Once in a blue moon… I make a new meal that the ENTIRE family devours. Folks, this is one of those meals.
This slow cooker honey garlic chicken is sweet, a teensy bit spicy, and packed full of flavor. My youngest probably ate about a pound of it!
This honey garlic chicken recipe is part of an AMAZING slow cooker dump meal plan!
Best of all, this is a ‘dump recipe’. What I mean by that is that you just dump all the ingredients in the slow cooker and then turn it on. And there really aren’t many ingredients either…
I mean, I could do a step-by-step with pictures along the way, but why? You just throw it in the slow cooker, and then shred with a fork when it’s done.
This delicious recipe lends itself for a perfect freezer meal too!
Key Takeaways
- Cook Time: Medium – 6 hours; High – 4 hours
- Main Ingredients: Chicken breasts, honey, garlic, soy sauce, ginger, and more
- Servings: 4-6
- Extras: Add green beans, broccoli, carrots, and more to fill up your dish with nutrition
- Tips: Trim your chicken breast really well to make shredding easier; use chicken thighs for a juicer dish
Fast Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Making this slow cooker honey garlic chicken is as easy as it gets, and the result is a flavorful and tender meal that everyone will love.
Here are a few tips and steps to guide you through my process:
Ensure your chicken breast is trimmed of any excess fat for the best texture. Though the recipe calls for boneless skinless chicken breasts, you could experiment with chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
I tend to switch between boneless skinless chicken thighs and breasts, but chicken thighs are most cost-effective for less expensive meals.
A rough chop is all you need here since everything will soften and meld together in the slow cooker. No need for precision.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, water, ginger, fresh garlic, and red pepper flakes. This ensures an even distribution of flavors before pouring it over the chicken and onions in the crockpot.
Once you’ve added all your ingredients to the crockpot, give it a gentle stir to make sure the chicken is well-coated.
Then, set your slow cooker to cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours. This flexibility makes it a great recipe to start in the afternoon for dinner or in the morning for a meal waiting for you after work.
After the cooking time, shredding the chicken should be effortless. A couple of forks should do the trick, but a potato masher can work even faster.
Be sure to mix the shredded chicken back into the sauce for maximum flavor and easy serving.
This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of white rice, which soaks up the delicious sauce. For a pop of color and freshness, garnish with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
With its hassle-free preparation and delicious results, this slow cooker honey garlic chicken is bound to become a recurring favorite on your family dinner menu.
Ingredients
- 1 - 1.5 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1/2 onion chopped
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp honey
- 2 Tbsp water
- 1.5 tsp fresh ginger or 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 3 cloves of garlic pressed or minced
- A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or 1 tsp if you like it spicy
Instructions
- Place chicken in the crockpot.
- Add all other ingredients on top and mix.
- Cook on medium for 6 hours, or high for 4 hours.
- Shred with forks or a potato masher.
- Serve over rice and top with chopped green onions.
Recipe Substitutions
For those looking to customize the Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken recipe, several easy adjustments can be made to suit different dietary needs or flavor preferences:
The Meat
As I mentioned, I used chicken breast for this recipe, and it’s so easy to shred when it’s all cooked.
You could also cut them up and use chicken pieces if you’re not a fan of shredded chicken.
If chicken isn’t your protein of choice, this recipe adapts well to other proteins. For a hearty alternative, try using boneless pork chops or a lean cut of beef.
For a vegetarian version, firm tofu cubes or a selection of beans can be an excellent protein substitute.
The Sauce/Seasoning
The main sauce ingredients consist of honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ginger, but the possibilities for tinkering are endless.
To infuse even more flavor into this deliciously sticky honey garlic sauce, a few additional seasonings can be considered:
Introducing herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil during the cooking process can impart a fragrant and earthy aroma that complements the sweetness of the honey beautifully.
For a citrusy zest, adding a splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar towards the end of cooking can brighten up the flavors and add a delightful tang.
Another interesting twist could be the inclusion of smoked paprika and rice vinegar for a subtle smokiness and depth.
Those who prefer a milder dish can omit the red pepper flakes, whereas adding a spoonful of chili sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper can turn up the heat for spice lovers.
If you want a bit less salt, you can use low-sodium soy sauce to get the same flavor with less salt. If you like the umami taste, add more soy sauce to make the dish more savory!
Lastly, you can swap chicken broth or bone broth for the water for a stronger chicken/savory taste in your sauce.
Some Add-Ons
Introduce a splash of orange juice or a sprinkle of brown sugar for extra sweetness.
Vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, green beans, or broccoli can be added for more texture and nutritional value.
To make the honey garlic chicken dish even more satisfying and filling, consider incorporating hearty grains or legumes into the recipe.
Adding cooked quinoa or wild rice directly into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking can absorb the flavors and add a wonderful texture to the meal.
Alternatively, stirring in a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas or black beans can introduce a fantastic source of protein and fiber, making the dish fuller and more robust.
These additions not only enhance the nutritional profile but also turn the honey garlic chicken into a more comprehensive one-pot meal, perfect for busy weeknights.
Serving It Up
Another dynamic way to enjoy the savory sweetness of honey garlic chicken is by incorporating it into quesadillas.
Imagine a crispy, golden tortilla filled with tender, flavorful chicken and a generous amount of melted cheese.
For a wholesome twist, sprinkle diced tomatoes, corn, or thinly sliced avocado before folding and cooking to perfect crispiness.
Alternatively, consider serving a hearty honey garlic chicken salad. Mix in various greens and add cucumbers, tomatoes, and a drizzle of honey garlic sauce as dressing.
This not only elevates the flavors but introduces a refreshing crunch that complements the chicken beautifully.
Other Slow Cooker Recipe
And if you like this one, you might be interested in 40 other slow cooker dump recipes that are AMAZING!
FAQs
What is honey garlic chicken sauce made of?
The sauce is made of a combination of soy sauce, honey, water, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
You can adjust the ratio of these ingredients to your taste preference.
Can I make this recipe with frozen chicken?
It’s recommended to thaw the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker for even cooking and to ensure food safety.
Using frozen chicken might require a longer cooking time and could affect the texture and flavor of the dish.
Is it possible to make this dish spicier or less spicy?
Absolutely! The amount of red pepper can be adjusted according to your preference.
If you enjoy a spicier dish, feel free to add more than the recipe suggests. For a milder version, simply reduce the amount or omit it entirely.
Can I use other parts of the chicken for this recipe?
Yes, while the recipe calls for boneless skinless chicken breasts, you can also use boneless skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
Chicken thighs add a bit more juice to the dish, and some people just prefer the tenderness of them- which I agree for many slow cooker dishes!
Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the cut and size of the chicken pieces.
How can I thicken the sauce?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker towards the end of cooking and mix a slurry of cornstarch and water into the remaining liquid.
Return the chicken to the slow cooker, stir well, and allow it to cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
What are some recommended side dishes to accompany this meal?
This honey garlic chicken pairs perfectly with white or brown rice, which soaks up the delicious sauce.
Alternatively, you can serve it with noodles or a variety of steamed vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers for a balanced and colorful plate.
Top with onions, sesame seeds, and extra honey garlic sauce or soy sauce for that extra yum factor.
Oh, and as an added tip, toasted sesame seeds are easy to do in the pan or you can buy them- the roasted flavor they get is so good with the garlic and soy sauce.
Final Thoughts
Are you ready for an easy, delicious meal that’s low-effort for those hectic nights with the kids?
My Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken illustrates the beauty of set-it-and-forget-it meals, blending ease with flavor in a way that enriches our bustling lives.
Whether you’re a busy parent juggling multiple duties or want to expand your culinary repertoire with minimal fuss, this honey garlic chicken recipe stands as a glowing beacon of effortless gastronomy.
Its tender, aromatic allure promises to gather your loved ones around the dinner table, evoking smiles and satiating appetites.
Here’s to many more nights of delicious simplicity courtesy of your trusty slow cooker. Try it, and watch this dish become a cherished staple in your meal planning.
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[…] Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken – Just as the recipe would have you believe, this one is sweet and garlic-y! What’s not to love? It’s so good over rice. […]
With these recipes, is the meat meant to be thawed when it goes in the slow cooker? Or is it okay to put it in frozen? If frozen, do cook times/temperatures need to be adjusted at all? Thank you!
Typically yes, BUT when in a mind I’ve put them in frozen and extended the time a couple hours.
Served this last night with orzo (didn’t have rice in the house) and steamed broccoli. Every single one of my picky eaters, even the 2 year old, loved it! Thank you!!
Do you know of a good substitute for soy sauce? I’m allergic to soy.
Liquid Aminos is something that i use in place of soy sauce.
My crockpot only has low and high. I also grabbed thighs instead of breasts. I don’t want to overcook the chicken (like I did with the cilantro lime chicken last night… 5 y/o complained that her mouth was hurting from chewing..) would 7 hours on low suffice or should I adjust it more?