Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Easy and Tasty Meal

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Are you ready to impress your family with a simple and delicious meal? My Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is just what you need! This easy dish combines tender chicken thighs with a sweet and savory sauce, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a tasty dinner that everyone loves. Let’s dive into the details and make this mouthwatering meal together!

Why I Love This Recipe

1. Easy Preparation: This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
2. Flavorful Sauce: The honey garlic sauce is sweet, savory, and has just the right amount of kick from the ginger and red pepper flakes.
3. Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice, quinoa, or even noodles for a satisfying meal.
4. Healthy Ingredients: With lean chicken thighs and fresh green beans, this dish is both nutritious and delicious.

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– Chicken Thighs

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

– Sauce Ingredients

– 1/2 cup honey

– 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

– 4 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

– 1 teaspoon sesame oil

– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice level)

– 1/2 cup chicken broth

– Vegetables and Garnishes

– 1 cup green beans, trimmed

– 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water (for thickening)

– Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish

In this recipe, chicken thighs are the star. They stay juicy and tender during cooking. Honey adds a nice sweetness. Soy sauce gives it a savory touch. Garlic and ginger bring a punch of flavor. The sesame oil adds a subtle nutty taste. Red pepper flakes can spice things up. Chicken broth keeps everything moist.

For veggies, green beans are a great choice. They add color and crunch. The cornstarch thickens the sauce, making it rich and sticky. Lastly, sesame seeds and green onions brighten up your dish for serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

Preparing the Chicken

Start with four boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Place these thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker. Make sure they fit snugly. This helps them cook evenly.

Mixing the Sauce

In a bowl, mix together half a cup of honey, a quarter cup of soy sauce, four minced garlic cloves, one tablespoon of grated ginger, one teaspoon of sesame oil, and half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Stir this mixture well. The sauce will be sweet and savory.

Combining Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken thighs. Then, add half a cup of chicken broth to the slow cooker. Make sure the chicken is fully coated in the sauce. This will keep it juicy and flavorful.

Cooking Instructions

Cooking Times and Temperatures

Cover the slow cooker. Cook the chicken on low for six to seven hours. If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for three to four hours. The chicken will be ready when it’s tender and easy to shred.

Adding Vegetables

In the last thirty minutes of cooking, add one cup of trimmed green beans to the slow cooker. Stir the beans into the sauce. They will cook quickly and add a nice crunch.

Thicken the Sauce

Once the cooking time is up, take out the chicken thighs and set them aside. Stir one tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with one tablespoon of cold water into the sauce. Turn the heat to high. Let it thicken for about ten to fifteen minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid lumps.

Serving Suggestions

Shredding the Chicken

While the sauce thickens, shred the chicken with two forks. It should pull apart easily. This will help it soak up more sauce.

Plating the Dish

Serve the honey garlic chicken warm over a bed of rice or quinoa. Place the shredded chicken on top, and make sure to drizzle some thickened sauce over it.

Garnishing Ideas

Finish your dish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions. This adds a nice touch and a pop of color. Enjoy your tasty meal!

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Tips

– Ensuring Chicken Tenderness: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They stay moist and tender. Cook on low for 6-7 hours for best results. This slow cooking method helps the chicken soak up all that tasty sauce.

– Adjusting Spice Levels: If you want more heat, add extra red pepper flakes. Start small and taste as you go. You can always add more, but it’s hard to take it out!

Serving Tips

– Best Sides to Serve: Steamed rice or quinoa pairs perfectly with this dish. They soak up the sauce well. You can also serve with a fresh salad for some crunch.

– Presentation Hacks: For a pretty plate, use shallow bowls. Place the chicken on top of the rice, then arrange green beans beside it. Drizzle sauce over the top and sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions for color.

Slow Cooker Advice

– Using Different Types of Slow Cookers: Most slow cookers work well for this recipe. If you have a newer model, check the manual for cooking times. They may cook a bit faster.

– Alternative Cooking Times: If you are short on time, cook on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will still be tender but check it early to avoid overcooking.

Variations

Ingredient Swaps

Using Different Cuts of Chicken

You can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. Breasts cook faster, so check them after 3 hours on high. You can also try chicken drumsticks for a juicy option. They add more flavor but may need longer cooking time.

Gluten-Free Options

To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. This swap keeps the same great taste. Always check labels on honey and broth for hidden gluten.

Flavor Enhancements

Adding Vegetables

You can easily add more veggies for fun. Try bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas. Add them in the last hour of cooking to keep them crisp. They boost nutrition and color for a beautiful plate.

Using Different Sauces

Mix it up with different sauces! Try using teriyaki sauce for a sweet twist. You could also add a splash of orange juice for a citrus kick. Experimenting with flavors keeps the dish fresh and exciting.

Cooking Methods

Instant Pot Version

If you own an Instant Pot, this recipe can be done in just 30 minutes. Use the sauté function for the sauce, then add the chicken and broth. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Quick and tasty!

Stovetop Adaptation

You can also make this on the stovetop. Start by browning the chicken in a pan. Add the sauce and broth, then cover and simmer for about 30 minutes. This method gives you a nice sear and rich flavor.

Storage Info

Short-Term Storage

After you enjoy your slow cooker honey garlic chicken, you can store the leftovers. Place the chicken in a container and cover it well. Refrigerate the chicken within two hours of cooking. This keeps it fresh and safe.

For the best results, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work great. They help keep the chicken moist and tasty.

Long-Term Storage

If you want to save the honey garlic chicken for later, freezing is a good option. Allow the chicken to cool completely before freezing. This helps prevent ice crystals from forming.

Use freezer-safe bags or containers to store the chicken. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. The chicken can last in the freezer for up to three months.

Reheating Tips

When it’s time to enjoy your leftover chicken, reheating it properly is key. You can use the microwave, stovetop, or oven.

For the microwave, place the chicken in a bowl and cover it. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps heat it evenly.

If you use the stovetop, put the chicken in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Stir it often until warmed through.

For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.

To keep the chicken moist, adding a bit of broth or sauce while reheating helps. This prevents the chicken from drying out. Enjoy your meal again!

FAQs

Common Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts. They will cook faster. Keep an eye on the time. Breasts may dry out if cooked too long.

How do I make this recipe spicier?

To add heat, increase the red pepper flakes. You can also add sliced fresh chili peppers. This will boost the flavor and heat.

What is the best way to thicken the sauce?

Mix cornstarch with cold water. Add this to the sauce and cook on high. Stir until the sauce thickens to your liking.

Nutritional Information

Calories and Macronutrients

This dish has about 350 calories per serving. It contains protein, carbs, and healthy fats. Chicken provides lean protein while honey adds natural sugars.

Dietary Considerations

This recipe is great for many diets. Use tamari for gluten-free. Adjust honey for lower sugar options if needed.

Serving Sizes

How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe makes four servings. It’s perfect for family meals or meal prep.

Can I scale the recipe up or down?

Yes, you can adjust the amounts. Just keep the same ratios for the sauce. This way, the flavors stay balanced.

This article covers everything you need for a delicious slow-cooker dish. We discussed key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips for great results. You can adjust spices and try new flavor combos, too. Storing leftovers properly ensures you enjoy every bite later. With these ideas, you can create a tasty meal for any occasion. Keep experimenting with variations to find your favorite. Cooking should be fun and rewarding, so enjoy the process and share your succes

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

A delicious and easy slow cooker recipe featuring tender chicken thighs coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, served with green beans.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 7 hours hrs

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 0.5 cup honey
• 0.25 cup soy sauce
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 0.5 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon cold water
• to taste sesame seeds for garnish
• to taste sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions

 

• Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker.
• In a bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Stir well.
• Pour the honey garlic mixture over the chicken thighs, then add the chicken broth to the slow cooker. Make sure the chicken is well-coated with the sauce.
• Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
• In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the green beans to the slow cooker, stirring them into the sauce.
• Once the cooking time is up, remove the chicken thighs and set them aside. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the sauce in the slow cooker, and turn the heat to high. Let it thicken for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• While the sauce is thickening, shred the chicken using two forks. Once the sauce has thickened, return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix it well with the sauce.
• Serve the honey garlic chicken warm over rice or quinoa, drizzled with the thickened sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Notes

Serve in shallow bowls with rice and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Keyword chicken, easy recipe, honey garlic, slow cooker

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