Irresistible Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe for Families

Crafting a mouthwatering slow cooker honey garlic chicken demands minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.

Aromas of sweet and savory notes will drift through your kitchen, promising a delightful meal.

Tender chicken pieces promise to become your new weeknight favorite.

Simple ingredients combine effortlessly in the ceramic pot, creating magic with minimal preparation.

Minimal chopping and just a few pantry staples mean you can assemble this dish in minutes.

No complicated techniques stand between you and a delicious dinner that everyone will devour.

Warm, comforting, and impossibly easy – this recipe will become your go-to meal for busy evenings.

Storing Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

• Store leftover honey garlic chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer chicken to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen chicken stays good for up to 3 months.
• Place shredded chicken in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or extra sauce to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.
• Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or sauce to maintain moisture. Stir gently for 3-4 minutes until heated thoroughly, ensuring the chicken doesn't stick or burn.

Perfect Pairings for Honey Garlic Chicken

• Pair Zesty Jasmine Rice: Fluffy jasmine rice absorbs the rich honey garlic sauce perfectly, creating a delightful flavor explosion that complements the tender chicken's sweet and savory profile.
• Match Crisp Asian Slaw: A tangy coleslaw with rice vinegar, shredded carrots, and green onions cuts through the chicken's richness, providing a refreshing and crunchy contrast.
• Complement with Bright Riesling: A slightly sweet Riesling wine balances the dish's bold garlic and honey notes, enhancing the meal's complex flavor layers while cleansing the palate.
• Serve Alongside Roasted Broccoli: Garlic-roasted broccoli with a light sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a nutritious green vegetable that harmonizes wonderfully with the chicken's Asian-inspired sauce.

New Twists on Honey Garlic Chicken

• Spicy Thai Fusion: Replace soy sauce with fish sauce, add lemongrass, and increase red pepper flakes for a zesty Thai-inspired flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or jackfruit, maintaining the same honey garlic sauce for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Skip rice or noodles, serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate intake while keeping the delicious sauce intact.

FAQs

• What makes the honey garlic sauce unique?

The sauce combines sweet honey with tangy apple cider vinegar and savory soy sauce, creating a balanced flavor profile that coats the chicken perfectly. The addition of red pepper flakes provides a subtle heat that enhances the overall taste.

• Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F. Always check the chicken’s doneness before serving.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! The shredded honey garlic chicken stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and can be easily reheated. It’s perfect for preparing ahead of time and using in various meals like salads, wraps, or grain bowls.

• How can I make this recipe less spicy?

Simply omit the red pepper flakes from the sauce. The recipe will still have a delicious flavor without the added heat, making it more kid-friendly and mild.

Highlights of Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

• Toss ingredients into the slow cooker and walk away, creating a hassle-free meal that requires minimal hands-on preparation.
• Blend of honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates a mouthwatering sauce that transforms ordinary chicken into a delectable, crowd-pleasing dish.
• Shredded chicken works perfectly in tacos, salads, sandwiches, or served over grains, making it a flexible option for multiple meals throughout the week.
• Control ingredients and sodium levels while enjoying a nutritious, home-cooked meal that beats processed takeout options.

Ingredients in Honey Garlic Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that serves as the primary protein in this slow cooker dish.

• Honey, Soy Sauce, Apple Cider Vinegar: A sweet and tangy combination that creates a flavorful glaze for the chicken.
• Garlic: Adds a robust and aromatic flavor to the sauce.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the natural taste of the chicken.
• Oregano: Provides a subtle herbal note to the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient that adds a hint of spicy heat to the sauce.

How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

Grab your chicken breasts and sprinkle them generously with salt and pepper, ensuring each piece gets an even coating of seasoning.

Step 2: Craft Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Apple cider vinegar
• Minced garlic
• Dried oregano
• Red pepper flakes (optional for extra kick)

Step 3: Layer in Slow Cooker

Nestle the seasoned chicken breasts into the slow cooker and lovingly pour the vibrant sauce over the top, making sure every inch of chicken gets bathed in the incredible marinade.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and let the magic happen.

Cook on low setting for 4-6 hours or on high setting for 2-3 hours until the chicken becomes incredibly tender and falls apart with gentle prodding.

Step 5: Shred and Coat

Carefully transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board.

Using two forks, shred the meat into succulent pieces.

Return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker and stir to coat completely with the rich, glossy sauce.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Plate your heavenly honey garlic chicken over steamed rice, buttery noodles, or alongside your favorite roasted vegetables.

Get ready for a meal that’ll make taste buds dance with joy!

Tips for Honey Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot

• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help spices stick better and create a more flavorful crust.
• Let sauce simmer in slow cooker for an extra 15-20 minutes after shredding chicken to concentrate flavors and thicken slightly.
• Check internal temperature with meat thermometer – chicken should reach 165°F for perfect moisture and safety.
• Adjust red pepper flakes according to heat preference, adding more for extra kick or removing completely for mild version.
• Prepare shredded chicken ahead and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days, perfect for quick meal prep and busy weeknights.

Easy Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent honey garlic chicken delivers mouthwatering comfort straight from your slow cooker. Tender meat glazed with sweet and savory sauce promises a delightful meal that will satisfy hungry families and impress dinner guests.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 680 grams)

Liquid & Seasoning Base:

• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Herbs & Spices:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Liberally coat chicken breasts with salt and pepper, ensuring even seasoning across all surfaces.
2. Create a vibrant sauce by whisking honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, and optional red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
3. Carefully arrange chicken breasts in the slow cooker, then generously pour the prepared honey garlic sauce over the meat, thoroughly coating each piece.
4. Set slow cooker to low temperature and cook for 4-6 hours, or alternatively use high setting for 2-3 hours. Confirm chicken is fully cooked by checking it becomes tender and easily falls apart.
5. Extract chicken from slow cooker and use two forks to meticulously shred the meat into delicate, bite-sized pieces.
6. Return shredded chicken to the aromatic cooking liquid, gently folding to ensure every morsel is saturated with the flavorful sauce.
7. Present the succulent honey garlic chicken atop steamed rice, tender noodles, or alongside your preferred accompaniments for a delectable meal.

Notes

• Prep chicken breasts uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Adjust honey quantity based on desired sweetness level, using less for a tangier sauce or more for enhanced caramelization.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt content and prevent the dish from becoming too salty during slow cooking process.
• Customize heat level by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes according to personal spice preference, making it family-friendly or more adventurous.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours (on high) or 6 hours (on low)
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg