Why You’ll Love this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, you’ll love this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken recipe.
What I adore about this dish is how simple it’s to prepare. Just toss everything into the slow cooker, and let it do the work while you relax or tackle other tasks.
The combination of sweet honey and savory soy sauce creates a mouthwatering flavor that’s hard to resist. Plus, the chicken turns out so tender, it practically falls apart.
It’s perfect served over rice or even in a wrap. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a delicious meal that feels gourmet, making it a go-to favorite in my kitchen.
Trust me, your family will ask for seconds!
Ingredients of Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
When it comes to whipping up a fantastic meal without spending hours slaving over the stove, this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken shines bright like a diamond in the rough. The best part? You only need a handful of ingredients to create a dish that’s both sweet and savory, not to mention utterly satisfying.
Just imagine returning home to the delightful aroma of tender chicken bathed in a rich, sticky sauce; it’s like a warm hug after a long day. So, let’s gather our ingredients and get ready to plunge into this culinary delight.
Here’s what you’ll need for the Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken:
- 4 large bone-in chicken breasts (skin removed)
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup blackberry jam
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes
- 5 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 small onion (finely diced)
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 green onions (finely sliced)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Now, let’s talk about the ingredients. You might be wondering if you can swap some of them out. For instance, if you don’t have blackberry jam, you could use another type of fruit jam or even a bit of apple sauce for a different flavor twist.
And don’t sweat it if you’re not a fan of heat; you can adjust or skip the chili pepper flakes altogether. Plus, using low-sodium soy sauce helps keep the dish from being too salty, which is always a win in my book.
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Making Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a breeze, and I promise you’ll feel like a culinary rock star by the time you’re done.
First things first, let’s get our sauce ready. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup of low sodium soy sauce, 1/2 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of blackberry jam, and 1/4 cup of hoisin sauce. Stir in 2 teaspoons of minced fresh ginger, 5 minced garlic cloves, and a small finely diced onion, along with 1/4 teaspoon of red chili pepper flakes. This mixture is where the magic happens—sweet, tangy, and oh-so-delicious. If you find yourself sneaking spoonfuls while mixing, don’t worry, it’s totally normal.
Now, let’s move on to the chicken. Grab those 4 large bone-in chicken breasts (skin removed) and place them right in the slow cooker. Pour the fantastic sauce you just whipped up over the chicken, making sure it’s all coated nicely. It’s like giving your chicken a warm bath in flavor.
Set your slow cooker on low, and let it do its thing for about 4 to 5 hours. During this time, your home will smell like a cozy restaurant, and you might even start to feel like a professional chef. Just try not to hover over the slow cooker too much; I know it’s hard to resist, but good things come to those who wait.
Once the chicken is tender and cooked through, take it out of the slow cooker and shred it with two forks—trust me, it’ll practically fall apart.
In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with a bit of water to create a slurry. Then, pour the cooking liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan and bring it to a boil. Stir in your cornstarch mixture and let it bubble for about a minute until it thickens. This is the moment when your sauce transforms into something truly special.
Pour it over the shredded chicken, toss it all together, and voilà! Serve it over rice, sprinkle with finely sliced green onions and sesame seeds, and get ready for the compliments to roll in. Dinner is served, and all you have to do now is sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Substitutions & Variations
If you’re looking to switch things up with your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try.
For a different flavor, swap the blackberry jam for apricot or raspberry jam. You can also use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.
If you prefer a spicy kick, add more red chili pepper flakes or some sriracha. For a healthier twist, replace the honey with agave syrup or use a sugar-free soy sauce.
Want to add veggies? Toss in some bell peppers or snap peas during the last hour of cooking.
These simple changes can elevate your dish and keep things exciting! Enjoy experimenting with your recipe!
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
To complement the rich flavors of Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken, I love serving it over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice. The rice soaks up the savory sauce beautifully, making each bite irresistible.
For a pop of color and nutrition, I often add steamed broccoli or green beans on the side. The crunch and freshness of these veggies balance the dish perfectly.
If I’m feeling adventurous, I’ll whip up a simple cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar and sesame oil for a revitalizing contrast.
And don’t forget to sprinkle some sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top of the chicken for that extra flair! It’s a delightful meal that always impresses family and friends.
Additional Tips & Notes
While preparing Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken, it’s important to take into account a few tips that can enhance your dish.
First, don’t skip the marinating step if you have time; letting the chicken soak in the sauce for a few hours makes it even more flavorful. If you like a bit of heat, feel free to increase the chili flakes.
I also recommend using fresh ginger for the best flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, ground ginger works too. For a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer after adding the cornstarch.
Finally, leftovers are fantastic! Store them in the fridge and reheat for a quick meal. Enjoy experimenting with this versatile recipe!