This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is super easy and oh-so-tasty! With tender chicken cooked in a sweet and sticky honey garlic sauce, it’s sure to please everyone at your table.
I love coming home to the wonderful smell wafting through the house. It’s like a warm hug that says, “Dinner is ready!” Just serve it with rice or veggies, and you’ve got a winner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe due to their tender texture. You could use chicken thighs for more flavor or bulk if you prefer. just remember that they may take slightly longer to cook.
Honey: Honey provides sweetness and helps balance the soy sauce’s saltiness. If you’re looking for a lower-calorie option, agave syrup or maple syrup can work as substitutes, though they will alter the flavor slightly.
Soy Sauce: Low sodium soy sauce is best to control the salt level in your dish. For a gluten-free option, you can use tamari or coconut aminos, which gives a similar umami taste.
Ketchup: Ketchup adds thickness and tanginess to the sauce. If you want to cut down on sugar, consider using a sugar-free ketchup or a homemade tomato sauce with a pinch of sugar.
Garlic and Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger really boost the flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use garlic powder and ground ginger, but use less—about 1/2 teaspoon each will do.
How Can I Achieve the Best Chicken Texture in a Slow Cooker?
Getting tender, juicy chicken is all about temperature and timing in a slow cooker. Here are some tips:
- Keep the chicken breasts whole while cooking; they’ll retain moisture better.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours for the best texture.
- Don’t rush it! Let it cook until it’s easily shredded with a fork.
- After shredding, let it soak in the sauce for 10-15 minutes. This ensures every bite is flavorful.
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated (optional)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For Garnish:
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Cooked rice (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious honey garlic chicken takes about 15 minutes to prepare, and then it needs 6-7 hours in the slow cooker on low or 3-4 hours on high to become tender and flavorful. Once it’s ready, it will just take a few more minutes to shred and serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Sauce:
In a large bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, grated ginger (if you’re using it), black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Make sure everything is well combined—this will be the tasty sauce that infuses flavor into your chicken!
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is coated evenly. This will help the chicken absorb all that yummy flavor as it cooks.
3. Slow Cook the Chicken:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook the chicken on low for about 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked and tender when it’s done—check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety!
4. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is ready, carefully remove it from the slow cooker using tongs. Place it on a cutting board and shred it with two forks—it’s okay if it’s a bit messy! Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and stir it in with the leftover sauce for extra flavor.
5. Final Cook:
Let the shredded chicken cook in the sauce for an additional 10-15 minutes. This allows the chicken to soak up all the deliciousness of the sauce, making it even tastier.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Now it’s time to enjoy your honey garlic chicken! Serve it over a bed of cooked rice, and don’t forget to sprinkle some sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top for that extra touch. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure the chicken is fully thawed before cooking. You can thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or use the quick method by placing the sealed chicken in a bowl of cold water for about 1-2 hours. This ensures even cooking and tender results!
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you need a substitute for honey, consider using maple syrup or agave nectar for a similar sweetness. For a healthier alternative, brown sugar diluted in water can also work well—mix 1/2 cup of brown sugar with 2 tablespoons of water to mimic honey’s consistency.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place the chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage; just ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to keep it moist.
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Recipe?
Definitely! Adding vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots can enhance nutrition and flavor. Just chop them and layer them in the slow cooker with the chicken. Make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking, and they may need an extra hour on low or 30 minutes on high.
