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Delicious Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken served with rice and vegetables.

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

A flavorful and easy-to-make slow cooker chicken dish with a sweet-and-savory honey garlic sauce that brings warmth and nostalgia to the dinner table.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts Thighs for more flavor and moisture.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce
  • 1/3 cup honey Use raw honey for a more nutritious version.
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce Low sodium preferred.
  • 1/4 cup ketchup Can substitute with tomato paste mixed with sugar.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic is a must for flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger Optional.
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar Balances the sweetness.
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes Optional, adjust to heat preference.
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch Optional for thickening.
  • 2 tablespoons water Optional for thickening.
  • Sesame seeds For garnish.
  • Chopped green onions For garnish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Lightly season the chicken with salt and black pepper on both sides.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, ginger (if using), rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes until fully combined.
Cooking
  1. Place the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker and pour the prepared sauce over the top, coating it evenly.
  2. Cover the slow cooker and cook the chicken on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until tender and easily shredded.
  3. (Optional) If a thicker sauce is desired, remove the chicken, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, and stir into the sauce in the slow cooker until thickened.
  4. Return the chicken to the sauce or pour the thickened sauce over it and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Notes

For a stress-free meal, season and marinate the chicken the night before. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.