– **Title**: No-fuss Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
– **Ingredients**:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
– 1 tablespoon minced ginger (optional)
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
– 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
– Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
– **Instructions**:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
2. Place the chicken thighs or breasts in the slow cooker.
3. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and can easily be shredded with a fork.
5. (Optional) If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk the cornstarch and water together in a small bowl. After removing the chicken, stir the mixture into the slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens.
6. Serve the honey garlic chicken over rice or noodles, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness and tenderness. If you only have chicken breasts, they will also work; just be cautious, as they can dry out if overcooked.
Honey: This ingredient adds sweetness and helps with caramelization. If you’re looking for a lower-calorie option, consider maple syrup or agave nectar, but adjust to taste as they can be less sweet.
Soy Sauce: I suggest low-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness of your dish. If you need a gluten-free alternative, try tamari or coconut aminos, which offer a similar flavor profile.
Sesame Oil: This adds a lovely nutty aroma to the dish. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with olive oil, but it won’t provide the same flavor. Just a small amount of toasted sesame oil adds a rich taste!
Fresh Ginger: While ground ginger works, fresh grated ginger packs more flavor. If you’re short on time, using pre-minced ginger from a jar can be a great shortcut but may lack some freshness.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Turns Out Tender?
Cooking chicken in a slow cooker is wonderful for achieving that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Here are some tips to get it just right:
- Ensure you don’t overcrowd the slow cooker; the chicken needs room to cook evenly.
- Always season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper; too much salt can make the chicken tough.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours for the best tenderness. If you’re in a hurry, use high for 3-4 hours, but keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking.
- After shredding, return the chicken to the sauce. This allows it to soak up all those delicious flavors, enhancing every bite.
No-Fuss Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious honey garlic chicken takes about 10 minutes of prep time. You’ll need to let it cook in the slow cooker for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. It’s a perfect dump-and-go meal with minimal active time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, rice vinegar, ground ginger, and sesame oil. Whisk everything together until it’s well mixed. This should create a delicious sauce that will keep your chicken moist and flavorful.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper over the chicken to season it nicely.
3. Coat the Chicken with Sauce:
Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken, making sure all the pieces are covered completely. This will ensure that every bite is packed with flavor!
4. Slow Cook the Chicken:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is ready when it’s tender and easy to shred with a fork.
5. Shred and Mix:
Once cooked, take the chicken out of the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. This helps the chicken soak up more of that yummy sauce!
6. Final Touches:
Return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker and mix it with the sauce to absorb even more flavor. Now it’s time to serve!
7. Serve and Garnish:
Serve your honey garlic chicken over a bed of rice or noodles for an amazing meal. Finish it off by garnishing with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that extra pop!
8. Enjoy!
Dig in and enjoy your easy and tasty slow cooker honey garlic chicken. It’s perfect for a busy day, and everyone will love it!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. Just keep in mind that they may cook a little faster, so check for doneness at around 3-4 hours on low, or 2-3 hours on high to prevent them from drying out.
What Can I Substitute for Soy Sauce?
If you need a soy sauce substitute, try using tamari for a gluten-free option, or coconut aminos for a lower-sodium alternative. Both options will maintain a similar flavor profile in the dish!
Can I Prepare This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, just pour it over the chicken in the slow cooker. You can also prep the chicken and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to add the sauce.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stove. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to keep the chicken moist.
