Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Shredded Chicken

$- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1/2 cup honey - 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce - 4 cloves minced garlic - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon ground ginger - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 2 tablespoons cornstarch - 2 tablespoons water - Fresh chopped parsley - Sliced green onions - Sesame seeds This dish requires simple ingredients. The chicken is the star, tender and juicy. Honey adds a sweet touch. Soy sauce brings a savory flavor. Garlic gives it a nice kick. For seasoning, apple cider vinegar adds tang. Ground ginger gives warmth. Black pepper adds a mild spice. Red pepper flakes bring heat, but you can skip them. Cornstarch and water help thicken the sauce. You mix them to create a slurry. This step is key for a rich texture in your meal. For garnishing, fresh parsley adds color and freshness. Green onions give a nice crunch. Sesame seeds add a lovely finish. Use these to make your dish look great! - Place chicken breasts in slow cooker. - In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, ginger, pepper, and red pepper flakes. - Pour the sauce over the chicken breasts. Make sure they are well coated. - Cover the slow cooker. - Set it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. - Once the chicken is cooked, take it out and shred it using two forks. - In a bowl, mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry. - Add this slurry to the sauce in the slow cooker. - Stir well and turn the slow cooker to high. - Let the sauce thicken for about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally. - Return the shredded chicken to the thickened sauce. - Stir to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce. - Serve hot and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. To get perfect shreds of chicken, cook it low and slow. This makes the chicken tender and easy to pull apart. I find that using two forks works best for shredding. Just grab the chicken and pull it apart gently. When using different slow cookers, cooking times can vary. If your slow cooker runs hot, check the chicken sooner. For models that run cooler, you may need to add more time. Always make sure the chicken is cooked to a safe temperature of 165°F. If you want a stronger garlic flavor, add more minced garlic. You can also adjust the spice by adding more red pepper flakes if you like heat. Experimenting with flavors can make your dish even better. Don’t toss out leftover sauce! You can use it in many ways. Drizzle it over rice or mix it into stir-fry. It adds a tasty kick to many meals. Honey garlic shredded chicken pairs well with many sides. Try it with steamed rice or roasted vegetables. These sides balance the sweetness of the chicken. For a fun twist, serve the chicken in soft tacos. Add some crunchy veggies and a squeeze of lime for extra flavor. You can also top a fresh salad with the shredded chicken. It makes a great meal that’s light and tasty. {{image_2}} To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari has a similar taste but lacks gluten. This simple swap helps you enjoy the flavors without any worries. If you want a lighter meal, you can reduce the honey. This lowers the calories but keeps the sweetness. You can also use a sugar substitute like stevia, if that's your preference. Want to spice things up? Adding cayenne pepper gives a nice kick. Paprika can add a smoky flavor that many enjoy. You can also try different sweeteners, like maple syrup. Maple syrup adds a unique taste while keeping it sweet. Don't be afraid to experiment with your favorite spices! You can serve this shredded chicken over rice for a hearty meal. Tacos are another fun option; just fill tortillas with the chicken. If you prefer a sandwich, it works great piled high on bread. For a fresh twist, make a honey garlic chicken bowl with veggies. Add some steamed broccoli or bell peppers for crunch and color. Store your shredded chicken in the fridge for up to four days. To keep it fresh, use an airtight container. This helps prevent any odors from seeping in. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the chicken in a pan or microwave. Make sure it’s hot all the way through. If you want to save some chicken for later, freeze it! Place the shredded chicken in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, take it out and thaw it overnight in the fridge. When ready to eat, warm it gently in a pan. This helps keep all the great flavors. Meal prepping can save you time and stress. Cook a big batch of honey garlic chicken on the weekend. Divide it into portions for the week. Use glass containers with lids for easy storage. This way, you can grab a meal on busy days. You can also add rice or veggies to make a full meal. Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just remember to cook them longer. The slow cooker can handle frozen chicken, but ensure it reaches a safe temperature. Doubling the recipe: Tips for larger batches. If you want to double the recipe, you can. Use a larger slow cooker for even cooking. Keep the same cooking time, but check for doneness. More chicken may need a bit more sauce. What can I substitute for soy sauce? You can use tamari for a gluten-free option. Coconut aminos also work well. They add a similar salty taste. Alternatives for honey and garlic. If you need a honey substitute, try maple syrup or agave nectar. For garlic, you can use garlic powder. Use about 1/8 teaspoon for each clove. Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot? Yes, you can make this in an Instant Pot. Use the pressure cook setting for 10-12 minutes. This saves time but still gives great flavor. Tips for adjusting for boneless chicken thighs. If using boneless chicken thighs, the cooking time is similar. They can add more flavor, but check for tenderness. You may need to shred them just like breast meat. This blog post covered how to make delicious honey garlic shredded chicken. We shared the essential ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and handy tips to enhance flavor. I also discussed variations for diets and meal prep ideas. With this recipe, you can enjoy tasty meals effortlessly. Experiment with different flavors and servings for your family. Enjoy the process and make it your own!$

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Shredded Chicken

Looking for an easy and delicious meal? Try this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Shredded Chicken! With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a flavorful dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners. Enjoy the sweet and savory sauce with rice or in wraps for a satisfying meal. Don't miss out on this simple recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds! Click through for the full recipe and get cooking! #SlowCookerRecipes #HoneyGarlicChicken #EasyDinners #ComfortFood

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Ingredients

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1/2 cup honey

1/2 cup soy sauce (low-sodium)

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

2 tablespoons cornstarch

2 tablespoons water

Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.

In a mixing bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk until well combined.

Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated.

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and easy to shred.

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Add this to the remaining sauce in the slow cooker and stir well.

Turn the slow cooker to high and let the sauce thicken for about 10-15 minutes with the lid on, stirring occasionally.

Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stirring to ensure it is evenly coated in the thickened sauce.

Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 6-8 hours | Servings: 6

- Presentation Tips: Serve the shredded chicken on a bed of rice or in soft tortillas, drizzled with additional sauce and topped with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.