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Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

A comforting and flavorful slow cooker dish combining honey, garlic, and soy sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian Fusion
Calories: 265
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts Choose bone-in thighs for extra flavor or breasts for a leaner option.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/3 cup honey Local honey can intensify the dish with regional flavor.
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred) Helps control saltiness while retaining umami.
  • 1/4 cup ketchup Acts as a flavor enhancer.
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced) Add more if you prefer a stronger garlic flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar Balance sweetness with more vinegar for tangier flavor.
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) Adjust based on your heat preference.
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional for thickening) Used for sauce thickening.
  • 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)
  • to taste sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • to taste chopped green onions (for garnish)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Lightly season the chicken with salt and black pepper on both sides.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, grated ginger, vinegar, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
  3. Place the seasoned chicken in a slow cooker and pour the prepared sauce over the chicken.
Cooking
  1. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours until chicken is tender and cooked through.
  2. Optional: For a thicker sauce, remove the chicken and mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, stir into the sauce, and simmer until thickened.
  3. Return chicken to the slow cooker, or serve on a platter, pouring the sauce over the top and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Notes

This dish is family-friendly and versatile; serve it with rice, vegetables, or noodles. Adjust seasoning and cooking times based on preferences.