Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Every time I think of cozy nights and delicious aromas wafting through the house, I remember the unforgettable moments spent with my family around the dinner table, especially with Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken. This dish has become a staple in my home, a perfect blend of sweet and savory that never fails to impress. It was one chilly evening when I stumbled upon this recipe, and little did I know it would become my family’s go-to comfort food. With its wonderfully tender chicken simmering in a rich sauce, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl.

As the day winds down, there’s something magical about the way the ingredients come together in the slow cooker. I love preparing everything in the morning, letting it cook all day, and returning home to find my kitchen filled with the mouthwatering scent of this delightful dish. The best part? It’s so easy to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without all the hassle. I often serve it over steamed rice or with a fresh salad, and every bite feels like a celebration.

Whether it’s a family gathering or a simple weeknight dinner, Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken always steals the show. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone together, with satisfied smiles and full bellies. I can’t wait for you to try it and create your own cherished memories around the dinner table!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
3 hr 10 mins
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
180 mins
Difficulty:
Hard
Calories:
350 kcal
Protein:
28 g
Diet:
Keto, Paleo, Whole30
Fat:
20 g
Tools Used:
Chef’s Knife, Slow Cooker

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

The Perfect Blend of Flavors

One of the reasons I adore Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is the magical combination of flavors. The sweetness of the honey perfectly balances the savoriness of the soy sauce and enhances the natural flavors of the chicken. Each bite is an explosion of taste that is simply irresistible!

Effortless Meal Prep

With this recipe, meal prep feels like a breeze. Just toss the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do all the work for you. I love how I can set it in the morning and come home to a delightful, ready-to-eat dinner. No fuss, no stress!

Family-Friendly and Versatile

This dish is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for families with picky eaters. The sweetness of the honey appeals to kids and adults alike. Plus, you can easily customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the level of seasoning.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a casual weeknight or a festive gathering, Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken fits any occasion. It’s effortlessly impressive and requires minimal effort, making it a go-to for any host!

Healthy and Wholesome

Not only is this dish delicious, but it also offers a healthier alternative to takeout. With wholesome ingredients like chicken, garlic, and honey, you can feel good about what you’re serving your family.

Leftovers That Last

One of my favorite perks of making Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is the leftovers! It tastes just as good, if not better, the next day. I love repurposing it in sandwiches or salads, giving me even more delicious meals throughout the week.

Ingredients Required for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

When it comes to the ingredients for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken, each one plays a crucial role in creating that irresistible flavor profile. The combination of chicken, honey, and soy sauce makes for a wonderfully rich and savory dish, while the garlic adds a fragrant touch that brings the entire meal together. Let’s take a closer look at these key players.

  • 4 boneless and skinless chicken breasts: The main component of this recipe, providing a juicy and tender base for the sauce.
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps in browning the chicken for enhanced flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons chopped garlic: Infuses the dish with a robust aroma and depth of flavor.
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher or sea salt: Enhances all the other flavors and ensures the chicken is well-seasoned.
  • 1 teaspoon pepper: Adds a subtle kick to balance the sweetness of the honey.
  • 1/3 cup honey: Provides the signature sweetness and caramelization when cooked.
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce (optional: Coconut Secret Aminos): Brings umami and depth, tying all the flavors together beautifully.

Instructions for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Making Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is as easy as 1-2-3! Once you gather your ingredients, it only takes a few simple steps to create a flavorful masterpiece. Let’s dive into the cooking process!

  1. Start by placing the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Make sure to spread them out evenly to ensure they cook properly.
  2. Next, drizzle the olive oil over the chicken. Take your time to coat all sides thoroughly; this will help to keep it moist and flavorful.
  3. Add the chopped garlic to the slow cooker, sprinkling it evenly over the chicken. The garlic will infuse its delicious flavor into the dish as it cooks.
  4. Sprinkle the kosher salt and pepper over the chicken. It’s essential to season well at this stage to ensure every bite is flavorful.
  5. Pour the honey over the chicken, letting it drizzle down to coat the pieces. This will create a sweet glaze as it cooks.
  6. Now, add the soy sauce. If you’re using Coconut Secret Aminos, it works perfectly too! This adds umami goodness to the dish.
  7. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low for 6 to 8 hours, or high for 3 to 4 hours. It’s best to check the internal temperature; you want it to reach 170 degrees.
  8. As it cooks, you’ll notice the chicken becomes tender and falls apart easily. This is what you want!
  9. Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Use a fork to slice or shred it, depending on how you prefer to serve it.
  10. Finally, serve your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken over rice or with a side of your favorite vegetables. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Things Worth Knowing

  • Cooking on Low vs. High: Cooking on low for longer results in more tender chicken, while cooking on high is faster but may yield less tender results.
  • Check for Doneness: Always ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 170 degrees for safety.
  • Flavor Depth: For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the honey and soy sauce mixture for a few hours before cooking.
  • Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the chicken once cooked and thicken the sauce on the stovetop.

Ways to Adapt This Recipe

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Adapting Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken to suit your taste is part of the fun! Here are some ideas to get you started.

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
  • Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to three months. Just thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Pairing: This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or quinoa, and a side of stir-fried vegetables makes for a wholesome meal.
  • Variations: Experiment with different proteins, such as tofu or tempeh, for a vegetarian version.
  • Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy twist.
  • Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can be added for an extra burst of flavor.

Serve This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken With

When it comes to serving Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken, the options are endless! Here are some fantastic ideas:

  • Steamed Rice: A classic pairing, the fluffy texture of rice soaks up the delicious sauce beautifully.
  • Quinoa: For a healthier option, serve it over quinoa for added protein and fiber.
  • Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the rich flavors of the dish.
  • Vegetable Stir-Fry: Pair it with a medley of stir-fried vegetables to boost your nutrient intake.
  • Warm Naan Bread: For a unique twist, serve with warm naan or pita bread to scoop up the chicken.
  • Casual Gatherings: This dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or game days, bringing everyone together for a hearty meal.
  • Seasonal Occasions: Enjoy it during any season, especially in the cooler months when comfort food is a must.

FAQ

You can safely store leftovers of Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just be sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving. If you find yourself with more than you can eat, consider freezing some! The cooked chicken can be frozen for up to three months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, and you’ll still have that delicious flavor!

Absolutely! If you find the sauce too sweet, you can easily adjust the amount of honey to your taste. Alternatively, you can add more soy sauce to balance it out. If you want to spice things up, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can also help to cut through the sweetness while adding a nice kick!

The recipe calls for boneless and skinless chicken breasts, which work beautifully in the slow cooker as they remain tender and juicy. However, you can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a richer flavor. Just make sure whatever cut you choose, it’s skinless to prevent excess fat from affecting the sauce!

Definitely! Adding vegetables can enhance the flavor and nutrition of your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken. Consider including veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Just add them in about 2 hours before the cooking time is up if you’re using the low setting, or about 1 hour if you’re cooking on high. This way, they’ll be perfectly tender when the chicken is ready!

Conclusion

In conclusion, Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting experience that brings people together. With its combination of sweet and savory flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household as it has in mine. I encourage you to try this easy recipe tonight; you won’t regret it!

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken features tender chicken simmered in a sweet and savory sauce. This easy weeknight dinner will have you and your family coming back for seconds!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless and skinless chicken breasts
  • 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons chopped garlic
  • 1.5 teaspoons kosher or sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 0.33 cup honey
  • 0.5 cup soy sauce optional: Coconut Secret Aminos

Equipment

  • Chef's Knife
  • Slow Cooker

Method
 

  1. Place chicken in the slow cooker. Drizzle with olive oil being sure to coat all sides. Add garlic, and sprinkle with sea salt, and pepper. Pour honey and soy sauce over the outside of the chicken.
  2. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 170 degrees.
  3. When the chicken is tender and cooked through, remove it from the slow cooker and slice or shred with a fork.

Notes

  • Tip 1: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
  • Tip 2: You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to three months. Just thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Tip 3: This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or quinoa, and a side of stir-fried vegetables makes for a wholesome meal.
  • Tip 4: Experiment with different proteins, such as tofu or tempeh, for a vegetarian version.
  • Tip 5: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy twist.

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