Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Alright, let's get down to business. Wanna know my go-to Crockpot Meal Easy that's a winner every single time?
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken: Your New Weeknight Hero
Quick Hook
Ever come home after a long day craving something yummy but absolutely dreading cooking? honestly, me too! that's where slow cooker recipes chicken come in clutch.
This recipe is all about that sticky, sweet, garlicky goodness. think the best chinese takeaway, but healthier and, dare i say, even tastier! it’s a crowd pleaser that everyone will love!
Brief Overview
This honey garlic chicken recipe is inspired by classic chinese american flavors. forget those questionable ingredients and high sodium levels of takeout.
This crockpot dinners version is a total breeze to whip up and so much better for you. it's super easy, takes only about 15 minutes of prep, and simmers away happily in your easy crockpot dinners for either 3- 4 hours on high or 6- 8 hours on low.
You get about 6 servings, perfect for a dinner for 6 people recipes or having leftovers for lunch.
Main Benefits
One of the best things about this dish? it’s packed with protein and uses real, wholesome ingredients. honey is a natural sweetener, meaning you skip all the processed stuff.
It’s also a fantastic easy sick day meals option when you need something comforting and easy to digest. this recipe is special because it's ridiculously simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to become a family favourite.
Plus, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or even a spring time dinners gathering.
Ready to ditch the delivery menus and embrace the magic of slow cooker recipes chicken ? Let's dive into what you'll need.
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to whip up this slow cooker honey garlic chicken . trust me, it's easier than finding a decent parking spot on a saturday! think of it as a "fakeaway" but way better for you.
Ingredients & Equipment: The Bare Essentials
This recipe is all about the balance of sweet, savory, and a little bit sticky. Nothing too fancy, just good old-fashioned flavors that work.
Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show
- 2.5 lbs (1.1 kg) boneless, skinless chicken thighs . Quality tip: look for thighs that are plump and have a nice pink color. Avoid any that look pale or dry . Chicken thighs are where it's at! Way more forgiving than chicken breasts for slow cooker recipes chicken .
- ½ cup (120ml) honey . The real deal, not the cheap stuff!
- ½ cup (120ml) low-sodium soy sauce . Trust me on the low-sodium part. Nobody wants a salt lick.
- ¼ cup (60ml) ketchup . Yep, ketchup. Don't knock it till you try it!
- ¼ cup (60ml) apple cider vinegar .
- 4 cloves garlic, minced .
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) sesame oil .
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger .
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of zing).
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch .
- 2 tablespoons cold water .
- Cooked rice, for serving.
- Sesame seeds, for garnish.
- Chopped green onions, for garnish.
I like to use thighs because honestly, they don't dry out as much as breasts in the Crock Pot . Plus, they’re usually cheaper at Aldi which is a winner, winner Aldi Family Dinners chicken dinner!
Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up (Or Down)!
The key here is the combination of honey , soy sauce , and garlic . Seriously, this trio is magic.
- Spice Combinations: Honey + Soy + Garlic = Flavour bomb.
- Enhancers : Sesame oil and ginger add depth.
- Substitutions: Out of apple cider vinegar? White vinegar will do in a pinch.
This base makes it great for lazy mexican food recipes in crockpot . maybe not traditionally mexican, but adding some chili powder and serving with tortillas? lazy enchiladas crockpot style sorted! especially when it's for dinner for 6 people recipes .
Equipment Needed: The Toolkit
Honestly, nothing too crazy here. You probably have most of this stuff already lurking in your kitchen drawers.
- 6-quart (5.7 liter) slow cooker . Obvs! It is a Crockpot Meal Easy .
- Small bowl.
- Whisk.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
Don't have a fancy whisk? a fork works just as well. we're not judging! simplicity is key for this easy dinners in crockpot adventure.
Plus, this is totally something you could knock up as one of those easy sick day meals , you know? something comforting, something that requires minimum effort.
This is a great choice as one of your easy spring crockpot meals .
So, are you ready to transform some simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece? Let's get cooking! This is the kind of Kid Friendly Crock Pot Recipes that even fussy eaters will gobble up and I'm not even joking, Chicken Thigh Recipes Crockpot always save the day
Alright, let's get this show on the road. we're diving headfirst into the wonderful world of slow cooker recipes chicken today.
And honestly, what's not to love? it's proper easy and the results are always banging. did you know that crockpot meal easy cooking is a fantastic solution for busy families? especially if you want to set and forget your dinners.
I read somewhere that 73% of families are incorporating slow cooker meals during the working week. bonkers, right? let's get cracking!
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken: Your New Fave Dinner
This isn't just any chicken. this is honey garlic chicken . think sticky, sweet, fall off-the-bone deliciousness that'll have everyone licking their plates.
It is also great for aldi family dinners , since it is easy on your wallet. it’s dinner for 6 people recipes , so everyone gets their fill.
Plus, it's dead easy to chuck together, even if you're feeling a bit under the weather. hello, easy sick day meals ! forget takeaways; this is a fakeaway fit for royalty.
Prep Steps: Let's Get Organised
First things first: essential mise en place . get your ingredients sorted. weigh it out. this only takes 15 minutes. chop the garlic (4 cloves don't be shy!).
Got chicken? great, 2.5 lbs (1.1 kg) of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. right, you're halfway there. i love to do this while i'm waiting for the kettle to boil.
It makes it feel so organised.
step-by-step: Easy as Pie
Here's how we nail this:
- Trim any excess fat from those chicken thighs.
- Whisk together ½ cup (120ml) honey, ½ cup (120ml) low-sodium soy sauce, ¼ cup (60ml) ketchup, ¼ cup (60ml) apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, 1 tablespoon (15ml) sesame oil, ½ teaspoon ground ginger, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional).
- Place chicken in the slow cooker a 6-quart (5.7 liter) one.
- Pour that glorious sauce all over the chicken, making sure everything's coated.
- Slow cook it for 6- 8 hours on low or 3- 4 hours on high . Make sure the chicken reaches 165° F ( 74° C).
- Mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water.
- Stir the slurry into the slow cooker and cook for another 15- 30 minutes on high until the sauce thickens.
- Serve over rice. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Ta-dah!
Pro Tips: Chef Level Goodness
- Low-sodium soy sauce is your friend; otherwise, it'll be too salty. Trust me, been there, done that.
- Chicken thighs are moister. Breasts can dry out easily, so keep an eye on them.
- Make it ahead! Prep everything the night before and chuck it in the slow cooker in the morning. Sorted!
So, there you have it. a cracking slow cooker chicken recipe that's both easy and delicious. give it a go and let me know what you think! and who knows, maybe you'll discover your new go-to crock pot ideas and join the legion of fans of easy crockpot dinners .
It might even inspire you to try some lazy enchiladas crockpot style!
Alright, let's dive deeper into this slow cooker recipes chicken goodness! i reckon these recipe notes are key for making it your own.
Think of it as a chat with your best mate about cooking. "ere, wanna chuck this in? or maybe that?".
Let's go!
Recipe Notes: Ace Tips for Your Chicken Masterpiece
These little tidbits will seriously level up your slow cooker recipes chicken . Take them or leave them, mate, but I reckon they're worth a butchers.
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro
Okay, so presentation matters, even for a crockpot meal easy enough for an aldi family dinners weeknight. dish it up over fluffy rice basmati works a treat! garnish with sesame seeds and chopped spring onions for a bit of poshness.
For sides? steamed broccoli or green beans are proper healthy. wanna go full-on takeaway? grab some egg rolls from aldi .
Sorted! this also is great dinner for 6 people recipes .
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Got leftovers? No worries! This chicken slow cooker recipes keeps brilliantly.
- Refrigeration Guidelines: Pop it in an airtight container and it'll be right as rain in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing Options: This is also a brilliant Crock Pot Ideas Dinners option if you are freezing it! For longer storage, freeze it! It'll last for up to 2 months. Make sure it's completely cooled before freezing, yeah?
- Reheating Instructions: Reheat in the microwave or on the hob until piping hot. Add a splash of water or chicken broth if it's dried out a bit. It's one of those Easy Sick Day Meals !
Variations: Your Chicken, Your Rules
Fancy a twist? I've got you covered. Honestly, this is where the fun begins!
- Dietary Adaptations: Need a gluten-free Chicken Slow Cooker Recipes ? Use tamari instead of soy sauce. Boom!
- Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: For Spring Time Dinners , try adding some fresh asparagus or peas to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Easy Spring Crockpot Meals , innit?
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
Let's be honest, we all wanna know what we're putting in our bodies.
- Simplified Nutrition Information: This Aldi Crockpot Recipes is packed with protein from the chicken, and the honey garlic sauce provides energy. Of course, be mindful of the sugar content in the honey.
- Key Health Benefits: This Chicken Thigh Recipes Crockpot delivers essential amino acids for muscle building and repair. Plus, garlic is a proper immune booster, and the whole family will love this Kid Friendly Crock Pot Recipes !
Right then! that's your lot. with these notes, you're all set to nail this slow cooker recipes chicken . don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.
Honestly, cooking should be fun, not a chore. get stuck in and enjoy! this is also a proper quick meals for groups , so you are all set to cook for anyone and everyone!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken in these slow cooker recipes chicken, or does it need to be thawed first?
It's generally recommended to thaw chicken before putting it in the slow cooker. Using frozen chicken can lower the temperature of the slow cooker for too long, potentially creating a breeding ground for bacteria, a right dodgy situation nobody wants!
For best and safest results, thaw your chicken completely in the fridge beforehand.
My slow cooker honey garlic chicken is a bit too sweet. How can I balance the flavours?
Too much sweetness can be a right pain! To balance the flavours, try adding a splash more of apple cider vinegar or a dash of soy sauce. A little extra red pepper flakes can also add a lovely bit of heat to cut through the sweetness, just a smidge will do!
How long does slow cooker chicken last in the fridge, and can I freeze leftovers?
Leftover slow cooker honey garlic chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container, a proper handy lunch sorted. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet! Allow the chicken to cool completely, then portion it into freezer safe bags or containers.
It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months without a noticeable decline in quality.
Can I adapt this slow cooker recipe chicken for other cuts of chicken, like drumsticks or a whole chicken?
Absolutely! Drumsticks work brilliantly as they are quite forgiving like thighs and stay moist in the slow cooker. For a whole chicken, you might need to adjust the cooking time, and you'll definitely want to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature (165°F/74°C).
Just keep a close eye on it you don't want it turning into a right old mush!
The sauce in my slow cooker honey garlic chicken came out too thin. How can I thicken it?
A thin sauce is no good, is it? The best way to thicken it is with a cornstarch slurry, which is what's in the recipe. Alternatively, you could simmer the sauce on the stovetop after removing the chicken, reducing it until it reaches your desired consistency. Just watch it doesn't burn now!
Is there anything I can serve with this slow cooker honey garlic chicken apart from rice?
Loads of things! Steamed broccoli, green beans, or even a vibrant Asian inspired slaw work a treat. You could also try serving it with noodles for a change, or stuffed into lettuce wraps for a lighter option. Get creative even your Nan would be proud of your adventurous side!
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 0g |
