Why You’ll Love this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Whether you’re a busy parent or just looking for a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen, you’ll love this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken recipe.
It’s incredibly easy to prepare—just mix the sauce, pour it over the chicken, and let the slow cooker do the work. The aroma that fills your home while it cooks is mouthwatering!
Plus, the combination of sweet honey and savory garlic creates a flavor explosion that’ll satisfy everyone at the table.
This dish isn’t only tasty but also perfect for leftovers, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
Trust me, you’ll want to make this often!
Ingredients of Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
When it comes to cooking, sometimes the simplest recipes are the most rewarding. This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a perfect example. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a meal that feels special without breaking a sweat.
I mean, who doesn’t love the smell of sweet and savory chicken wafting through the house? The best part is, you probably have most of these ingredients in your pantry already. Let’s explore what you’ll need to make this delightful dish.
Ingredients:
- 4 large bone-in chicken breasts (skin removed)
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup blackberry jam
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 green onions, finely sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Now, let’s talk about a few considerations regarding these ingredients. First off, if you’re not a fan of bone-in chicken, feel free to swap it out for boneless chicken breasts or thighs.
Just remember, you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly because boneless cuts tend to cook faster. And if blackberry jam isn’t your jam (pun intended), you can substitute it with another fruit jam, like raspberry or even apricot, for a different twist.
Also, the level of heat from the chili flakes can be adjusted based on your spice tolerance. So, if you’re like me and prefer to keep things mild, just a pinch will do.
This recipe is super flexible, making it easy to adapt to your taste preferences. Happy cooking!
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Alright, let’s plunge into the delicious world of making Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken. First things first, we need to gather our star ingredients. You’ll need 4 large bone-in chicken breasts (skin removed, of course, because who needs that extra fat?), and then we’ll get to the magic mix of flavors.
In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup of low sodium soy sauce, 1/2 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of blackberry jam, and 1/4 cup of hoisin sauce. Seriously, this combination is like a sweet and savory love letter to your taste buds. Toss in 2 teaspoons of minced fresh ginger, 1/4 teaspoon of red chili pepper flakes, 5 minced garlic cloves, and 1 finely diced small onion. Mix it all together until it’s well blended and you can’t resist giving it a little taste—just a tiny spoonful, right?
Now, it’s time to put everything into the slow cooker. Place those beautiful chicken breasts right in there, and then pour your amazing sauce mixture all over them. Make sure they’re well-coated, like they’re getting a warm, cozy blanket.
Set your slow cooker to low and let it work its magic for 4 to 5 hours. Go ahead and binge-watch your favorite show, or maybe tackle that pile of laundry you’ve been avoiding. When the chicken is done, it should be tender and easy to shred. Remove the chicken breasts and gently shred them with two forks. It’s almost therapeutic, really.
Next up, we want to thicken that glorious sauce. In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with a little water—just enough to make a slurry. Pour the liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan and bring it to a boil. As it bubbles away, add in your cornstarch mixture and stir until it thickens up beautifully. This is where the magic happens.
Once thickened, pour that luscious sauce over your shredded chicken and give it a good stir to combine. Serve it over rice, sprinkle with 3 finely sliced green onions and maybe toss on a tablespoon of sesame seeds for that extra flair. You’ve just created a meal that feels like a restaurant dish without even leaving your home. Enjoy the compliments because you deserve them!
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Substitutions & Variations
Now that you’ve mastered the art of making Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken, let’s explore some exciting substitutions and variations to personalize the dish.
If you want a different flavor, try swapping out the chicken for tofu or shrimp. For a tangy twist, substitute the blackberry jam with apricot or peach preserves.
You can also add vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra nutrition. If you’re looking for more heat, toss in some sriracha.
Finally, play with the sweetness by adjusting the honey or using maple syrup instead. These tweaks can make the dish your own!
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Pairing your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken with the right sides can elevate your meal.
I love serving it over fluffy jasmine rice, which soaks up that delicious sauce perfectly.
Steamed broccoli or snap peas add a fresh crunch and vibrant color to the plate.
A simple cucumber salad with a tangy dressing complements the sweetness of the chicken nicely.
If I’m feeling indulgent, I might whip up some garlic bread to soak up every last drop of sauce.
These sides not only balance the flavors but also create a well-rounded dinner that everyone will enjoy.
Additional Tips & Notes
When enjoying your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken with those delightful sides, there are a few additional tips that can enhance your cooking experience.
First, consider marinating the chicken overnight for deeper flavor. If you like a bit of crunch, add some steamed broccoli or snap peas right before serving.
For a touch of freshness, sprinkle some chopped cilantro over the dish. If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer after adding the cornstarch mixture.
Ultimately, don’t hesitate to adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or jam based on your taste preferences. Enjoy your meal!