Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
You’ll love this easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken recipe that brings together tender chicken thighs and a sweet, savory honey garlic sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, this dish requires just five main ingredients plus a few seasonings. It’s a crowd-pleaser that promises rich flavors with minimal effort, making it ideal for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Preparation: With only five main ingredients, this crockpot recipe comes together quickly, allowing you to focus on other tasks while the chicken cooks.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates a deliciously sticky glaze that elevates the taste of the chicken.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice, noodles, or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal that caters to various tastes.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is sure to impress guests and family alike, making it perfect for dinner parties or family gatherings.
- Healthy Choice: Made with low sodium soy sauce and skinless chicken thighs, this recipe provides a tasty yet healthier alternative to takeout.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, ensure you have the right tools ready. Having the proper equipment makes preparing Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken efficient and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Measuring cups
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: This essential tool allows for hands-free cooking, infusing flavors over several hours while you go about your day.
- Mixing bowl: A good mixing bowl is vital for combining your sauce ingredients thoroughly before adding them to the chicken.
- Whisk or fork: Use these tools to blend ingredients smoothly for an even distribution of flavor in your honey garlic sauce.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/2 cup low sodium ketchup
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- 1/2 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
How to Make Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Thighs
Begin by arranging the chicken thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker. This will allow them to soak up all the delicious honey garlic sauce during cooking.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. Minced garlic
2. Honey
3. Low sodium ketchup
4. Low sodium soy sauce
5. Dried oregano
6. Fresh parsley
Whisk these ingredients until they are well-blended.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Pour the sauce mixture over the arranged chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Close with a lid and set your slow cooker:
– Cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours
– Or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours
Make sure to check occasionally if possible.
Step 4: Serve
Once cooked, remove the lid and carefully transfer the chicken to a serving plate. Spoon some of that gorgeous honey garlic sauce over each piece of chicken and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Enjoy your tasty Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken!
How to Serve Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you want it as a main course or part of a larger meal, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
Over Rice
- Serve the chicken over a bed of steamed rice for a hearty meal. The rice absorbs the flavorful honey garlic sauce beautifully.
With Noodles
- Pair the chicken with noodles, such as udon or soba, for an Asian-inspired twist. The soft noodles complement the tender chicken perfectly.
On a Salad
- Create a refreshing salad by placing shredded chicken on a bed of mixed greens. Drizzle additional honey garlic sauce for extra flavor.
In Wraps
- Use the chicken as a filling in wraps or tortillas. Add fresh vegetables and drizzle with sauce for a tasty lunch option.
With Vegetables
- Serve alongside steamed or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. Broccoli and snap peas work particularly well with this dish.
How to Perfect Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
To achieve mouthwatering Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken, consider these helpful tips to elevate your dish.
- Use fresh ingredients – Fresh garlic and high-quality honey will enhance the flavors significantly.
- Adjust sweetness – If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of honey used in the recipe.
- Marinate overnight – For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in the sauce overnight before cooking.
- Thicken sauce if desired – If you like a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last hour of cooking to allow it to reduce.
- Garnish creatively – Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley and sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.
Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
When serving Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken, pairing it with complementary side dishes can enhance your meal. Here are some fantastic options:
- Steamed Jasmine Rice – Light and fragrant, jasmine rice is perfect for soaking up the savory sauce.
- Garlic Bread – A crispy garlic bread can add crunch and soak up any leftover sauce on your plate.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables – Colorful stir-fried veggies add nutrition and crunch; consider bell peppers and carrots.
- Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast to the sweet flavors of the chicken.
- Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad with cucumber and tomatoes adds protein and keeps things healthy.
- Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes provide comfort alongside this flavorful chicken dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using too much or too little of an ingredient can change the flavor. Always measure carefully.
- Skipping marination time: Letting the chicken sit in the sauce for a while enhances flavor. Don’t rush this step; marinate for at least 30 minutes if possible.
- Overcrowding the slow cooker: If you add too many chicken thighs, they may not cook evenly. Make sure there’s enough space for heat circulation.
- Neglecting to check doneness: Cooking times can vary based on your slow cooker. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Not adjusting seasoning: Everyone’s taste is different. Taste the sauce before serving and adjust with salt or pepper if needed.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- They will last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
- Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container.
- This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and reheat for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power until warmed through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts; however, they may dry out faster than thighs. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
How spicy is Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken?
This recipe is not spicy at all. If you prefer heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli during the last hour of cooking for added nutrition and flavor.
What should I serve with Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken?
Serve it over rice or noodles, along with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken is a delightful dish that combines sweet and savory flavors effortlessly. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting the sweetness level according to your taste!
Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that will quickly become a favorite in your household. This easy slow cooker recipe combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with a mouthwatering honey garlic sauce made from just five main ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, this dish requires minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor. Serve it over rice, noodles, or alongside vegetables for a complete meal that delights both family and guests alike. With its sweet and savory notes, this comforting dish is sure to impress at any dinner table.
Ingredients
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/2 cup low sodium ketchup
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- 1/2 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- In a mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, honey, ketchup, soy sauce, dried oregano, and fresh parsley. Whisk until blended.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker and cover with the lid.
- Cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours.
- Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a serving plate and drizzle with sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (LOW) or 3 hours (HIGH)
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh (150g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
