Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken: Easy Weeknight Meal (Print Version)
Make tender Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken for an easy weeknight dinner. Sweet and savory flavors come together effortlessly in your slow cooker.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 240 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 255 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Dairy-Free
# Ingredients:
→ The Hearty Foundation
01 -
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
→ Sweet & Savory Glaze
02 -
1/2 cup honey
03 -
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
04 -
1/4 cup ketchup
05 -
2 tbsp minced garlic
06 -
1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
07 -
2 tbsp rice vinegar
08 -
1 tsp sesame oil
09 -
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
10 -
Salt and pepper to taste
→ Thickening & Garnish
11 -
2 tbsp cornstarch
12 -
1/4 cup cold water
13 -
1/4 cup sliced green onions, for garnish
14 -
1 tbsp sesame seeds, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Combine 1/2 cup honey, 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 1/4 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp minced garlic, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sesame oil, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) in a bowl. Whisk well to create the flavorful base for your Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken - Easy Weeknight Meal. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
02 -
Place 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs evenly in the bottom of your slow cooker. This ensures the chicken cooks thoroughly and absorbs all the delicious flavors from the sauce.
03 -
Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce mixture over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Make sure the chicken is well coated. This step is crucial for infusing every piece with the signature taste of this Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken - Easy Weeknight Meal.
04 -
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is very tender and easily shredded. Avoid opening the lid frequently to maintain consistent cooking temperature.
05 -
Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp cornstarch and 1/4 cup cold water to form a slurry. Stir the slurry into the sauce remaining in the slow cooker. Cook on high for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
06 -
Shred the cooked chicken thighs using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the thickened sauce in the slow cooker. Stir gently to ensure all the chicken is coated in the rich, glossy honey garlic sauce. This completes your Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken - Easy Weeknight Meal.
07 -
Serve the Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken - Easy Weeknight Meal hot over rice or noodles. Garnish generously with 1/4 cup sliced green onions and 1 tbsp sesame seeds for added freshness and a delightful crunch.
# Notes:
01 -
For an extra layer of flavor and slightly crispier texture, you can quickly sear the chicken thighs in a hot pan for 2-3 minutes per side before adding them to the slow cooker.
02 -
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
03 -
Feel free to substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts for thighs, though cooking time might be slightly shorter. Adjust to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
04 -
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed white or brown rice, quinoa, or even a side of roasted broccoli or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Slow cooker (Crock Pot)
02 -
Measuring cups and spoons
03 -
Whisk
04 -
Knife
05 -
Cutting board
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 391 kcal
Total Fat: 14 g
Total Carbohydrate: 33 g
Protein: 35 g