Craving a flavorful and effortless dinner? This Honey Garlic Chicken Crockpot recipe is your answer! It’s a simple, set-it-and-forget-it meal that delivers incredibly tender and delicious chicken with a sweet and savory glaze. Using a crockpot ensures the chicken is cooked to perfection, making it a guaranteed hit with the whole family. Get ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort!
What is Honey Garlic Chicken Crockpot?
Honey Garlic Chicken Crockpot is a classic comfort food recipe that combines the ease of slow cooking with the irresistible flavors of honey and garlic. Chicken pieces, typically boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, are simmered in a flavorful sauce made from honey, garlic, soy sauce, and other seasonings. The slow cooker gently cooks the chicken until it’s incredibly tender and infused with the sweet and savory sauce. This makes for a deeply satisfying and incredibly easy dinner option, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – just toss the ingredients into the crockpot, and let it work its magic. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish that everyone will love. Ready to ditch the takeout and enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal? Give this Honey Garlic Chicken Crockpot recipe a try!
Key Ingredients for Honey Garlic Chicken Crockpot:
Here’s what you’ll need to create this amazing dish:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Chicken breasts are leaner, while thighs offer more flavor and stay more moist during slow cooking. Cut into 1-inch cubes for faster cooking and better sauce absorption.
- 1/2 cup honey: Adds sweetness and helps create a sticky, delicious glaze. Use your favorite type of honey – wildflower, clover, or orange blossom all work well.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Provides a savory, umami base for the sauce. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness.
- 1/4 cup ketchup: Adds acidity and depth of flavor to the sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a pungent, aromatic flavor. Freshly minced garlic is highly recommended for the best flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to sauté the garlic (optional, but recommended for enhancing the garlic flavor).
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds a subtle tang and balances the sweetness of the honey. Apple cider vinegar can be substituted.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Adds a nutty and aromatic flavor. Use sparingly, as it can be quite strong.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds warmth and a subtle spiciness.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a touch of heat. Adjust to your preference.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce at the end of cooking.
- 2 tablespoons water: Mixed with cornstarch to create a slurry.
- Optional garnishes: Sesame seeds, chopped green onions, for added flavor and visual appeal.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Crockpot:
This Honey Garlic Chicken Crockpot recipe is incredibly easy, delicious, and satisfying. The slow cooking process guarantees tender and flavorful chicken that’s perfect for any weeknight meal. It takes just about 10 minutes to prep and 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low in the crockpot. The sweetness of the honey combined with the savory garlic creates a rich and flavorful combination that will become a family-favorite.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Garlic (Optional): In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. This step enhances the garlic flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). If you have sautéed the garlic, add it to the bowl as well.
- Add Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the bowl with the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Ensure that all the chicken pieces are well coated with the honey garlic mixture.
- Transfer to Crockpot: Pour the chicken and sauce mixture into your crockpot. Spread the chicken pieces in a single layer for even cooking.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth to create a cornstarch slurry.
- Stir in Slurry: Turn the crockpot to high heat. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the crockpot and stir well to combine.
- Cook Until Thickened: Let the mixture cook for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Serve the Honey Garlic Chicken Crockpot hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired. Enjoy over rice, noodles, or your favorite side dish!
Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Chicken Crockpot:
This Honey Garlic Chicken Crockpot recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, mainly because of its incredibly tender chicken drenched in a sweet and savory glaze. Preparing this at home is a cost-effective alternative to takeout; you get a larger portion for a fraction of the price, and you know exactly what ingredients are used. Don’t forget the garnishes – a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions elevate the dish with added flavor and visual appeal.
If you’re looking for another easy chicken dish, try our Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken. But for convenience and fantastic flavor, the Honey Garlic Chicken Crockpot is a must-try! What are you waiting for? Give this recipe a shot and enjoy a delicious, fuss-free meal tonight!
What to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Crockpot With:
This versatile dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas to complement your Honey Garlic Chicken Crockpot dinner:
- Steamed Rice: A classic pairing! White rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice all work well.
- Noodles: Egg noodles, ramen noodles, or even spaghetti noodles are great for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, or asparagus make a healthy and flavorful side.
- Asian Slaw: A light and refreshing slaw adds a nice contrast to the richness of the chicken.
- Quinoa: A protein-packed side that adds a nutty flavor and interesting texture to your meal.
Top Tips for Perfecting Honey Garlic Chicken Crockpot:
Here are some tips to ensure your Honey Garlic Chicken Crockpot turns out perfectly every time:
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooking the chicken can cause it to become dry and tough. Keep an eye on it and check for doneness using a meat thermometer.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of honey.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add vegetables to the crockpot along with the chicken, such as broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, or chopped carrots. Add them in the last hour of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Use Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: This helps control the saltiness of the dish.
- Thicken the Sauce: To thicken the sauce without cornstarch, you can simply remove the lid from the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking, allowing the sauce to reduce naturally.
- Chicken cut: Chicken thighs are significantly less prone to drying, even if overcooked slightly.
5 Facts about Honey Garlic Chicken Crockpot:
- It’s a great make-ahead meal, perfect for busy weeknights.
- The dish originates from Asian-inspired cuisine, combining sweet and savory elements.
- It’s a healthier alternative to takeout because you control the ingredients and portion sizes.
- Honey acts as a natural tenderizer, making the chicken incredibly juicy.
- Variations exist, including adding chili garlic sauce for extra spice or using different types of vinegar for a unique flavor.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Storing:
- Allow the Honey Garlic Chicken Crockpot to cool completely before storing.
- Transfer the chicken and sauce to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent sticking.
- Crockpot: For larger portions, reheat in the crockpot on low for 1-2 hours, or until heated through.
Freezing:
- Allow the Honey Garlic Chicken Crockpot to cool completely before freezing.
- Transfer the chicken and sauce to a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Label and date the container.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Final Thoughts:
This Honey Garlic Chicken Crockpot recipe is a winner because it’s ridiculously easy to make, delivers incredible flavor, and is a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner, this recipe is foolproof. The slow cooking process guarantees tender and juicy chicken infused with that irresistible honey garlic glaze. This dish is highly customizable – adjust the sweetness, spice level, and vegetables to your liking. Perfect for busy weeknights or easy family dinners, this Honey Garlic Chicken Crockpot will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation. So gather your ingredients, dust off your crockpot, and prepare to indulge in a flavor-packed meal that’s both satisfying and effortless.
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
Honey Garlic Chicken Crockpot FAQs:
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: While it’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking, you can cook frozen chicken in the crockpot. However, you’ll need to increase the cooking time significantly (usually by 50%) and ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Be cautious about leaving chicken at room temperature to thaw when planning a future meal.
Q: Can I add vegetables to the crockpot?
A: Absolutely! Broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, and chopped carrots are great additions. Add them in the last hour of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
Q: How do I make the sauce thicker?
A: The cornstarch slurry thickens the sauce, but you can also remove the lid from the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the sauce to reduce naturally.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! The Honey Garlic Chicken Crockpot is a great make-ahead meal. Simply prepare it as directed, then store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat before serving.
Q: Can I use bone-in chicken?
A: Yes, you can use bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks. However, the cooking time may need to be adjusted accordingly. Increase liquid amount to cover chicken in sauce.