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Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

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  • Author: Evelyn
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Asian

Description

This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken recipe offers a sweet and savory flavor profile that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a stress-free meal. Tender chicken thighs or breasts simmer in a luscious honey-soy-garlic sauce, enhanced with touches of ginger, garlic, and a hint of spice. The slow cooker does the work, resulting in juicy, flavorful chicken that pairs beautifully with rice or steamed vegetables. Optionally, the sauce can be thickened for a richer texture and garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a delightful finish.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce

  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For Thickening (Optional)

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water

For Garnish

  • Sesame seeds
  • Chopped green onions

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: Lightly season the chicken thighs or breasts evenly with salt and black pepper on both sides to enhance the natural flavors before cooking.
  2. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, grated ginger (if using), rice or apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if desired). This mixture creates a balanced sweet and savory sauce with a subtle kick.
  3. Load the Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker in a single layer. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated for maximum flavor infusion during cooking.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook the chicken on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is tender, fully cooked, and flavors are melded.
  5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, carefully remove the chicken and transfer the cooking liquid to a saucepan. Create a slurry by mixing cornstarch with water, then stir it into the sauce. Simmer over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking.
  6. Finish and Garnish: Return the chicken to the slow cooker or pour the thickened sauce over the pieces. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions to add texture and a fresh, vibrant finish before serving.

Notes

  • For a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
  • Chicken thighs offer more moisture and flavor, but breasts can be used for a leaner option.
  • Use low sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
  • The recipe pairs well with steamed rice, noodles, or sautéed vegetables.
  • To save time, prep ingredients the night before and refrigerate the slow cooker insert.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Find it online: https://evelynscooking.com/slow-cooker-honey-garlic-chicken-recipe/