Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dinner: crock pot honey garlic chicken! This dish has become a staple in my home, and I can’t get enough of its sweet and savory flavors. The best part? I just toss everything in my trusty crock pot, and a few hours later, I’m greeted with tender, juicy chicken that practically melts in your mouth. My family can’t resist it, and it always sparks joy at the dinner table! Seriously, the aroma wafting through the house is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Whether I’m serving it over rice or alongside some roasted veggies, this recipe is a total winner. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked too!

Ingredients List

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These are perfect for soaking up that delicious honey garlic sauce while cooking.
1/2 cup honey: This adds that wonderful sweetness that balances the savory flavors.
1/4 cup soy sauce: Choose low-sodium if you’re watching your salt intake; it brings depth and umami to the dish.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is a must for that aromatic kick—trust me, you don’t want to skip this!
1 tablespoon rice vinegar: This adds a subtle tang that elevates the flavor profile.
1 tablespoon cornstarch: This is used later to thicken the sauce to that perfect consistency.
1 tablespoon water: Just a little splash to mix with the cornstarch.
1 teaspoon sesame oil: It adds a lovely nutty flavor that enhances the Asian-inspired theme.
Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season! Adjust to your personal preference.
Green onions for garnish: These add a fresh touch and a pop of color to your finished dish.

How to Prepare Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making this delightful crock pot honey garlic chicken. I promise it’s super simple and oh-so-rewarding! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a meal that feels like a big hug in a bowl.

Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, grab your trusty crock pot and place the 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs right at the bottom. No need to worry about cutting or prepping them—just lay them in there!
In a separate bowl, mix together the 1/2 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, the 4 minced cloves of garlic, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, and the 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Add a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste. Trust me, this sauce is what dreams are made of!
Pour that glorious honey garlic mixture all over the chicken in the crock pot. Make sure it’s well coated—every piece deserves a bath in that sauce!
Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer, the better for that melt-in-your-mouth texture!
When the time’s up, carefully remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate. Now, in a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water until smooth. Add this mixture to the sauce in the crock pot and stir it in.
Cook on high for an additional 15 minutes to let that sauce thicken up to perfection.
Finally, return the chicken to the pot, give it a good stir to coat it in that luscious sauce, and voilà! You’re ready to serve!

Garnish with some chopped green onions, and you’ve got yourself a meal that’s not only easy but absolutely packed with flavor!

FAQ Section

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! You can use chicken breasts if you prefer, but keep in mind they might cook a bit faster than thighs. I recommend checking them for doneness around the 3-hour mark on high or 5 hours on low. Just ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety. The sauce will still be delicious, so don’t worry—your family will love it!

How can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?

If you want to tweak the sweetness, it’s super easy! Just add more or less honey depending on your taste. If you find it too sweet, a splash of rice vinegar can help balance it out. Alternatively, try adding a bit of soy sauce to enhance the savory notes and cut through the sweetness. Play around until it’s just right for you!

What can I serve with this dish?

This crock pot honey garlic chicken pairs wonderfully with fluffy white rice or quinoa to soak up all that tasty sauce. You could also serve it alongside steamed broccoli or roasted veggies for a well-rounded meal. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some stir-fried noodles to bring a little extra flair to your dinner table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredible Flavor: The sweet and savory honey garlic sauce is a flavor explosion that will make your taste buds dance!
Super Easy: Just toss everything in the crock pot and let it do the work for you—perfect for busy weeknights!
Family-Friendly: This dish is a hit with both kids and adults, making it a great choice for family dinners.
Healthy Option: Packed with protein and gluten-free, it’s a wholesome choice without sacrificing taste.
Meal Prep Friendly: Leftovers are just as delicious, making it perfect for lunches throughout the week!

Tips for Success

Alright, folks! Here are my top tips to ensure your crock pot honey garlic chicken turns out absolutely perfect every time.

Don’t rush the cooking: For the best flavor and tenderness, let it cook on low for the full time. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together!
Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a vibrant kick compared to jarred garlic. Seriously, you’ll taste the difference!
Adjust the sauce: Feel free to taste the sauce before adding it to the chicken. You can always tweak the sweetness or saltiness to match your preferences.
Let it rest: After cooking, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps lock in the juices!
Experiment with veggies: Toss in some carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas during the last hour of cooking for a colorful, nutritious addition!

With these tips, you’re well on your way to a deliciously satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for each serving of this delicious crock pot honey garlic chicken. Keep in mind that these are just estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use:

Calories: 350
Protein: 30g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 600mg
Fiber: 1g
Cholesterol: 95mg

This dish is not only tasty but also provides a hearty dose of protein, making it a satisfying choice for your meals!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Alright, let’s talk about how to keep that delicious crock pot honey garlic chicken fresh for later! First off, let it cool to room temperature before storing. Then, place any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll stay good for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to separate the sauce and chicken to prevent freezer burn!

When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. If it seems a bit thick, a splash of water or broth can help loosen it up. Enjoy your scrumptious meal again!

Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken: 6 Steps to Pure Bliss

Author: Juanita A. Smith
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

A flavorful crock pot dish featuring tender chicken cooked in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Green onions for garnish

Instructions

Place chicken thighs in the crock pot.
In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
Pour the mixture over the chicken.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Remove chicken and set aside.
Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl.
Add cornstarch mixture to the sauce in the crock pot and stir.
Cook on high for 15 minutes to thicken.
Return chicken to the crock pot and stir to coat.
Serve garnished with green onions.

Notes

Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey.
Can substitute chicken thighs with breasts if preferred.
Serve with rice or vegetables for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Crock Pot
Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: crock pot honey garlic chicken, slow cooker chicken, easy chicken recipe