If you’re seeking a delicious and hassle-free meal, look no further than this slow cooker honey garlic chicken. This dish combines tender chicken with a sweet and savory glaze that your entire family will love. With minimal prep time, you can set your slow cooker and let it do all the work. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your home.
Ingredient Breakdown
To create this mouthwatering slow cooker honey garlic chicken, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of each component.
Chicken Breasts
For this recipe, use 2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts. They ensure the dish remains tender and juicy while absorbing the rich flavors of the sauce.
Honey
You’ll need 1/2 cup of pure honey. The sweetness of the honey balances out the savory soy sauce and adds a delightful glaze to the chicken as it cooks.
Soy Sauce
Use 1/4 cup of soy sauce. This ingredient provides umami flavor and saltiness that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Garlic
Incorporate 4 cloves of minced garlic for robust flavor. Fresh garlic infuses the dish with aromatic qualities that complement both the honey and soy sauce.
Olive Oil
Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to help with browning the chicken slightly before it goes into the slow cooker. This step adds depth to the flavor profile.
Cornstarch
Include 2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken the sauce at the end of cooking. This gives your dish a nice glossy finish and improves texture.
Step By Step Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Follow these detailed instructions to make your slow cooker honey garlic chicken perfectly every time.
Prepare the Chicken
Begin by rinsing 2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Cutting them into uniform pieces will help them cook evenly in the slow cooker.
Mix Sauce Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 4 cloves of minced garlic, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil until well combined. This mixture will serve as your marinade and cooking sauce for enhanced flavor throughout the dish.
Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker
Place the prepared chicken breasts into your slow cooker. Pour your honey-garlic mixture over the top, ensuring every piece is coated thoroughly. This step is crucial for maximum flavor infusion during cooking.
Cook on Low Heat
Cover your slow cooker with its lid and set it on low heat for about 6 hours or high heat for approximately 3 hours. Cooking on low allows flavors to meld beautifully while keeping the chicken moist and tender.
Thicken Sauce Before Serving
Once cooking is complete, remove about 1 cup of cooking liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan. Dissolve 2 tablespoons of cornstarch in water and whisk it into the reserved liquid over medium heat until thickened—about 5 minutes. This step creates a glossy sauce to drizzle over your finished dish.
Serving and Storing Tips
To enjoy this delightful meal fully, follow these serving suggestions and storage tips for leftovers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your slow cooker honey garlic chicken over steamed rice or quinoa to soak up all those delicious flavors. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for an added touch that enhances both presentation and flavor.
Leftover Storage
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to four days. Make sure it cools completely before sealing it in to avoid condensation inside the container which can alter texture.
Freezing Tips
For long-term storage, freeze leftover portions in freezer-safe bags or containers. Flatten bags to save space in your freezer; they can last up to three months when frozen properly without losing quality.
This easy-to-follow guide ensures you can whip up delicious slow cooker honey garlic chicken anytime you desire! Enjoy this flavorful meal that’s bound to please everyone at your table!
Mistakes to avoid
Slow cooking is all about timing and technique. One common mistake is overcrowding your slow cooker. When you add too many ingredients, heat can’t circulate properly, leading to uneven cooking. Stick to the recommended serving sizes and allow enough space for the ingredients to cook thoroughly. This ensures your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken comes out tender and flavorful.
Another mistake often made is not browning the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker. While it’s optional, browning the meat enhances its flavor and adds a rich color. Skipping this step can result in a dish that lacks depth. Take a few minutes to sear the chicken first for an improved taste.
A third mistake is neglecting to adjust seasoning after cooking. Slow cookers can sometimes mute flavors, so it’s essential to taste your dish before serving. If needed, add salt, pepper, or additional garlic at the end of cooking for a more vibrant flavor profile in your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken.
Lastly, don’t forget about liquid measurements. Using too much liquid can lead to a watery consistency while too little can dry out your dish. Follow the recipe closely and adjust as necessary based on your slow cooker’s size and model.
Tips and tricks
To achieve the best results with your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken, start by choosing high-quality chicken. Opt for bone-in thighs or breasts; they remain juicy during long cooking times compared to lean cuts like chicken breast. The bones add flavor and moisture, resulting in tender chicken that absorbs all the savory honey garlic sauce.
Another tip is to layer your ingredients correctly within the slow cooker. Place harder vegetables like carrots or potatoes at the bottom where they will cook more thoroughly. Add protein on top of these vegetables for even cooking, allowing flavors from both layers to meld beautifully during the slow-cooking process.
Consider marinating your chicken ahead of time if you want an extra flavor boost. Combine honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger in a zip-top bag with chicken pieces and let it sit overnight in the fridge. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat before slow cooking begins, resulting in richly flavored honey garlic chicken.
Don’t forget about garnishing when serving! Fresh herbs like parsley or green onions add color and flavor that elevate your dish visually and taste-wise. A sprinkle of sesame seeds can also add texture and make your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken look restaurant-worthy.
Lastly, save any leftovers wisely! Store them properly in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze them for longer storage. Reheat gently on low heat in a skillet or microwave while adding a splash of water or broth to keep them moist.
Suggestions for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken can enhance mealtime enjoyment significantly. For a balanced meal, serve it alongside steamed rice or quinoa; these grains soak up excess sauce well, complementing rich flavors beautifully while providing essential nutrients.
Vegetable stir-fry is another excellent choice as it adds freshness and crunch to balance out the tender chicken texture. Use bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas tossed quickly over high heat with soy sauce for added flavor that marries well with honey garlic notes.
If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider making a simple salad with mixed greens topped with sliced almonds and a light vinaigrette dressing. This refreshing side not only contrasts nicely but also adds health benefits without overshadowing your main dish’s flavors.
For those who enjoy bold flavors, serve your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken with spicy kimchi or pickled vegetables on the side. The tangy notes provide an exciting contrast that elevates every bite when enjoyed together!
FAQs
What is Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken?
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a flavorful dish made by combining chicken pieces with honey, garlic, soy sauce, and other seasonings cooked slowly until tender. The slow cooker allows flavors to meld beautifully while keeping the meat moist and juicy throughout the cooking process.
Can I use frozen chicken in my Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken directly in your slow cooker; however, ensure it cooks thoroughly before serving. It may take longer than fresh chicken due to its initial frozen state; always check that internal temperatures reach 165°F (75°C) for safety.
How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken?
Typically, it takes around 4-6 hours on low heat or 2-3 hours on high heat for perfect results when preparing Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken. Cooking times may vary depending on your specific slow cooker model and the size of chicken pieces used.
Can I substitute ingredients in my Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment by substituting different proteins such as pork or tofu if you prefer alternatives from poultry-based dishes. You could also switch honey for maple syrup or brown sugar depending on taste preferences!
What should I do if my sauce seems too thin after cooking?
If you find that your sauce isn’t thick enough after cooking Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken successfully, simply remove some of it into a saucepan over medium heat while mixing cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch mixed with water). Stir until thickened before returning it back into the slow cooker.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Preparing Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken ahead of time works well—just store all ingredients combined (except liquid) in an airtight container within refrigeration until ready for cooking later on in day/weekend meals without hassle!
Summary
In conclusion, crafting delicious Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken requires attention to detail regarding common mistakes like overcrowding and seasoning adjustments while also embracing helpful tips such as marinating beforehand or layering ingredients wisely within cookware settings! Pairing sides thoughtfully enhances overall enjoyment throughout mealtime experiences—so don’t overlook those opportunities alongside answering frequently asked questions surrounding preparation methods effectively! Enjoy this delightful dish knowing you’ll achieve fantastic results every time!
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Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a deliciously sweet and savory dish that’s easy to prepare. Simply let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy the delightful aromas filling your kitchen!
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
2 lbs chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
3. Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred it with two forks.
6. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the sauce.
7. Serve over rice or noodles and garnish with sliced green onions.
Notes
This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey based on your preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 30g
Keywords: slow cooker, chicken, honey garlic, easy dinner