Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Introduction

Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is a savory, sweet, and flavorful dish that is simple to make yet packed with deliciousness. The chicken is slow-cooked in a honey garlic sauce, creating a tender, juicy texture that absorbs all the rich flavors of garlic, honey, and soy sauce.

I first tried this recipe when I was looking for a hassle-free dinner, and it turned out to be a huge hit. The best part is how minimal the prep work is—just toss everything into the Crock Pot and let it work its magic. The result is chicken that’s incredibly tender and full of flavor, making it perfect for busy nights or meal prepping for the week ahead.

Serve it over rice or with vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping for yourself, this dish is sure to impress with its easy-to-make, mouthwatering goodness.

Perfect for:

• Weeknight dinners
• Meal prep
• Family gatherings
• Serving with rice or vegetables
• Comfort food lovers

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Here’s why Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken will become a go-to meal:

• Tender and Juicy Chicken: The slow cooking process ensures the chicken becomes incredibly tender and juicy, perfect for shredding or serving in whole pieces.
• Sweet and Savory Sauce: The honey and garlic create a beautifully balanced sauce that’s both sweet and savory, making the chicken incredibly flavorful.
• Minimal Prep Time: With just a few ingredients and a slow cooker, this dish comes together with very little effort, making it a great option for busy days.
• Versatile: Serve it with rice, noodles, or veggies, or even use it for sandwiches or wraps for different meal options.
• Family-Friendly: This dish is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults, thanks to its sweet and savory profile.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 6 hours (or 4 hours on high)
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6 hours on low (or 4 hours on high)
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 10g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• ½ cup honey
• ⅓ cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional, for added flavor)
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons water (to mix with the cornstarch)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional garnish: chopped green onions or sesame seeds

Ingredient Highlights

• Honey: Honey provides the perfect balance of sweetness, making the sauce sticky and flavorful.
• Soy Sauce: Adds depth and umami to the dish, complementing the sweetness of the honey.
• Garlic: Garlic infuses the sauce with a savory richness that balances the sweetness of the honey.
• Ginger: A hint of ground ginger adds warmth and an extra layer of flavor to the dish.
• Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce and give it a glossy finish once the chicken is done cooking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken:

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Place the Chicken in the Crock Pot: Arrange the chicken breasts (or thighs) in the bottom of the crock pot. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce (if using), and ground ginger. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken.
3. Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or on high for 4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Make the Sauce Thicker:

4. Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry: About 30 minutes before serving, remove the chicken from the crock pot. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to make a slurry.
5. Thicken the Sauce: Pour the cornstarch slurry into the sauce in the crock pot, stir well, and cover. Cook on high for 20-30 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.
6. Shred or Serve the Chicken: Once the chicken is done, shred the chicken with two forks if desired, or serve the chicken breasts whole. Pour the thickened sauce over the chicken.

Serve:

7. Serve the Chicken: Serve the honey garlic chicken over rice, noodles, or with steamed vegetables. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

How to Serve Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is versatile and can be served in many ways:

• Over Rice: Serve the chicken with steamed white or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
• With Noodles: Pair the chicken with noodles, such as egg noodles or soba, for a hearty, satisfying meal.
• With Vegetables: Serve the chicken alongside sautéed or steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or carrots for a balanced, healthy meal.
• In Wraps or Sandwiches: Shred the chicken and serve it in wraps or sandwiches for an easy, on-the-go meal.
• With Mashed Potatoes: For a comfort food classic, serve the chicken with mashed potatoes to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Additional Tips for Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Here are some tips to ensure your Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is perfect every time:

• Use Chicken Thighs: For even more juicy, tender meat, you can substitute chicken thighs for the chicken breasts.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet flavor, reduce the amount of honey to suit your taste.
• Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can increase the amount of cornstarch or use a different thickener, such as arrowroot powder.
• Spicy Option: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
• Double the Sauce: If you prefer extra sauce for serving, simply double the sauce ingredients for more to drizzle over your rice or vegetables.

Recipe Variations for Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Here are 10 variations you can try for Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken:

• Honey Garlic Chicken with Vegetables: Add diced vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or carrots to the crock pot for a one-pot meal.
• Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken: Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy version of this dish.
• Honey Garlic Chicken with Pineapple: Add chunks of pineapple to the crock pot for a sweet and tangy tropical twist.
• Garlic Butter Honey Chicken: Swap the soy sauce with a bit of garlic butter for a rich and savory alternative.
• Honey Garlic Chicken with Lemon: Add lemon juice or zest to the sauce for a bright citrusy flavor.
• Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs: Use bone-in, skinless chicken thighs for even more flavor and tenderness.
• Honey Garlic Chicken with Cashews: Add roasted cashews to the dish for a crunchy, nutty texture.
• Gluten-Free Honey Garlic Chicken: Use gluten-free soy sauce to make the recipe gluten-free.
• Honey Garlic Chicken with Broccoli: Add florets of broccoli to the crock pot for a complete meal in one dish.
• Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken: After cooking, bake the chicken in the oven for a few minutes to get crispy edges while keeping the honey garlic flavor.

Freezing and Storage for Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce for up to 3 months. Just let it cool, place it in an airtight container, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Special Equipment for Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken easier:

• Crock Pot or Slow Cooker: A slow cooker or crock pot is essential for this recipe, as it allows the chicken to cook low and slow for maximum tenderness.
• Whisk: A whisk is useful for mixing the sauce ingredients and making the cornstarch slurry.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements ensure the right balance of flavors.
• Tongs or Forks: Use tongs or forks to remove and shred the chicken once it’s cooked.
• Storage Containers: Airtight containers for storing leftovers or freezing the chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions for Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

1. Can I use frozen chicken?
   Yes, you can use frozen chicken in the crock pot. Just make sure to cook it for a longer time (an extra hour on low or 30 minutes on high).
2. Can I make this dish in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot?
   Yes, you can use the sauté function to brown the chicken first, then pressure cook for 8-10 minutes with the sauce.
3. Can I use other cuts of chicken?
   Yes, you can use chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of breasts for a different texture and flavor.
4. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes, you can double the ingredients. Just make sure your crock pot is large enough to accommodate the extra chicken.

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Conclusion

Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is the perfect meal for anyone looking for a delicious, easy-to-make dinner. With minimal prep time and a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy tender, flavorful chicken with a sweet and savory sauce that’s sure to please everyone. Whether you serve it over rice, noodles, or vegetables, this dish is versatile and sure to become a family favorite.

This recipe is as effortless as it is tasty, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals. You can set it and forget it, letting the slow cooker work its magic while you get on with your day. It’s the ultimate in comfort food with maximum convenience!

I’d love to see how your Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!