Aa busy mom, I know how precious every minute can be, especially when it comes to dinner time. That’s why I absolutely adore my crockpot honey garlic chicken recipe! It’s a delightful dish that combines tender chicken with a sweet and savory sauce, making it a hit with my family. This recipe is perfect for those hectic days when you want to impress your loved ones without spending hours in the kitchen. Just set it and forget it, and soon you’ll have a delicious meal waiting for you!
PrintCrockpot Honey Garlic Chicken: A Delicious Dinner Hack!
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken is a simple and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, perfect for a hassle-free dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Place the chicken thighs in the crockpot.
- In a bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, rice vinegar, ground ginger, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks and stir it back into the sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, remove the chicken and simmer the sauce on the stove until it reduces.
- This dish pairs well with rice or steamed vegetables.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: crockpot honey garlic chicken, easy chicken recipes, slow cooker chicken
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
This crockpot honey garlic chicken is a game-changer for busy nights! It’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just a few minutes of your time. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Plus, the sweet and savory taste is sure to please even the pickiest eaters at your table. You’ll love how it transforms a simple dinner into a delightful feast!
Ingredients for Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this crockpot honey garlic chicken a success. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken thighs: I prefer thighs for their juiciness, but breasts work too!
- Honey: This adds that sweet touch, balancing the savory flavors perfectly.
- Soy sauce: A must for that umami kick; low-sodium options are great for a healthier twist.
- Ketchup: It thickens the sauce and adds a hint of tanginess.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings a robust flavor that’s hard to beat.
- Rice vinegar: This adds a subtle acidity, brightening the dish.
- Ground ginger: A pinch of warmth and spice that complements the honey beautifully.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust to your taste!
- Chopped green onions: These are for garnish, adding a fresh crunch at the end.
For those who want to mix things up, consider adding a splash of sesame oil for a nutty flavor or some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. You can find all the exact measurements at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
Making crockpot honey garlic chicken is a breeze! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a mouthwatering meal ready to enjoy. Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by placing your chicken thighs in the crockpot. I love using thighs because they stay juicy and tender. If you prefer chicken breasts, feel free to swap them in! Just remember, they might cook a bit faster.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a separate bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and ground ginger. Whisk it all together until it’s well blended. The aroma will make your mouth water! This sauce is the heart of your easy chicken recipe.
Step 3: Combine in the Crockpot
Pour the sauce over the chicken in the crockpot. Make sure each piece is coated well. This is where the magic happens! The chicken will soak up all those delicious flavors as it cooks.
Step 4: Cook to Perfection
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. I usually opt for low heat, as it allows the flavors to deepen. Just imagine coming home to that heavenly scent wafting through your house!
Step 5: Shred and Serve
Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it right in the crockpot. Stir it back into the sauce for a good mix. Serve it hot, garnished with chopped green onions for that extra pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your crockpot honey garlic chicken with rice or steamed veggies for a complete meal!
Tips for Success
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for a few hours before cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F for safety.
- Don’t skip the green onions; they add a fresh crunch!
- For a thicker sauce, simmer it on the stove after cooking.
- Leftovers are perfect for meal prep; just store them in airtight containers.
Equipment Needed
- Crockpot: The star of the show! Any slow cooker will do.
- Mixing bowl: For combining your sauce; a large measuring cup works too.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accuracy; you can use a kitchen scale if needed.
- Two forks: Perfect for shredding the chicken; tongs can work in a pinch.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a spicy twist that will wake up your taste buds!
- Honey Mustard Fusion: Swap half of the honey for Dijon mustard for a tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based version that’s just as delicious.
- Herb Infusion: Toss in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic touch that elevates the dish.
- Fruit Addition: Add pineapple chunks or sliced bell peppers to the crockpot for a sweet and savory combination.
Serving Suggestions
- Rice: Serve your crockpot honey garlic chicken over fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: Pair it with steamed broccoli or green beans for a colorful and nutritious side.
- Fresh Salad: A crisp garden salad adds a refreshing crunch to your meal.
- Drink Pairing: Enjoy with a chilled glass of iced tea or a light white wine.
For more recipes follow me in page Facebook and Pinterest
FAQs about Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
As you embark on your culinary adventure with crockpot honey garlic chicken, you might have a few questions. Here are some common queries I’ve encountered, along with helpful answers!
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used, but keep an eye on the cooking time. They may cook faster than thighs, so check for doneness around the 3-hour mark on high heat.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken the night before. Just pop it in the crockpot in the morning, and you’ll have a delicious dinner waiting for you!
What can I serve with crockpot honey garlic chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it in lettuce wraps for a fun twist!
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stove for a quick meal!
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes! You can freeze the cooked chicken in the sauce for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Final Thoughts
Cooking crockpot honey garlic chicken is more than just a meal; it’s a delightful experience that brings joy to my family and me. The aroma that fills the kitchen as it cooks is like a warm hug after a long day. I love how this dish transforms simple ingredients into something truly special. It’s perfect for busy nights, yet impressive enough for gatherings. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting, this recipe is a wonderful addition to your dinner rotation. I hope it brings as much happiness to your table as it does to mine!