This Honey Garlic Chicken is a comforting dish that cooks slowly in a crockpot, making it tender and full of flavor. The sweet honey and tangy garlic blend perfectly for a tasty meal!
It’s so easy to make—just toss everything in and let it work its magic! I love serving it over rice or noodles, and the smell fills the house with happiness. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I love using boneless, skinless chicken thighs because they stay juicy and tender during cooking. If you prefer chicken breasts, you can use those, but they might be slightly less tender.
Honey: This brings sweetness to the dish. If you’re looking for a lower-calorie option, you can substitute with agave nectar or maple syrup, though the flavor will change a bit.
Soy Sauce: Using low sodium soy sauce is smart to cut back on saltiness. If you need a gluten-free option, try tamari or coconut aminos instead.
Ketchup: It adds a nice tang and sweetness. You can swap it with BBQ sauce for a different flavor profile, or use tomato paste mixed with a touch of honey.
Vinegar: Rice vinegar is a fantastic choice for a mild flavor. Apple cider vinegar works well too; it adds a nice brightness to the dish.
What’s the Best Way to Thicken the Sauce?
If you want a thicker sauce for your honey garlic chicken, it’s super easy! About 20-30 minutes before serving, you can mix cornstarch with a little water or chicken broth to create a slurry.
- Stir the slurry into the sauce in the crockpot.
- Cook uncovered, which helps the sauce thicken nicely.
- Keep an eye on it, and in no time, you’ll have a rich, delicious sauce!
With these tips, your Honey Garlic Chicken is sure to impress! Enjoy making this dish with your favorite sides.
Honey Garlic Chicken In The Crockpot
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (preferably low sodium)
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic (about 6 cloves)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons water or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 4-5 hours to cook in the crockpot. So, with a little upfront effort, you’ll have a hearty meal that you can just set and forget!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, vinegar, oregano, and black pepper until everything is well combined and smooth.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Take the chicken thighs and place them in the bottom of the crockpot in a single layer. This helps them cook evenly and soak up all that tasty sauce.
3. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken thighs, making sure each piece is well coated.
4. Cooking Time:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. If you’re in a hurry, you can cook on high for about 2-3 hours, but low and slow is best for tenderness!
5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If you want a thicker sauce, here’s a simple trick! About 20-30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, mix the water (or chicken broth) with the cornstarch in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the sauce in the crockpot and continue to cook uncovered so it can thicken nicely.
6. Serve It Up:
Once the chicken is done, use a spoon to place it and the delicious sauce onto plates. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for that final touch of flavor!
7. Pair It With:
This mouthwatering chicken pairs wonderfully over steamed rice or noodles. Add some steamed broccoli for a colorful and nutritious side!
This dish delivers tender, flavorful chicken bathed in a luscious honey garlic sauce, enhanced by bright green onions and a hint of sesame for texture and aroma. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use frozen chicken thighs, but be sure to thaw them first. A quick method is to submerge them in cold water in a sealed bag for about an hour. Cooking time may vary slightly if the chicken is partially frozen, so make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you need to avoid honey, you can use agave nectar or maple syrup as a substitute. Keep in mind that these alternatives may slightly alter the flavor, but they’ll still provide that sweet element needed in the sauce.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stovetop or microwave until heated through. A splash of water can help keep the chicken moist during reheating.
Can I Add Vegetables to the Crockpot?
Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or broccoli to the crockpot. Just be sure to cut them into uniform sizes so they cook evenly. Adding them will also enhance the nutrition of the dish!