Amazing Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

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Crockpot honey garlic chicken has become my absolute go-to for weeknight dinners, and I’m so excited to share it with you! I remember the first time I made it; the aroma of sweet honey and savory garlic wafting from the slow cooker was incredible, and my family devoured every last bite. This slow cooker honey garlic chicken recipe is a lifesaver when I’m short on time but still want a delicious, home-cooked meal. The chicken comes out so tender and the glaze is just perfectly balanced – sweet, tangy, and utterly irresistible. Let’s get cooking!

Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken:
– Easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken: Minimal prep means more time enjoying your evening.
– Tender & Flavorful: The slow cooker works its magic, resulting in incredibly tender chicken bathed in a delicious honey garlic sauce.
– Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
– Versatile: Serve it over rice, noodles, or even on its own for a complete meal.
– Make Honey Garlic Chicken in Crockpot: It’s the perfect hands-off meal for busy days.
– Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients you likely already have.
– Delicious Leftovers: This slow cooker honey garlic chicken is just as tasty the next day.

Ingredients for Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken

Gather these simple ingredients for the best crockpot honey garlic chicken recipe. You’ll be amazed at how these common pantry staples transform into a delicious meal.

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs – these are my favorite for this crock pot honey garlic chicken recipe because they stay incredibly moist and tender.
1/2 cup honey – the star of our sweet glaze, providing that signature sticky sweetness.
1/4 cup soy sauce – for that essential savory depth and saltiness to balance the honey.
6 cloves garlic, minced – I like to use fresh garlic for the most potent flavor in this slow cooker honey garlic chicken.
1 tablespoon rice vinegar – adds a subtle tang to cut through the richness of the honey and soy sauce.
1 teaspoon sesame oil – this gives a wonderful nutty aroma and flavor to the crockpot chicken with honey garlic sauce.
1 teaspoon ground ginger – complements the garlic and adds a warm, spicy note.
1/2 teaspoon salt – to enhance all the other flavors.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper – for a touch of warmth.
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce) – use this if you want a thicker, glossier sauce for your honey garlic chicken slow cooker recipe.
2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening) – mixed with cornstarch to create a slurry.
Green onions, chopped (for garnish) – adds a fresh, sharp bite and beautiful color.
Sesame seeds (for garnish) – for a little crunch and visual appeal.

How to Make Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken

This recipe is designed to be incredibly simple, making it perfect for any night of the week. You’ll love how little effort it takes to achieve such amazing flavor!

Step 1: Prepare the chicken. Trim any excess fat from your 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs. If you prefer smaller pieces, you can cut them into bite-sized chunks now. This is the first step for your crockpot honey garlic chicken.
Step 2: Mix the sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the 1/2 cup honey, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 6 cloves minced garlic, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Whisk until everything is well combined for your slow cooker honey garlic chicken. The aroma at this stage is already amazing!
Step 3: Add chicken to crockpot. Place the prepared chicken thighs in the bottom of your crockpot.
Step 4: Pour sauce over chicken. Evenly pour the delicious honey garlic sauce over the chicken, making sure all the pieces are nicely coated. This coats your chicken in the delicious honey garlic sauce.
Step 5: Cook. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for about 2-3 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is cooked through and wonderfully tender. Your crockpot honey garlic chicken is now cooking and filling your home with a mouthwatering scent.
Step 6: Thicken the sauce (Optional). If you prefer a thicker, glossier sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water in a small bowl until smooth. About 30 minutes before serving, stir this mixture into the crockpot. This step makes your sauce richer for the honey garlic chicken slow cooker recipe.
Step 7: Taste and Adjust. Before serving, carefully taste the sauce. Adjust seasoning if necessary – add more soy sauce for saltiness or a touch more honey for sweetness. Perfecting the flavor of your crockpot chicken with honey garlic sauce is key!
Step 8: Serve. Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce is to your liking, turn off the crockpot and let it rest for a few minutes.
Step 9: Garnish. Serve the chicken over fluffy rice or tender noodles, spooning extra sauce on top. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a beautiful finish. Enjoy your easy crockpot honey garlic chicken!

Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Cooking Time

For this crockpot honey garlic chicken, cooking time varies. On low, it typically takes 4-6 hours. Cooking on high will speed things up, usually taking about 2-3 hours.

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken in Crockpot

Simply combine the sauce ingredients, pour them over chicken in the crockpot, and cook until tender. Thicken the sauce if desired before serving this delightful honey garlic chicken recipe slow cooker.

Pro Tips for the Best Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken

I’ve made this crockpot honey garlic chicken more times than I can count, and I’ve picked up a few tricks to make it absolutely perfect every time. These tips will help you achieve that amazing flavor and tender texture that makes this recipe so popular.

Always use fresh garlic! Minced fresh garlic makes a huge difference compared to garlic powder for that authentic honey garlic flavor.
Don’t overcrowd the crockpot. Leaving some space allows the heat to circulate evenly, ensuring your chicken cooks perfectly.
Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha to the sauce if you enjoy a little heat. It complements the sweet and savory notes beautifully.
For an extra layer of flavor, consider searing the chicken thighs for a couple of minutes on each side before adding them to the crockpot.

What’s the secret to perfect Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken?

The real secret to perfect crockpot honey garlic chicken lies in the balance of sweet and savory. Using fresh garlic and not overcooking the chicken are crucial. The slow cooking process tenderizes the chicken beautifully, allowing it to soak up all that delicious honey garlic sauce.

Can I make Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and trim the chicken a day in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. Combine everything in the crockpot just before you’re ready to cook. This makes your slow cooker honey garlic chicken even more of a weeknight lifesaver.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken?

A common mistake is overcooking, which can make the chicken dry. Stick to the recommended cooking times. Also, ensure you whisk the cornstarch and water mixture thoroughly before adding it to the crockpot to avoid lumps in your honey garlic chicken in crock pot sauce.

Best Ways to Serve Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken

This versatile crockpot honey garlic chicken is fantastic served in so many ways! My favorite pairing is over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice. The rice soaks up that incredible honey garlic sauce beautifully, making every bite a delight. Another winner is serving it alongside tender noodles, like egg noodles or ramen, which also catch that luscious glaze.

For a lighter option, consider serving this slow cooker chicken honey garlic thighs alongside a fresh, crisp salad or some steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. The sweetness of the chicken and sauce contrasts wonderfully with the freshness of the veggies. It’s a complete, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion!

Variations of Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken You Can Try

This crockpot honey garlic chicken recipe is incredibly adaptable, and I love experimenting with different twists! Whether you’re looking for a healthier option, a spicier kick, or even a different cooking method, there are so many ways to make this dish your own. These variations ensure you can always enjoy these delicious honey garlic flavors, no matter your preference.

Healthy Swap: For a lighter take, swap chicken thighs for boneless, skinless chicken breasts and reduce the honey slightly, using a sugar substitute if desired.
Spicy Kick: Amp up the heat by adding red pepper flakes or a swirl of sriracha to the sauce mixture.
Garlic Lover’s Dream: If you adore garlic, feel free to add an extra 2-3 cloves to the sauce for an even more intense garlic flavor in your honey garlic chicken slow cooker recipe.
Gluten-Free Version: Simply substitute the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.

Healthy Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken

To make this a healthy crockpot honey garlic chicken, opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs. You can also reduce the amount of honey by half and use a natural, low-calorie sweetener like stevia or monk fruit. Serving with extra steamed vegetables instead of rice also boosts the health factor.

Spicy Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken

Want to turn up the heat? For a spicy crockpot honey garlic chicken, I love adding about 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture. You can also stir in a tablespoon or two of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking for an extra kick.

Crockpot Chicken with Honey Garlic Sauce – Frequently Asked Questions

What is Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken?

Crockpot chicken with honey garlic sauce is a wonderfully tender and flavorful dish made by slow-cooking chicken pieces in a sweet and savory sauce. It’s known for its ease of preparation and delicious, glaze-like coating that coats the chicken beautifully, making it a favorite for busy cooks.

Why is Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Popular?

The popularity of crockpot honey garlic chicken stems from its incredible simplicity and delicious taste. It requires minimal effort, making it perfect for weeknight meals. The sweet and savory flavor profile is a crowd-pleaser for all ages, and the slow cooker ensures the chicken is always tender and moist.

Nutrition Facts for Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken

This crockpot honey garlic chicken is a flavorful dish that offers good nutritional value. A standard serving provides a solid amount of protein, essential for muscle repair and satiety. While the honey contributes to carbohydrates, the overall balance makes it a satisfying meal option.

Calories: 280 kcal
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: N/A
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: N/A
Fiber: N/A
Sugar: N/A
Sodium: N/A

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially if you opt for a healthier crockpot honey garlic chicken version or add extra spice.

How to Store and Reheat Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken

Leftovers of this delicious crockpot honey garlic chicken are a treat! Once the chicken has cooled slightly, transfer any remaining portions to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. This makes it super convenient for meal prepping lunches or enjoying another tasty serving later in the week. If you want to keep it even longer, freezing is a fantastic option. Wrap the cooled chicken tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It should keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to reheat is gently. Thaw frozen chicken overnight in the fridge. Then, you can reheat it in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if needed, or gently warm it in the microwave. This ensures your honey garlic chicken in crock pot leftovers are just as flavorful as when they were first made.