Searching for effortless and delicious healthy crock pot dinners? This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken recipe delivers tender chicken coated in a sweet and savory sauce. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare a wholesome meal that cooks itself.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts.
- Honey: Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as a substitute.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is best, but garlic powder works in a pinch.
- Soy Sauce: Low sodium soy sauce is recommended. Tamari or coconut aminos are great gluten-free options.
- Cornstarch: Essential for thickening the sauce.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
For Thickening (at the end):
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp cold water
For Garnish (optional):
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours (on High) or 6 hours (on Low)
- Servings: 4
- Tools Needed: Slow cooker (Crock-Pot), whisk
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken
Season your chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Place them evenly in the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. Whisk Together the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, ginger (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using). Ensure all ingredients are well combined.
3. Pour Sauce Over Chicken
Carefully pour the prepared sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Make sure the chicken is mostly covered.
4. Cook Until Tender
Cover your slow cooker and cook on high for 3 hours, or on low for 6 hours. The chicken should be very tender and easily shreddable.
5. Thicken the Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Pour this slurry into the sauce remaining in the slow cooker, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. This usually takes about 5-10 minutes.
6. Shred and Combine
Shred the cooked chicken using two forks, or chop it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the thickened sauce in the slow cooker and stir to coat.
7. Serve and Garnish
Serve your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken over rice or with steamed vegetables. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
Variation Ideas:
- Add broccoli florets or bell pepper slices to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking for added vegetables.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Serve in lettuce wraps for a lighter meal.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftover Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. You can add a splash of water or broth if the sauce seems too thick when reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can you use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen boneless, skinless chicken, but you may need to increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours.
What should you serve with this dish?
It pairs wonderfully with brown rice, quinoa, steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a simple side salad.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How do you prevent the chicken from drying out?
Using boneless, skinless thighs helps keep the chicken moist. Avoid overcooking; cook just until the chicken is tender and shreddable.
Can you make this without the cornstarch?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. The cornstarch slurry is used specifically to thicken the sauce to your desired consistency.
Is this a healthy crock pot dinner option?
Absolutely! This recipe uses lean protein and can be easily customized with plenty of vegetables, making it a great choice for healthy crock pot dinners.