Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless
skinless chicken thighs, or chicken breasts
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons chili paste
sambal oelek, sriracha, or hot sauce of choice
- 4 cloves garlic
minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Prepared brown rice
quinoa, or cauliflower rice
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Chopped green onion
Directions
- 1
Place the chicken in the bottom of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. In a medium mixing bowl or very large measuring cup, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, tomato paste, chili paste, garlic, and rice vinegar. Pour over the chicken. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer. If you are available, flip the chicken over once halfway through to coat both sides. (If not, don’t stress; it will still be tasty.)
- 2
Remove the chicken to a plate and let cool slightly. Whisk the cornstarch into the slow cooker cooking liquid. Cover and cook on HIGH for 15 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly, stirring occasionally. If you'd like the sauce particularly thick, you can cook it for a full 30 minutes in the slow cooker OR follow the stovetop method below.
- 3
For quicker sauce thickening, reduce the sauce on the stove: After whisking in the cornstarch, transfer the cooking liquid to a medium saucepan. Cook on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring often until the sauce thickens, 5 to 10 minutes. (If your slow cooker insert is stovetop safe, you can remove it from the slow cooker and place it directly on the burner, but do not do this unless you are POSITIVE your insert is stovetop safe or it may crack.)
- 4
With two forks (or your fingers if the chicken is cool enough), shred the chicken and place it in the slow cooker. If you reduced the sauce on the stove, add it back to the slow cooker now. Stir to coat the chicken with the sauce. Serve over rice, sprinkled with green onions and sesame seeds.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
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About this Recipe
Craving a flavorful, fuss-free dinner that practically cooks itself? This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken brings together juicy chicken and a rich, sticky sauce with minimal effort, making it a perfect healthy weeknight solution.
The magic of the slow cooker transforms simple pantry staples into a deeply flavorful, tender meal. Chicken slowly braises in a balanced honey garlic sauce, making it incredibly juicy and infused with sweet, savory, and a hint of spicy notes that will have you coming back for more.
You'll discover incredibly tender chicken, bathed in a thick, glossy sauce that clings to every piece. Each bite offers a delightful interplay of sweet honey, savory soy, pungent garlic, and a subtle warmth from the chili paste. This hearty and satisfying dish delivers a comforting experience, promising a delicious outcome for anyone seeking a wholesome, home-cooked meal without the constant attention.
For the chicken, you have the flexibility to use either boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor or chicken breasts for a leaner option. Adjust the chili paste (sambal oelek, sriracha, or your preferred hot sauce) to your taste—use more for a spicier kick or less for a milder flavor. You can also vary your starch, serving it over prepared brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice to suit your dietary preferences.
This easy slow cooker recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you want a home-cooked meal without the fuss. Garnish generously with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and fresh chopped green onion for an added layer of flavor and a beautiful presentation.