I have to say, this slow cooker honey garlic chicken was a game-changer for me! Not only is it ridiculously easy to throw together, but the flavors are absolutely irresistible.
After just a few hours of slow cooking, my kitchen smelled amazing, and the chicken turned out perfectly tender and soaked in a rich, savory sauce. I served it over a simple bed of rice, and everyone went back for seconds. Trust me, once you make this, it will quickly become one of your go-to meals.
Credit: wellplated
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this dish truly shine!
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) skinless, boneless chicken thighs, trimmed and quartered. Chicken thighs hold up well to slow cooking and stay juicy.
- 2 tablespoons cornflour. This helps to thicken the sauce to that perfect consistency.
- ½ teaspoon salt. Balances the sweetness of the honey.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper. Adds a subtle depth of seasoning.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder. Enhances the garlic flavor without being overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon paprika. Adds a hint of smokiness and richness to the flavor.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar. Substitute with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar for a tangy boost.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil. Gives the sauce a nutty and aromatic edge.
- 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce. This brings umami depth and color to the dish.
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced. The star ingredient for that bold garlic taste!
- 120 ml (½ cup) chicken stock. Builds a flavorful base for the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces. Creates a silky, rich finish.
- 165 ml (½ cup) honey. Adds the essential sweetness and glaze-like texture.
Note: This recipe makes 4-6 servings.
Variations
You can tweak this recipe to suit your dietary preferences or flavor profile:
- Dairy-Free: Swap the butter with a vegan alternative or simply omit it.
- Sugar-Free: Use a natural sweetener like monk fruit or a sugar-free honey substitute.
- Enhance the Flavor: Add a tablespoon of grated ginger for a fresh, zingy kick or a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Low-Sodium: Use reduced-sodium soy sauce and chicken stock for a lighter option.
For a different take on flavors, you might enjoy this creamy tomato lobster linguine with garlic breadcrumbs.
Cooking Time
No need to stress over time with this fantastically simple dish!
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 4 hours (high) or 6 hours (low)
- Total time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Slow Cooker: The star of the show, cooks everything to perfection.
- Mixing Bowl: For preparing and whisking the sauce.
- Garlic Press or Knife: To finely mince the garlic.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
- Cutting Board and Knife: To prep the chicken.
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe?
Cooking this irresistible dish is as easy as it gets. Here’s how you can make it:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by trimming any excess fat off the chicken thigh fillets and cutting them into quarters. This ensures the chicken is evenly cooked and tender. Place the prepared pieces directly into your slow cooker.
Step 2: Create the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together cornflour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Make sure the cornflour is well incorporated and no lumps remain. Then stir in the chicken stock, butter, and honey. This forms the rich, flavorful sauce that will glaze the chicken.
Step 3: Combine and Cook
Pour your sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Gently stir to coat all the chicken pieces evenly. Cover the slow cooker with a lid and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 5-6 hours. Stir it once during the last hour if possible, but don’t worry if you can’t. The slow cooker and sauce do the magic!
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once the cooking time is up, your chicken will be fall-apart tender and bathed in a thick, glossy honey garlic sauce. Serve it hot over a bed of steamed rice, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for that perfect finishing touch.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
From my experience making this dish, here are a few ways to make it even better:
- Use fresh garlic instead of pre-minced for the boldest flavor.
- Don’t add extra liquid even if it looks dry at first; the chicken will release its own juices.
- Stir the dish toward the end of cooking to evenly distribute the sauce for maximum flavor.
- If you prefer crispier chicken, you could broil the cooked pieces for 2-3 minutes before serving.
For more hearty and comforting dishes, check out this crack chicken soup recipe.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken?
Presenting this dish can make all the difference! Serve it over a simple bowl of jasmine rice, egg-fried rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Add a pop of color with freshly chopped green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Want to take it a step further? Pair it with lightly steamed broccoli or bok choy for a balanced and visually appealing plate.
Nutritional Information
This dish is both satisfying and well-balanced. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 589
- Protein: 50g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fat: 20g
Make Ahead and Storage
Restoring and Reheating
If you have leftovers, simply reheat the chicken in a saucepan over medium heat for 7-10 minutes, stirring often. You can also microwave it in a covered dish until piping hot.
Freezing
Want to save it for later? Allow the cooked chicken to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Storing in the Fridge
Store any leftovers in a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
There’s so much to adore about this slow cooker honey garlic chicken:
- Effortless Preparation: Just 10 minutes of prep, and the slow cooker does the rest.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The sweet and savory sauce satisfies all tastes.
- Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with rice, noodles, or veggies.
- Customizable Flavors: Easily tweak it to suit your dietary preferences or spice level.
- Minimal Cleanup: Fewer dishes make it even more appealing!
With its bold flavors, easy steps, and comforting vibes, this slow cooker honey garlic chicken is a recipe you’ll return to over and over again. Give it a try, and you’ll see why it’s everyone’s favorite! You can also enjoy similar chicken recipes for more inspiration.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipes
Ingredients
Method
- Start by trimming any excess fat off the chicken thigh fillets and cutting them into quarters. This ensures the chicken is evenly cooked and tender. Place the prepared pieces directly into your slow cooker.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together cornflour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Make sure the cornflour is well incorporated and no lumps remain. Then stir in the chicken stock, butter, and honey. This forms the rich, flavorful sauce that will glaze the chicken.
- Pour your sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Gently stir to coat all the chicken pieces evenly. Cover the slow cooker with a lid and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 5-6 hours. Stir it once during the last hour if possible, but don’t worry if you can’t. The slow cooker and sauce do the magic!
- Once the cooking time is up, your chicken will be fall-apart tender and bathed in a thick, glossy honey garlic sauce. Serve it hot over a bed of steamed rice, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for that perfect finishing touch.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic instead of pre-minced for the boldest flavor.
- Don’t add extra liquid even if it looks dry at first; the chicken will release its own juices.
- Stir the dish toward the end of cooking to evenly distribute the sauce for maximum flavor.
- If you prefer crispier chicken, you could broil the cooked pieces for 2-3 minutes before serving.
