Sticky & Sweet: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Table of Contents
- Sticky & Sweet: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe Introduction
- Time to Cook!
- Making Magic and Crockpot Meals
- Final Thoughts
- Ingredients & Equipment: Gear Up!
- Sticky & Sweet: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
- Prep: Essential Mise en Place
- Step-by-Step to Simple Chicken Slow Cooker Recipes
- Pro Tips: Shortcuts & Tricks
- Recipe Notes
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Alright, let's dive into some proper cooking, shall we? ever fancied a dinner that cooks itself? i'm talking about the top 10 best chicken slow cooker recipes and trust me, i've tried 'em all! this recipe? it will blow you away.
Sticky & Sweet: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe Introduction
This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken will rock your world. It's inspired by Chinese takeout, but way healthier!
This recipe has roots in classic Asian cuisine. It’s an easy weeknight dinner. Prep time is about 15 minutes. The yield is 6 servings, perfect for the whole family.
Briefly, How This Delicious Chicken Works
This chicken healthy dinner is packed with protein. It's perfect for a busy weeknight meal when you don't have time to cook all night. It's an ace up your sleeve, innit?
Why You'll Bloody Love This
Slow cooking is a game changer. You can use chicken breast crockpot recipes too.
Time to Cook!
Here's what you need to make the magic happen. We are going to use all our Chicken Breast Recipes Slow Cooker , Chicken Breast Slow Cooker ,
Ingredients and Instructions
You will need all the best gear that is also kitchen recipes, so let's not waste time.
2.5 lbs (1.13 kg) boneless chicken thighs. I like thighs because they stay moist! The recipe is for slow cooking so you can use Chicken Thighs In Crock Pot Recipes .
step-by-step
First, sear the chicken. It makes a difference!
Next, mix the sauce. Honey, soy sauce, ketchup, and garlic.
Making Magic and Crockpot Meals
Honestly, it’s that simple! Dump everything in your crockpot chicken breast and set it to low.
What makes this so special?
The honey garlic sauce is just divine. It's the perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Simple chicken slow cooker recipes will change your cooking life! It's one of the Best Crockpot Recipes Dinners Chicken .
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Chicken Breast is super versatile. Serve it over rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
This easy slow cooker chicken is a winner. seriously, you'll thank me later. and don't forget to look for "top 10 best chicken slow cooker recipes" next time to see the best, i have spoken!.
Cheerio!
Alright, let's dive into what you need to whip up this delicious sticky & sweet: slow cooker honey garlic chicken .
Honestly, it's so easy; even i, with my occasionally disastrous kitchen adventures, can nail it. we're aiming for "top 10 best chicken slow" cooker recipes territory here, so no cutting corners!
Ingredients & Equipment: Gear Up!
Time to get our ducks in a row. This chicken healthy dinner option isn't just tasty; it's surprisingly simple.
Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Dish
Chicken: 2.5 lbs (1.13 kg) boneless, skinless chicken thighs. not breasts this time, trust me thighs are way more forgiving in the slow cooker .
Look for thighs that are plump and pink, with no bruising or off smells. fresh is best, naturally! and don't be shy about trimming off excess fat.
Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15 ml) . Just a glug for searing.
Salt: 1/2 tsp .
Black Pepper: 1/4 tsp .
Honey: 1/2 cup (120 ml) . A good quality honey makes a big difference, something with a floral aroma.
Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup (60 ml) . Low sodium is the way to go. Keeps things from getting too salty.
Ketchup: 1/4 cup (60 ml) . Just plain old ketchup.
Garlic: 4 cloves , minced. Fresh is always best. Don't even think about using that pre-minced stuff in a jar.
Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 tbsp (15 ml) . Adds a little tang to balance the sweetness.
Ginger: 1 tsp grated (or 1/2 tsp ground). Fresh grated ginger is best for that lovely zing.
Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 tsp (optional). For a kick, you know?
Cornstarch: 2 tbsp (30 ml) .
Cold Water: 1/4 cup (60 ml) .
Seasoning Notes: Spice it Up!
This chicken breast recipe can be tweaked to your liking. Think of the honey, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce as your base. Red pepper flakes give it some heat.
If you're out of apple cider vinegar, lemon juice works in a pinch. for a more easy slow cooker chicken meal, experiment with other aromatics.
Star anise or a cinnamon stick can bring a comforting warmth.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple!
- Slow Cooker: A 6-quart (5.7 liter) slow cooker is ideal. If you're looking for best crockpot recipes dinners chicken , it is a must.
- Small Bowl and Whisk: For the sauce.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons .
- Skillet A skillet is optional, but is recommended .
Honestly, that's it! no need for fancy gadgets for this simple chicken slow cooker recipes . if you don't have a whisk, a fork will do just fine.
We're not aiming for michelin stars here, just a delicious, home cooked meal. let's get cooking and create some amazing crockpot meals !
Right then, let's talk slow cookers! honestly, who doesn't love a good crockpot meal ? i reckon everyone's looking for that perfect chicken healthy dinner that practically cooks itself.
And guess what? you've landed in the right spot, because we're diving into one of the top 10 best chicken slow cooker recipes ever! get ready for a flavour explosion!
Sticky & Sweet: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
This slow cooker honey garlic chicken is a real weeknight winner, i'm telling you! imagine tender chicken thighs in crock pot recipes , swimming in a sticky, sweet honey garlic sauce.
It's like your favourite takeaway, but without all the guilt. think of it as the lazy person's chicken tikka masala! seriously, easy slow cooker chicken doesn't get much better than this.
Plus, it's a cinch to whip up, perfect if you're a total beginner.
Prep: Essential Mise en Place
Before we get going, let's sort out our bits and bobs. first, make sure you have about 2.5 lbs (1.
13 kg) of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. trim off any excess fat we don’t want that. i always find that pre-chopping my garlic (about 4 cloves) and grating my ginger (1 tsp) saves a ton of time later.
I promise you won't regret it. essential mise en place is your best friend!
step-by-step to Simple Chicken Slow Cooker Recipes
Right, let's get this show on the road, shall we?
- (Optional but Recommended): Heat a tablespoon ( 1 tbsp (15 ml) ) of olive oil in a pan. Brown the chicken, you will not regret it.
- Whisk together 1/2 cup (120 ml) of honey, 1/4 cup (60 ml) of soy sauce (low sodium is best!), 1/4 cup (60 ml) of ketchup, garlic, 1 tbsp (15 ml) of apple cider vinegar, ginger and red pepper flakes in a bowl.
- Place the chicken thighs in your slow cooker . Arrange 'em nicely.
- Pour that gorgeous honey garlic sauce all over the chicken. Make sure they're well coated.
- Cook on low for 4- 6 hours , or on high for 2- 3 hours . You're looking for the chicken to shred easily.
- Mix 2 tbsp (30 ml) of cornstarch with 1/4 cup (60 ml) of cold water, and pour the slurry into the slow cooker. Stir gently.
- Cook on high for about 15- 20 minutes , until that sauce thickens up real nice.
- Shred the chicken if you like, and serve with rice or noodles.
Pro Tips: Shortcuts & Tricks
Want to take this to the next level? searing the chicken before slow cooking is a game changer, it is worth it.
Also, don't overcook the chicken, trust me. nobody likes dry, stringy chicken. for a low-sodium version, use low sodium soy sauce.
Honestly, this chicken breast recipe works a charm too! just remember to reduce the cooking time, as chicken breast can dry out faster.
This is also a great choice for the crockpot chicken breast option.
You can also try with chicken thighs in crock pot recipes . if you use it, you can cook on low temperature for longer.
That means it will taste even better. a perfect and complete chicken crockpot recipes easy to cook.
Alright, let's talk about the really helpful bits for your slow cooker honey garlic chicken . we are diving into the notes.
Honestly, this section is like the secret sauce for making the recipe your own .
Recipe Notes
This section is where we get down to the nitty gritty, yeah? we'll cover everything from serving suggestions to storage tips, plus some fun variations to keep things interesting.
Also, we'll touch on some nutrition facts.
What To Do With It? Serving Suggestions
Plating is your chance to be a food artist. I love serving this Chicken Healthy Dinner over fluffy rice. A sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions? Chef's kiss .
For sides, think light and fresh. Stir fried veggies or a simple salad are perfect. Maybe some noodles? Why not? Don't forget your beverage!
Storing Your Treasure: Storage Tips
Got leftovers? lucky you. refrigerate in an airtight container. this chicken breast recipe is good for about 3-4 days. you can also freeze it.
Just let it cool completely first. then, portion it out into freezer safe bags. it'll keep for up to 3 months.
Reheating is easy peasy. Microwave is fine, but for best results, reheat gently on the stovetop. Low and slow is key.
Remix Time: Variations
Want to switch things up? I get it. For a dietary twist, swap honey for a sugar-free alternative. And, you can use gluten-free soy sauce if needed.
Seasonally, this works all year. In the summer, use fresh ginger. And, in the winter, use dried. Play around!
Nutrition Snippets: Nutrition Basics
Okay, let's talk numbers, but easy ones. This recipe is packed with protein. It's also got some carbs from the honey and rice. It is a good source of nutrients.
The protein builds muscle. The carbs fuel your body. Of course, it's not a health food. But, it's way better than takeout.
Now, you're armed with all the insider info. Remember, cooking should be fun. Don't be afraid to experiment and make this Slow Cooker Kitchen Recipes your own.
So, go on, give it a whirl! i know you'll smash it. this is one of the top 10 best chicken slow cooker recipes, so you're in for a treat! enjoy creating easy slow cooker chicken breasts and other simple chicken slow cooker recipes with your amazing cooker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this slow cooker honey garlic chicken?
You certainly can, but bear in mind chicken breasts tend to dry out more easily in the slow cooker than thighs. If using breasts, I'd recommend reducing the cooking time by about an hour on low, and checking for doneness earlier.
Nobody wants a dry bird it's the culinary equivalent of a soggy bottom, as Mary Berry would say!
How do I store leftover slow cooker honey garlic chicken?
Leftover honey garlic chicken should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the chicken has cooled down completely before refrigerating. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months; just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
It's a great way to have a ready meal when you're feeling a bit knackered!
What if my honey garlic sauce isn't thick enough?
Not to worry, we've all been there! Make sure you've used the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) and allowed it to cook through at the end. If it still needs thickening, mix another teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water, add it to the slow cooker, and cook for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
That'll sort it right out!
Is there a healthier version of this recipe? What are some nutritional considerations?
Absolutely! To make it healthier, use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce sodium levels. You can also use a sugar-free honey substitute, though the flavour will be slightly different. Watch portion sizes and serve with plenty of vegetables to balance the carbs and sugars.
Always a good shout to keep an eye on what you're scoffing, eh?
I'm looking for the top 10 best chicken slow cooker recipes, and this one looks great! Can I adjust the spice level?
You've come to the right place! This honey garlic chicken is definitely a contender for the top spots! And yes, you can easily adjust the spice level. For a milder flavor, omit the red pepper flakes entirely.
For a fiery kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the honey garlic sauce. A little bit of chilli never hurt anyone...well, almost!
Can I skip searing the chicken before putting it in the slow cooker?
While searing is optional, it really does add a delicious depth of flavour and improves the overall texture of the chicken. Searing creates a lovely crust that seals in the juices. However, if you're really pressed for time, you can skip it and the dish will still be tasty.
Just think of it as a little extra TLC that'll make your chicken sing!
Sticky Sweet Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 0g |