This sumptuous slow cooker honey garlic chicken recipe is a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors. Slow cooking the chicken ensures that it is tender, juicy, and infused with the delectable flavors of honey, garlic, and soy sauce. It's an ideal recipe for busy weekdays, as it requires minimal prep time and lets the slow cooker do most of the work.
Most of the ingredients for this dish are pantry staples in many households. However, the recipe calls for lite soy sauce, which may not be as commonly found at home as regular soy sauce. Lite soy sauce contains less sodium and has a milder flavor than the regular variety. You can easily find it in the Asian aisle of most supermarkets.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Soy sauce: This provides the salty and umami flavor base for the dish.
Ketchup: Used as a thickening agent and to add a hint of sweetness.
Honey: The key ingredient that provides a natural sweetness to balance out the savory flavors.
Garlic: This aromatic ingredient adds a punch of flavor.
Chicken thighs: These are used for their juicy and flavorful meat.
One reader, Evelyn Russ says:
This slow cooker honey garlic chicken recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the chicken comes out so tender and juicy. It's incredibly easy to make and always impresses my guests. I highly recommend trying it out for a delicious and hassle-free meal!
Key Techniques for Mastering This Recipe
How to mix the sauce: Combine the lite soy sauce, ketchup, honey, and minced garlic in a bowl until well mixed.
How to arrange the chicken: Lay the chicken thighs, skin side up, in a single layer on top of the sauce mixture in the slow cooker.
How to cook in the slow cooker: Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook for 6 to 7 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
How to serve: Serve the honey garlic chicken with rice or on its own, and enjoy!
How To Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Change up your usual chicken meals by recreating this sweet honey garlic chicken at home! Toss everything in the slow cooker for easy cooking.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2tbsplite soy sauce
- 2tbspketchup
- 2tbsphoney
- 3garlic clovesminced
- 6chicken thighsbone in, skin on
Instructions
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Combine the soy sauce, ketchup, honey and garlic in the slow cooker until well mixed.
-
Lay the chicken skin side up in a single layer on top of the mixture.
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Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours.
-
Serve with rice or on its own, and enjoy!
If your chicken isn’t browned on the top, you can put it on a foil lined cookie sheet under a broiler for 2 to 3 minutes.
Nutrition
- Calories: 458.47kcal
- Fat: 32.08g
- Saturated Fat: 8.74g
- Trans Fat: 0.16g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 13.40g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 6.70g
- Carbohydrates: 8.56g
- Fiber: 0.10g
- Sugar: 6.99g
- Protein: 32.49g
- Cholesterol: 189.14mg
- Sodium: 378.57mg
- Calcium: 18.92mg
- Potassium: 435.96mg
- Iron: 1.45mg
- Vitamin A: 45.86µg
- Vitamin C: 0.74mg
Pro Tip for Enhancing the Flavors
To ensure your chicken thighs are cooked to perfection in the slow cooker, it's important to layer them skin side up. This allows the fat from the skin to drip down and infuse the meat with additional flavor while it cooks. Also, refrain from lifting the lid of the slow cooker frequently as it lets out heat and can significantly increase the cooking time. Patience is key when slow cooking.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Cooks
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and measure out ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Use pre-cut ingredients: Opt for pre-cut vegetables or pre-trimmed meats to save time on prep work.
One-pot meals: Choose recipes that allow you to cook everything in a single pot or pan to minimize cleanup time.
Batch cooking: Prepare larger quantities and freeze leftovers for quick and easy meals on busy days.
Kitchen organization: Keep your kitchen well-organized to easily locate ingredients and utensils while cooking.
Invest in time-saving tools: Consider using kitchen gadgets like a food processor or slow cooker to expedite meal preparation.
Follow a meal plan: Plan your meals for the week in advance to streamline grocery shopping and cooking.
Substitute Ingredients For Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
lite soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce and has a similar flavor profile, making it a suitable substitute in this recipe.
ketchup - Substitute with tomato paste: Tomato paste can provide a more concentrated tomato flavor and a thicker consistency compared to ketchup, which can work well in slow cooker recipes.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can offer a similar sweetness and depth of flavor as honey, and it complements the garlic and soy sauce flavors in the recipe.
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic cloves, providing a milder and more evenly distributed garlic flavor throughout the dish.
chicken thighs - Substitute with chicken drumsticks: Chicken drumsticks can be used as a substitute for chicken thighs, offering a similar dark meat richness and flavor when cooked in the slow cooker.
Presentation Ideas for Serving This Delicious Meal
Elevate the plating: Arrange the slow-cooked honey garlic chicken thighs in a circular pattern on the plate, ensuring each piece is positioned with precision and care.
Garnish with finesse: Sprinkle a delicate touch of finely chopped chives over the chicken, adding a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the dish.
Incorporate texture: Introduce a contrasting element by placing a crisp, golden-brown lotus root chip alongside the chicken, providing a delightful crunch.
Emphasize sauce placement: Drizzle a small amount of the luscious honey garlic sauce around the edge of the plate, ensuring it complements the dish without overpowering it.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the beauty of simplicity by allowing some of the plate to remain uncovered, creating a visually striking and balanced presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools You'll Need
Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting, slicing, and chopping ingredients.
Chef's knife: A versatile, all-purpose knife used for a variety of cutting tasks in the kitchen.
Slow cooker: A countertop electrical cooking appliance used for simmering at low temperatures over an extended period of time.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Leftovers
Let the honey garlic chicken cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and maintain the quality of the dish.
To store in the refrigerator, transfer the chicken and sauce to an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 4 days in the fridge.
For longer storage, freezing is a great option:
- Place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag.
- Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Honey garlic chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months.
To reheat, thaw the frozen chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
- Transfer the thawed chicken and sauce to a saucepan or microwave-safe dish.
- Heat gently over medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
- Alternatively, reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until heated thoroughly.
If you find the sauce has thickened too much after freezing and reheating, add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Enjoy your reheated honey garlic chicken over freshly cooked rice, noodles, or with your favorite steamed vegetables for a quick and delicious meal.
How To Reheat Leftovers for Best Results
The best way to reheat leftover slow cooker honey garlic chicken is to use the microwave or the oven. If you're in a hurry, the microwave is the quickest option, but if you want to maintain the crispy texture of the chicken skin, the oven is the way to go.
To reheat in the microwave, place the desired amount of chicken in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. This will help to keep the chicken moist and prevent it from drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through.
If you prefer to use the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. This will help to keep the chicken moist and prevent it from drying out. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through.
Another option is to reheat the chicken in a skillet on the stovetop. Heat a small amount of oil in the skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through. This method will help to crisp up the skin and give the chicken a nice golden color.
Regardless of which method you choose, be sure to reheat the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure that it is safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature if you're unsure.
If you have any leftover sauce from the slow cooker, you can reheat it separately in the microwave or on the stovetop and pour it over the chicken before serving. This will help to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
Interesting Trivia About Honey Garlic Chicken
The slow cooker honey garlic chicken recipe is a delicious and convenient dish to prepare. This recipe combines the savory flavors of soy sauce and garlic with the sweetness of honey, creating a mouthwatering glaze for the chicken thighs. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in tender and flavorful chicken. This dish is perfect for a busy day when you want a hassle-free meal. Simply set it and forget it, and come back to a delectable meal ready to be enjoyed. It's a great option for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. Try it with rice for a satisfying meal.
Budget-Friendly Meal Idea for Families
The slow cooker honey garlic chicken recipe is a cost-effective option for households. The ingredients, such as soy sauce, ketchup, honey, and garlic, are commonly found in most kitchens. The use of chicken thighs provides a budget-friendly protein source. The slow cooking method ensures tender, flavorful results without the need for expensive cuts of meat. This dish offers a balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it appealing to a wide range of palates. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$15, making it an affordable and satisfying meal. Verdict: 9.
Is This Dish Healthy or Not So Much?
The slow cooker honey garlic chicken recipe is a tasty and convenient dish, but it may not be the healthiest option. Here's why:
- The recipe uses honey and ketchup, which are both high in sugar. Consuming too much added sugar can lead to weight gain and other health issues.
- Soy sauce is high in sodium, and excessive sodium intake can contribute to high blood pressure and other health problems.
- The recipe doesn't include any vegetables, which are essential for a balanced and nutritious meal.
However, there are some positive aspects to this recipe:
- Chicken thighs are a good source of protein, which is important for building and repairing tissues in the body.
- Using a slow cooker is a convenient and time-saving cooking method that can help you prepare meals in advance.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of honey and ketchup used in the recipe, or replace them with healthier alternatives like low-sugar ketchup or natural sweeteners like stevia.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the overall sodium content of the dish.
- Add some vegetables to the slow cooker, such as sliced bell peppers, onions, or carrots, to increase the nutritional value of the meal.
- Serve the chicken with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables and a whole grain like brown rice or quinoa to create a more balanced and nutritious plate.
- Use skinless chicken thighs to reduce the overall fat content of the dish, or opt for chicken breasts for an even leaner protein source.
By making these simple modifications, you can transform this slow cooker honey garlic chicken recipe into a healthier and more well-rounded meal that still tastes delicious.
Why Our Editor Loves Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
This slow cooker honey garlic chicken recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors. The use of soy sauce, ketchup, honey, and garlic creates a rich and aromatic sauce that perfectly complements the tender chicken thighs. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a dish that is both succulent and full of depth. This recipe is a wonderful option for a hassle-free meal, and the end result is sure to impress with its delicious taste and enticing aroma.
Why trust this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe:
This slow cooker honey garlic chicken recipe is a tried and tested favorite, delivering a perfect blend of savory and sweet flavors. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to absorb the rich honey garlic sauce, resulting in tender, juicy meat with a delightful aroma. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe offers convenience without compromising on taste. Trust in the combination of soy sauce, ketchup, honey, and garlic to elevate your culinary experience. Embrace the slow cooker method and savor the irresistible chicken dish that awaits.
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