Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
You’ll love this easy crock pot recipe for Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken. With just five simple ingredients and a few seasonings, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings with friends. The honey garlic sauce infuses the chicken thighs with incredible flavor, making it a standout choice for any occasion. Simple to prepare and bursting with taste, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With only 5 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it.
- Flavorful Meal: The honey garlic sauce brings a delightful sweetness and depth of flavor to the chicken.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect for dinner parties, family meals, or meal prepping for the week.
- Healthy Ingredients: Low sodium options make this recipe a healthier choice without sacrificing taste.
- Easy Cleanup: Cooking in a slow cooker means less mess in the kitchen!
Tools and Preparation
Before getting started, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking process. Having the right equipment makes all the difference.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: The heart of this dish, it allows for hands-off cooking while developing rich flavors.
- Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining your ingredients easily before adding them to the cooker.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
For the Sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/2 cup low sodium ketchup
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- 1/2 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
How to Make Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
Step 1: Arrange the Chicken
Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs on the bottom of your slow cooker. Set them aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine minced garlic, honey, low sodium ketchup, low sodium soy sauce, dried oregano, and fresh parsley.
2. Whisk until thoroughly combined.
Step 3: Combine and Cook
Pour the honey garlic sauce over the arranged chicken thighs in your slow cooker.
1. Close with a lid.
2. Cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours.
Step 4: Serve It Up
Once cooked:
1. Remove the lid and transfer chicken to a serving plate.
2. Spoon some of that delicious sauce over the chicken.
3. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds before serving.
This Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken is not only easy to make but also delivers fantastic flavors that everyone will enjoy!
How to Serve Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Whether you want something light or hearty, these serving suggestions will enhance your meal experience.
Over Rice
- Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice. The rice absorbs the honey garlic sauce, making each bite flavorful.
With Steamed Vegetables
- Pair the chicken with steamed broccoli or green beans for a nutritious option. The vegetables add color and crunch to your plate.
In Tacos
- Use shredded chicken in soft tortillas for tasty tacos. Top with avocado and cilantro for an extra kick.
On a Salad
- Slice the chicken and place it on a fresh salad. Add mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers for a refreshing meal.
With Quinoa
- Serve alongside quinoa for a protein-packed alternative. Quinoa complements the flavors nicely while adding texture.
How to Perfect Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
Getting the perfect flavor and texture from your Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken is easy with these tips.
- Choose quality chicken thighs: Opt for boneless, skinless thighs as they remain tender during cooking.
- Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the sauce a robust flavor compared to pre-minced options.
- Adjust sweetness: Feel free to tweak the amount of honey based on your taste preference; less honey results in a less sweet dish.
- Let it rest before serving: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking can help retain its juices.
- Garnish before serving: Always top with fresh parsley and sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.
Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
Pairing side dishes with your Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken enhances the overall dining experience. Here are some excellent options:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes flavored with garlic complement the savory sauce wonderfully.
- Fried Rice: A flavorful fried rice filled with veggies provides great texture and taste alongside the chicken.
- Cabbage Slaw: A crunchy slaw adds freshness and balances out the rich flavors of the chicken.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These crispy sprouts create an excellent contrast to the tender chicken.
- Asian Noodles: Tossed in soy sauce and sesame oil, noodles provide an Asian twist that pairs perfectly.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brings sweetness and bright color to your plate, making it visually appealing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s essential to avoid common pitfalls when preparing Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken to ensure a delicious meal.
- Skipping the marination: Failing to marinate the chicken can lead to less flavorful meat. Allow the chicken to soak in the sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Overcrowding the slow cooker: Adding too much chicken can prevent even cooking. Make sure there is enough space for air circulation and sauce coverage.
- Using regular soy sauce: Regular soy sauce can make the dish too salty. Opt for low sodium soy sauce to maintain a balanced flavor.
- Not checking doneness: Relying solely on cooking time may not guarantee that the chicken is fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F.
- Neglecting the garnish: Skipping the toasted sesame seeds or parsley can make your dish look less appealing. These garnishes add both flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken in an airtight container.
- It will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
- Place cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken.
What can I serve with Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken?
You can pair this dish with steamed rice, quinoa, or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Can I use other cuts of chicken?
Yes! You can substitute chicken thighs with breasts or drumsticks, but adjust cooking times as needed.
How do I customize my Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken?
Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or carrots into the crockpot for added nutrition and flavor.
Is Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and check labels on all ingredients.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken offers an easy yet flavorful dinner option that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Its versatility allows you to customize it with different veggies or serve it over various grains. Give it a try; you’ll love how simple and satisfying this recipe is!
Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken, a simplified and savory dish that combines sweet honey and zesty garlic to create a family-friendly meal. With just five core ingredients, this slow cooker recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or friendly gatherings. In only 5 minutes of prep time, you can set your slow cooker to work its magic, allowing the chicken thighs to soak up the rich sauce while freeing you to focus on other tasks. Serve it over rice, mix into tacos, or enjoy atop a fresh salad—this versatile dish caters to all tastes and occasions!
Ingredients
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/2 cup low sodium ketchup
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- 1/2 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Place chicken thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together garlic, honey, ketchup, soy sauce, oregano, and parsley until well combined.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- Once cooked, serve chicken topped with sauce and garnish with sesame seeds.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4–5 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
