This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is a perfect combination of sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors that will make your taste buds dance. The tender, juicy chicken is cooked slowly in a rich honey garlic sauce that seeps into every bite, creating an irresistible dish. Whether you’re looking for a hassle-free weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal, this recipe is a must-try. The slow cooking process enhances the flavors and ensures the chicken is perfectly moist and delicious. With minimal prep time, this dish is ideal for busy individuals who crave a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve it over rice, noodles, or vegetables for a complete meal that is both nutritious and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Place the boneless chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, chicken broth, minced garlic, grated ginger, vinegar, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated evenly.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 2.5-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreddable.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Add this mixture to the sauce in the slow cooker and stir well.
- Turn the slow cooker to HIGH and let the sauce thicken for about 10-15 minutes while you shred the chicken.
- Shred the chicken using two forks, then return it to the slow cooker and stir to coat with the thickened sauce.
- Let the chicken sit in the sauce for a few minutes to absorb the flavors fully.
- Serve the honey garlic chicken over steamed rice, noodles, or with sautéed vegetables.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.