Enjoy tender Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken made with chicken thighs, soy sauce, honey, and fresh garlic. This easy dump-and-go dinner is a family favorite!
A Flavorful Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Dinner
This Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is a winner! It’s the perfect dinner solution because it’s easy to prepare and largely hands-off. Imagine tender, shredded chicken coated in a delicious sweet and savory honey garlic sauce – it’s ideal for busy weeknights. Serve it over rice, noodles, or your favorite veggies for a complete and satisfying meal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken:
Beyond serving it as a main course with rice, noodles, or side dishes, get creative! This Honey Garlic Chicken makes a fantastic and flavorful filling for tacos, burritos, or even delicious burrito bowls. The sweet and savory flavors complement a variety of toppings and textures.
It’s important to remember that slow cookers can vary significantly in cooking time, even among different models of the same brand. This recipe was tested using a Crock-Pot brand slow cooker purchased in 2023. In that model, the chicken was fully cooked and easily shreddable in just over 3 hours on the low setting. However, when tested in an older Crock-Pot (early 2000s model), it took around 4 ½ hours on low to reach the same level of doneness. Newer slow cooker models often run hotter than older ones. Therefore, if your slow cooker tends to cook quickly or run hot, it’s best to check on the chicken a bit earlier the first time you make this recipe. Start checking around the 2.5-hour mark if you suspect your slow cooker cooks faster.
No, searing the chicken is not required. This recipe is designed to be a true “dump-and-go” meal, so no pre-searing is needed. The slow cooker handles all the work of cooking the chicken to tender perfection. However, if you prefer the added flavor and texture of seared chicken, you are certainly welcome to take the extra step. Just sear the chicken briefly on all sides before adding it to the slow cooker.
The Honey Garlic Chicken has a very subtle hint of spice, which comes from the optional crushed red pepper flakes. If you prefer a completely mild version, simply omit the crushed red pepper flakes. The recipe is delicious either way, so feel free to customize it to your spice preference.
Yes, if you prefer a stovetop version, a similar recipe is available. Check out the separate Honey Garlic Chicken recipe, which is designed for stovetop cooking. It offers a quicker cooking time for those days when you don’t have time to use the slow cooker.
Honey Garlic Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. It’s delicious with classic white rice or flavorful brown rice. Lo mein noodles also make a great accompaniment. For a healthier option, consider serving it with steamed broccoli, green beans, or your favorite roasted vegetables. A simple salad also complements the richness of the chicken.
To store leftovers, transfer the cooked Honey Garlic Chicken to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the leftovers. Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or a zip-top freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the frozen chicken overnight in the refrigerator. You can then reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until it’s warmed through. If reheating on the stovetop, add a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent the chicken from drying out.
Ingredients for Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken (See Recipe Card Below for Full Recipe):
Creating this delectable Honey Garlic Chicken in your crock pot requires a handful of simple ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry. The combination of sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and aromatic garlic creates a truly irresistible flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs are the star of the show, providing a juicy and flavorful base for the sauce. While boneless, skinless chicken thighs are recommended for ease and convenience, you can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer. Keep in mind that chicken breasts may be slightly drier than thighs, so be sure not to overcook them.
- Soy Sauce: Soy sauce is the key to the savory and umami flavors in this dish. Using low-sodium soy sauce is recommended to control the overall saltiness of the dish. If you are looking for a gluten-free alternative, tamari or coconut aminos can be used as a substitute for soy sauce.
- Honey: Honey provides the sweetness that balances the savory flavors. Its natural stickiness also helps to create a glossy and appealing sauce. If you don’t have honey on hand, maple syrup or brown sugar can be used as a substitute, although the flavor profile will be slightly different.
- Ketchup: Ketchup might seem like an unusual ingredient, but it adds a touch of tanginess and depth to the sauce, complementing the other flavors beautifully. Don’t worry, you won’t taste it as a separate ingredient, but it plays an important part in creating the overall flavor profile.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is highly recommended for this recipe, as it adds a depth and complexity that garlic powder simply cannot replicate. While jarred minced garlic can be used as a convenient alternative, fresh crushed garlic offers the best flavor and is what I would recommend for the most authentic and flavorful dish.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a warm, spicy, and slightly citrusy note that enhances the overall flavor of the sauce. If you don’t have fresh ginger, a squeeze tube of ginger paste is a great alternative. Simply squeeze out the required amount (1 ½ teaspoons in this case) – it’s a convenient time-saver. You can typically find ginger paste in the refrigerated produce area of most grocery stores, or sometimes in the refrigerated international food section, or the spice aisle.
- Sesame Oil: A touch of sesame oil adds a nutty and aromatic flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully. If you aren’t a fan of sesame oil, you can use your favorite oil instead. Vegetable oil or canola oil are good neutral options.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Crushed red pepper flakes are an optional ingredient that adds a touch of heat to the dish. If you like a little spice, add ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can omit them altogether.
- Water and Cornstarch: Water and cornstarch are used to create a slurry that thickens the sauce at the end of the cooking process. This ensures that the sauce coats the chicken evenly and creates a luscious, glossy finish.
With these readily available ingredients, you’re well on your way to creating a truly unforgettable Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken dinner. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this flavorful and easy-to-make dish!
How to Make Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken: Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is incredibly easy, and the slow cooker does most of the work for you. Follow these simple step-by-step instructions to create a delicious and satisfying meal that your whole family will love.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs in the bottom of a 5-6 quart slow cooker. Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer to ensure even cooking. This recipe works best with chicken thighs as they remain juicy during the slow cooking process. While chicken breasts can be used, they tend to dry out faster.
Step 2: Mix the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, ketchup, minced garlic, minced ginger, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Ensure that all the ingredients are well combined to create a homogenous sauce. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add a little more honey if you prefer a sweeter sauce, or a dash of red pepper flakes for more heat.
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring that all the chicken pieces are coated in the sauce. This flavorful sauce will slowly infuse the chicken as it cooks, creating a tender and delicious meal.
Step 4: Slow Cook the Chicken
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. For the best results, cook on low as this allows the chicken to cook more evenly and retain its moisture. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked through before shredding.
Important Note: Do not remove the lid during the cooking process, as this will release heat and moisture, which can significantly increase the cooking time and affect the tenderness of the chicken.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Shredding the chicken allows it to absorb more of the sauce and creates a more enjoyable eating experience. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the water and cornstarch until smooth, creating a cornstarch slurry. This slurry will help to thicken the sauce and create a glossy, appealing finish.
Stir the cornstarch slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker along with the shredded chicken.
Step 7: Finish Cooking and Serve
Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir occasionally to ensure that the sauce is thickening evenly and that the chicken is coated well.
Serve the Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken over rice, noodles, or your favorite vegetables. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired. Don’t forget to spoon some of the delicious sauce over the chicken when serving. Enjoy!
This recipe delivers a balance of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors that will make it a family favorite. With minimal prep time and the convenience of a slow cooker, this is a go-to meal for busy weeknights.
Craving More Delicious and Easy Recipes?
If you enjoyed this Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken recipe, be sure to explore some other delicious and easy recipes that are sure to satisfy your cravings. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Honey Garlic Chicken (Stovetop Version)
- Honey Garlic Pork Chops
- Hibachi Chicken
- Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken
- Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken
