and enjoy it.
Recipe Notes: Your Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Journey
Okay, let's get cracking! Before you dive into this amazing Crockpot honey garlic chicken recipe, let's chat about a few things.
Honestly, these are just little tips and tricks I've picked up over the years. Hopefully, they'll help you nail it first time.
Serving Suggestions: Plating and Presentation
This easy crockpot chicken recipe is super versatile. You can serve it fancy or keep it casual. For a nice presentation, try plating the honey garlic chicken thighs slow cooker over a bed of fluffy rice.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and some sliced green onions. Trust me, it looks restaurant-worthy!
Thinking about sides? Steamed broccoli or an Asian slaw are banging choices. A drizzle of sriracha mayo? Oh my gosh, yes! And to drink? A chilled green tea or even a light beer works a treat.
Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh
Got leftovers? No worries! This weeknight crockpot dinner keeps well. Pop it in an airtight container and it’ll be grand in the fridge for up to three days.
Want to freeze it? You can! Let the chicken cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It'll last for up to two months.
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then microwave or gently heat on the hob until piping hot. Simple!
Variations: Mix it Up!
Fancy a bit of a twist? Why not try a spicy version of this Crockpot chicken Asian inspired dish? Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
Boom! Instant heat! You know?
For a gluten-free honey garlic chicken , use tamari instead of soy sauce. Sorted! This also works as a honey garlic chicken marinade .
You could even throw in a cup of pineapple chunks for a tropical vibe. Talk about a game changer!
Nutrition Basics: A Quick Glance
While this is undeniably delicious, let's touch base on the good stuff. Each serving clocks in around 400-450 calories, with about 40-45g of protein.
The Crockpot honey garlic chicken offers a healthy dose of protein, thanks to the chicken. It is relatively balanced with a good mix of protein, fats, and carbs.
These values are estimates, of course. Actual values may vary.
So there you have it! All the essential info to make this slow cooker honey garlic chicken a total success.
Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Enjoy, my friend!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken for this Crockpot honey garlic chicken recipe?
While it's tempting to toss in frozen chicken straight from the freezer, it's generally not recommended for food safety reasons. Slow cooking frozen chicken can keep it in the temperature "danger zone" for too long, increasing the risk of bacteria growth. Thaw your chicken completely in the fridge before adding it to the crockpot for the best and safest results.
My Crockpot honey garlic chicken sauce is too runny! How do I thicken it?
No worries, it happens! The easiest way to thicken the sauce is with a cornstarch slurry. Simply mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth, then stir it into the sauce in the crockpot during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking on high heat. Alternatively, you can remove the liquids after cooking and reduce it in a saucepan over medium heat until it reaches your desired consistency - Just like mum used to do!
How do I store leftover honey garlic chicken, and how long will it last?
Leftover honey garlic chicken is fantastic the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave, in a saucepan over medium heat, or even back in the crockpot on low. It's brilliant in sandwiches, wraps, or even on top of a jacket potato!
Is Crockpot honey garlic chicken healthy?
This dish can be part of a balanced diet, but it's worth considering the sugar content from the honey. Using lean chicken breasts instead of thighs will reduce the fat content, and serving it with plenty of vegetables like broccoli or a fresh salad adds essential nutrients. You can also reduce the amount of honey and use low-sodium soy sauce to manage the salt and sugar levels.
Can I add vegetables to the crockpot with the chicken? What works well?
Absolutely! Adding veggies is a great way to make this a complete meal. Broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers (capsicums), and chunks of onion work particularly well. Add heartier vegetables like carrots and potatoes at the beginning of the cooking time. More delicate vegetables like broccoli and bell peppers should be added in the last hour to prevent them from becoming mushy.
