Description
Tender chicken slow-cooked in a rich honey garlic sauce with soy, ginger, and sesame, this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is an easy and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights or comforting weekend dinners.
Ingredients
For the Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken:
- 2–2.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low-sodium or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 4–6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Slurry:
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons cold water
For Garnishing and Serving:
- Sesame seeds
- Fresh chopped green onions (scallions)
- Cooked rice or noodles
- Steamed broccoli or other green vegetables
Instructions
1. Pat chicken dry with paper towels. If using breasts, slice in half lengthwise for even cooking. Trim excess fat.
2. Mince garlic and grate fresh ginger. Set aside.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
4. Place chicken in a single layer in the bottom of the slow cooker.
5. Pour sauce evenly over the chicken, coating each piece.
6. Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Optional: Remove cooked chicken to a plate. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water to make a slurry.
8. Stir slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 5-10 minutes, until sauce thickens.
9. Return chicken to the slow cooker and toss to coat in the thickened sauce.
10. Optional: Shred chicken with two forks for serving.
11. Serve over rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions. Add steamed vegetables on the side if desired.
Notes
For leaner results, use chicken breasts but monitor doneness closely to avoid drying out. This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheats beautifully. Great for meal prep! For a spicy kick, increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha. This versatile recipe is also excellent for sandwiches, wraps, or tacos.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg