Honey Garlic Chicken Crock Pot: Set It & Forget It Flavor Bomb
- Recipe Introduction: Say Goodbye to Takeout!
- Ingredients You'll Need to Rock This Dish
- Spice Up Your Life: Seasoning Notes
- Gear Up: Equipment Needed
- Prep Like a Pro
- Step-by-Step: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Breast Perfection
- Pro Tips for Honey Garlic Chicken Crock Pot
- Recipe Notes: Your Honey Garlic Chicken Crock Pot Success Guide!
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Recipe Introduction: Say Goodbye to Takeout!
Fancy a takeaway night, but the thought of cooking seems way too much? honestly, sometimes i feel the exact same.
But what if i told you there's a super easy way to get that takeout vibe at home? let me introduce you to the magic of honey garlic chicken crock pot ! it’s a winner!
This dish, my friends, is inspired by those classic chinese american flavours we all secretly (or not so secretly) love. it's basically delicious crockpot chicken heaven, simmering away in your slow cooker.
While its roots might be in american chinese cuisine, it's become a staple in homes everywhere for its simplicity and flavour.
Perfect for a cozy family dinner! this easy chicken crockpot dinner recipes requires hardly any effort. ready in under 4 hours! serves 6 hungry bellies.
Why You'll Love This Honey Garlic Chicken Crock Pot
One of the best bits? the juicy crockpot chicken is packed with protein. it makes this meal surprisingly healthy. it's an absolute lifesaver when you need easy dinner recipes slow cooker offers.
This best crock pot chicken recipe is truly special because it is so incredibly easy to throw together, it always tastes amazing, and it doesn’t need constant babysitting like other recipes that aren't simple crockpot meals 5 ingredients .
From Crock Pot to Table: The Easiest Sticky Chicken Ever!
Alright, let's talk ingredients. We're keeping this super simple. You know, those kind of meals are perfect for Last Minute Crockpot Meals !
Get ready for 2.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts if you're feeling adventurous!), soy sauce, honey (of course!), rice vinegar, ketchup (yes, ketchup!), olive oil, garlic, ginger, a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick.
And also we'll need a little cornstarch to thicken that gorgeous sauce. keep reading for full instructions and you'll see this chicken slow cooker recipes easy dinners is your new best friend!
Alright, let's talk about what you need to make this incredible honey garlic chicken crock pot a reality. honestly, the ingredient list is pretty straightforward, and you might already have most of it knocking about in your kitchen.
Think of this as your guide to nailing delicious crockpot chicken !
Ingredients You'll Need to Rock This Dish
Right then, here's the lowdown on what you need. i've included both us and metric measurements because i'm good like that.
Remember, good quality ingredients make a best crock pot chicken , so let's not skimp!
Chicken Time
You'll need 2.5 lbs (1.1 kg) of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. about 8-10 should do the trick. now, here's a tip: look for thighs that are plump and pink, not pale or grey.
They should feel firm to the touch, not slimy. trust me; it makes a world of difference for juicy crockpot chicken .
And hey, i'm sure you're looking for easy chicken crockpot dinner recipes , so let's keep it simple.
Saucy Business
- Soy sauce: ¼ cup (60 ml) . Low sodium is best to control the salt, you know?
- Honey: ¼ cup (60 ml) . Runny honey is easier to measure, just saying.
- Rice vinegar: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . Or, apple cider vinegar if you're in a pinch!
- Ketchup: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . The secret ingredient for that classic tang.
- Olive or sesame oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . Sesame oil gives it a lovely Asian vibe.
- Garlic: 4 cloves , minced (about 2 tablespoons ). Freshly minced is a must!
- Ginger: 1 teaspoon , grated. Fresh ginger is the bomb, honestly.
- Red pepper flakes: ½ teaspoon (optional). For a bit of a kick!
- Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons
- Cold water: 2 tablespoons . This is for the slurry that thickens the sauce.
Spice Up Your Life: Seasoning Notes
The magic in this recipe really is the combination of the honey, garlic, and soy sauce. it's a total flavour explosion! and with the benefit of a slow cooker, you'll be serving up easy dinner recipes slow cooker style.
Don't be afraid to experiment a bit. want it spicier? add more red pepper flakes. fancy a bit of warmth? a pinch of five spice powder works wonders.
For flavour enhancers, try a tiny splash of fish sauce, it's a flavor bomb.
- Essential spice combinations : Garlic + Ginger is a dynamic duo.
- Flavor enhancers : A dash of sesame oil.
- Quick substitution options : Use garlic powder if fresh garlic is absent, 1/2 teaspoon.
Gear Up: Equipment Needed
Okay, you don't need a fancy kitchen to nail this honey garlic chicken crock pot . but there are a few things that will make your life easier.
We're aiming for simple crockpot meals 5 ingredients in equipment too, so here's the minimum:
- A slow cooker/Crock Pot : A 6-quart size is ideal. Think of this as the most important aspect for last minute crockpot meals .
- Measuring cups and spoons: Gotta get those measurements right!
- A small bowl: For mixing the sauce.
- A whisk or fork: To make sure it's all blended nicely.
If you haven't got measuring spoons, use a regular dessert spoon, approximately 2 teaspoons. just wing it and make sure the final dish is amazing for chicken slow cooker recipes easy dinners .
Alright, let's dive into the easiest dinner recipe ever: honey garlic chicken crock pot . honestly, if you can measure, you can nail this.
We're talking serious flavour with almost zero effort. i get it. life's busy. this is your answer to the "what's for dinner?" dread.
It's the best crock pot chicken recipe for a reason!
Prep Like a Pro
Before we unleash the delicious crockpot chicken magic, let's get organised. it's all about mise en place , as those fancy chefs say.
Basically, have all your ingredients ready to go. mince your 4 cloves garlic , grate that 1 teaspoon ginger (fresh is always better, trust me), and trim any excess fat off your 2.
5 lbs chicken thighs . this takes, like, ten minutes max. time saving organization tips are life savers. this way you don't have to do all the prep work after cooking the dish, and it tastes much better.
step-by-step: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Breast Perfection
This is where the magic happens. Get your 6-quart crock pot ready.
- Trim chicken thighs
- Mix the sauce in a small bowl: Combine ¼ cup soy sauce , ¼ cup honey , 2 tablespoons rice vinegar , 2 tablespoons ketchup , 2 tablespoons olive oil , minced garlic, grated ginger, and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes if you're feeling brave.
- Plop the chicken into the slow cooker. Pour that glorious sauce all over it. Make sure every piece is coated.
- Cook on low for 4- 6 hours or high for 2- 3 hours . You want that chicken to be easily shredded, hitting an internal temp of 165° F ( 74° C) .
- Mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water to make a slurry.
- Take the chicken out. Then, add the slurry to the sauce in the crock pot. Stir it like you mean it.
- Thicken: Set slow cooker to high for 10- 15 minutes , or until sauce thickens, remember to stir!
- Shred the chicken with forks, then mix it back into that gorgeous, sticky sauce.
Boom! Easy Chicken Crockpot Dinner Recipes sorted.
Pro Tips for Honey Garlic Chicken Crock Pot
- Don't overcook it! Juicy Crockpot Chicken is the goal, not dry and stringy.
- Low sodium soy sauce is your friend. It lets you control the salt.
- Want a richer flavour? Sear the chicken briefly before slow cooking. It adds a lovely caramelisation.
- This makes amazing leftovers, or is the perfect candidate for Last Minute Crockpot Meals !
I reckon you'll find this is one of the best chicken slow cooker recipes easy dinners has to offer. it's a winner for me.
Honestly, you have to try this simple crockpot meals 5 ingredients recipe. it just works . enjoy!
Okay, here's that "Recipe Notes" section, written just how you asked. Hope it hits the mark!
Recipe Notes: Your Honey Garlic Chicken Crock Pot Success Guide!
Right then, so you're about to whip up this delicious crockpot chicken . brilliant! but before you dive in, let’s run through a few bits and bobs to make sure it’s a roaring success.
Serve It Up! Plating and Presentation Ideas
Honestly, presentation matters, doesn’t it? for this honey garlic chicken crock pot , think simple but effective. pile that juicy crockpot chicken high on a bed of fluffy rice.
Then sprinkle with sesame seeds and those sliced green onions for a pop of colour.
A side of steamed broccoli adds a bit of green goodness. And to drink? A light, crisp lager or a refreshing glass of iced green tea is chef's kiss .
Stow It Away: Storage Tips
Got leftovers? lucky you! this easy chicken crockpot dinner recipes keep well. pop the cooked chicken and sauce into an airtight container.
It'll happily sit in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Fancy freezing it? no problem! again, airtight container is key. it’ll keep for up to 2 months. when reheating, thaw it out overnight in the fridge.
Then gently reheat on the hob or in the microwave. just make sure it's piping hot!
Twists and Tweaks: Variations on a Theme
Want to mix things up a bit? Course you do! First up, a low-carb version. Swap the honey for a sugar-free alternative like Erythritol. Serve with cauliflower rice, and boom keto friendly!
Secondly, feeling fruity? Add pineapple chunks for a tropical twist. It is just like the kind of easy dinner recipes slow cooker dreams are made of.
Nutrition Lowdown: The Good Stuff
Okay, i'm no nutritionist, but let's be real. this honey garlic chicken crock pot is packed with protein from the chicken.
It is a fantastic easy chicken crockpot dinner recipes . and with the garlic and ginger, you’re getting some immune boosting goodness in there too.
Plus, chicken breasts make a great base for simple crockpot meals 5 ingredients , or even a last minute crockpot meals option.
Right then, that’s your lot! go forth and conquer this recipe. i'm betting it’ll be a new favourite. you got this! you'll be making the best crock pot chicken in no time with these chicken slow cooker recipes easy dinners .
Remember the key is to enjoy the process!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this honey garlic chicken crock pot recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs in this honey garlic chicken crock pot recipe. However, keep in mind that chicken breasts tend to be drier than thighs, so reduce the cooking time to avoid overcooking.
Start checking for doneness around the 2-hour mark on low or 1-hour mark on high, and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
My honey garlic chicken crock pot sauce isn't thickening. What am I doing wrong?
Don't fret! If your sauce isn't thickening, it's likely one of two things. First, make sure you're using the cornstarch slurry correctly whisk the cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the hot sauce.
Second, if it's still too thin, remove the lid from the crock pot and cook on high for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate and the sauce to reduce. A good stir every now and then should do the trick, Bob's your uncle!
How do I store leftovers of honey garlic chicken?
Storing leftovers is a doddle! Allow the honey garlic chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Just be sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I make this honey garlic chicken crock pot spicier?
You bet your bottom dollar you can! For a spicier honey garlic chicken crock pot, simply increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the sauce. You could also add a dash of your favourite hot sauce, like sriracha or a chilli garlic sauce, to give it an extra kick.
Remember to taste as you go, adding a little at a time until it reaches your desired level of heat - nobody wants to blow their head off now do they!
Is there a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce for this recipe?
Absolutely! Coconut aminos make a fantastic gluten-free substitute for soy sauce in this recipe. They offer a similar savoury flavour with a slightly sweeter profile. You can use it in a 1:1 ratio, so just swap the soy sauce for coconut aminos and you're good to go. Ta-da! gluten-free deliciousness achieved!
How can I serve the Honey Garlic Chicken Crock Pot?
There are loads of ways to enjoy it. You can't go wrong serving it over rice or noodles. A bit of steamed broccoli, green beans or a simple salad. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced spring onions and dig in!
Honey Garlic Chicken Crock Pot Set It Forget It
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 375 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 17.5g |
| Fiber | 0g |
