CROCKPOT HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN

Tired of slaving over the stove after a long day? Craving a flavorful, satisfying meal without the fuss? Look no further! This Easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine tender, juicy chicken coated in a sweet and savory glaze, all thanks to the magic of your slow cooker. Get ready for a delicious dinner that practically cooks itself!

Gathering Your Heavenly Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this incredible dish. Don’t worry; most of these are pantry staples!

For the Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken:

• Chicken Thighs: 2 lbs, boneless, skinless (you can use chicken breasts too, but thighs are more forgiving in the slow cooker!)
• Honey: 1/2 cup, the star of our sweet and savory sauce.
• Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup, for that umami punch. Low sodium is best to control the salt level.
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced. Fresh is best, but you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder in a pinch.
• Ketchup: 2 tablespoons, adds a touch of tang and thickness.
• Rice Vinegar: 1 tablespoon, balances the sweetness and adds acidity.
• Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon, for that authentic Asian flavor. Don’t skip this!
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (or more to taste!), for a little kick.
• Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon, for thickening the sauce at the end.
• Water: 2 tablespoons, to mix with the cornstarch.
• Sesame Seeds and Green Onions: For garnish (optional, but highly recommended!).

Step-by-Step to Honey Garlic Chicken Perfection

Let’s get cooking! This recipe is incredibly easy, I promise!

Preparing the Chicken and Sauce:

1. Place the chicken thighs in the crockpot. Arrange them in a single layer if possible.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Make sure everything is well combined.
3. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken, ensuring that all the pieces are coated.

Slow Cooking to Tender Goodness:

1. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it’s easily shredded with a fork.
2. About 30 minutes before serving, whisk together the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. This will help thicken the sauce.
3. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the crockpot and stir well to combine.
4. Replace the lid and let it cook for the remaining 30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.

Serving and Enjoying:

1. Shred the chicken with two forks right in the crockpot. This step is optional, but it makes it easier to serve and allows the chicken to soak up even more of that delicious sauce!
2. Serve the Easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken over rice (white or brown work great!), quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
3. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a beautiful and flavorful finishing touch.
4. Enjoy! Prepare for rave reviews!

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Recipe

Seriously, what’s not to love? This Easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken is the ultimate weeknight winner for so many reasons. Let me break it down for you:

• Effortless Preparation: Just dump and go! The slow cooker does all the work, so you can focus on other things.
• Incredible Flavor: The combination of sweet honey, savory garlic, and tangy vinegar creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Versatile: Serve it over rice, noodles, in lettuce wraps, or even as a topping for baked potatoes. The possibilities are endless!
• Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will gobble this up. You can easily adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
• Make-Ahead Meal: Perfect for meal prepping. You can even prep the ingredients in the morning before you leave for work and have dinner ready when you get home!

Pro Tips for the Best Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken

Want to take your Easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken to the next level? Here are a few insider tips and tricks:

• Don’t overcrowd the crockpot: If you’re making a larger batch, it’s best to use a larger crockpot or cook in batches. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
• Sear the chicken (optional): For extra flavor and texture, you can quickly sear the chicken thighs in a hot pan before adding them to the crockpot. This step is not necessary, but it adds a nice depth of flavor.
• Adjust the sweetness to your liking: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of honey. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the sweetness.
• Spice it up: If you like a little more heat, add more red pepper flakes, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a dash of sriracha.
• Use fresh garlic: While garlic powder will work in a pinch, fresh garlic provides the best flavor.
• Thicken the sauce to perfection: If your sauce isn’t thickening enough, you can add another tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Just make sure to stir it in well and let it cook for a few more minutes.

Variations to Make It Your Own

This Easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is a fantastic base, but feel free to get creative and customize it to your liking! Here are a few ideas:

• Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies: Add your favorite vegetables to the crockpot along with the chicken. Broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and snap peas all work well.
• Pineapple Honey Garlic Chicken: Add a can of pineapple chunks (drained) to the crockpot for a tropical twist.
• Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Wings: Use chicken wings instead of thighs for a fun appetizer or snack. You may need to adjust the cooking time.
• Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry: After the chicken is cooked and shredded, quickly stir-fry it in a wok or large skillet with some extra sauce and your favorite vegetables.

Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal!

This Easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when paired with the right side dishes! Here are a few of my favorite serving suggestions:

• Rice: White rice, brown rice, jasmine rice, or even sticky rice are all great options.
• Quinoa: A healthy and protein-packed alternative to rice.
• Noodles: Lo mein noodles, udon noodles, or even spaghetti noodles work well.
• Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, stir-fried vegetables, or a simple salad.
• Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette.

More Easy Chicken Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this Easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken, you’re sure to love these other easy and delicious chicken recipes! And remember, you can always find more inspiration at The Recipes Mom!

• For a comforting and classic meal, try this CREAMY CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP, perfect for a chilly day.
• Another great choice for a hearty and flavorful dinner is the CHICKEN STEW RECIPE, filled with tender chicken and vegetables.
• If you are craving pasta, the CREAMY GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN PASTA will become a new favorite.
• And for another fantastic garlic chicken option, check out GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN.
• For a quick and easy lunch or snack, try these GARLIC CHICKEN CHEESE WRAPS.
• And for another easy crockpot meal, don’t miss the CROCKPOT CHICKEN ENCHILADA.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get about this Easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken recipe:

• Can I use frozen chicken? While it’s best to use thawed chicken for the best results, you can use frozen chicken in a pinch. Just add an extra hour or two to the cooking time.
• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but be careful not to overcook them, as they can become dry. Reduce the cooking time by about an hour.
• Can I make this in the Instant Pot? Yes! Sear the chicken, then add the sauce and cook on high pressure for 8-10 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.
• How long does the leftovers last? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Can I freeze this? Yes! Allow the chicken to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Get Ready to Enjoy!

So there you have it: the easiest, most delicious Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken recipe you’ll ever make! I know you’re going to love it! Now go forth and conquer dinner! Enjoy!

Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken

This Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is an easy and flavorful weeknight meal. Tender chicken thighs are slow-cooked in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, resulting in a delicious and satisfying dish that requires minimal effort.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes or to taste
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• Sesame seeds, for garnish
• Green onions, chopped, for garnish
• Cooked rice or quinoa, for serving

Equipment

• Crockpot (Slow Cooker)
• Medium bowl
• Small bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fork
• Serving Spoon

Method

 

1. Place the chicken thighs in the crockpot in a single layer.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
3. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated.
4. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is easily shredded with a fork.
5. About 30 minutes before serving, whisk together the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry.
6. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the crockpot and stir well to combine.
7. Replace the lid and let it cook for the remaining 30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
8. Shred the chicken with two forks right in the crockpot.
9. Serve over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.
10. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Notes

For best results, use fresh garlic for the most intense flavor. To adjust the sweetness, reduce the amount of honey or add a squeeze of lemon juice. The sauce can be thickened further by adding another tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or frozen for up to 2-3 months. Sear the chicken thighs in a hot pan before adding them to the slow cooker for extra flavor and texture.