Crock-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken: the Weeknight Winner
Table of Contents
Right then, let's get started. Fancy something easy and delicious?
Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken: The Weeknight Winner
Are you ready to ditch the takeout menu? looking for an easy, satisfying dinner? of course, you are! then let's talk about chicken on crock pot recipes .
Specifically, this crock pot honey garlic chicken recipe. honestly, it's a surefire way to win over even the fussiest eaters on busy weeknights.
Sweet & Savory Crock Pot Magic
This recipe's inspired by those amazing honey garlic wings you get. but it's elevated to a proper, comforting meal. think tender chicken thighs swimming in a sticky sweet honey garlic sauce.
What is better?
The slow cooker does all the work. Which is especially great if you're running around like a blue arsed fly. So get your slow cooker out.
Quick & Easy Comfort
This chicken on crock pot recipes is super easy to make. it's also packed with flavor. perfect for a lazy weekend too.
The origin? well, it’s a bit of a fusion, inspired by classic asian flavors but adapted for that easy peasy western lifestyle.
Difficulty? easier than making toast. prep takes about 10 minutes. the cooker does the rest.
Yield: enough for 4-6 hungry humans.
Benefit Bonanza!
This recipe is fantastic. it is a healthier option than takeout. plus, honey has some antioxidant and antibacterial properties. so you're basically being good to yourself.
Serve it up for a casual family dinner. it is the perfect way to impress friends without breaking a sweat.
Honestly, what makes it special is how ridiculously simple it is. you chuck everything in the pot, set it, and forget it.
Come back a few hours later to a home smelling incredible. this tastes like tea cake loaf without being one.
Ready to get cooking?
Ingredients You'll Need:
Let's gather up your supplies. You'll need:
- 2.5 lbs (approx. 1.1 kg) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed. You want nice, juicy thighs for maximum flavor.
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) salt and 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml) black pepper for seasoning. Can't forget the basics!
- Then, for that magical honey garlic sauce…
Right then, let's dive into the heart of our crock pot honey garlic chicken: the ingredients and kit! think of this section as your cheat sheet to a super tasty, super easy meal.
Seriously, this is my go-to recipe when i fancy chicken on crock pot recipes for a chill night. i kid you not, even my cooking sceptic mate, dave, loves this one!
Unlocking Flavor: Ingredients You'll Need
Here's the shopping list, broken down nice and easy, so you know exactly what you're grabbing.
Main Players: The Chicken & The Sauce
Chicken thighs: about 2.5 lbs (1.1 kg) of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed. honestly, quality matters here. look for plump, pink thighs.
The better the chicken, the better the flavour! i always go for free range if i can, makes a world of difference.
Salt: 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) – just your regular table salt will do.
Black Pepper: 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml) – freshly ground if you're feeling fancy!
Honey: 1/2 cup (120 ml) of good quality honey. The Honey Tea is a staple in the Lifestyle Of A Foodie , isn't it?
Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup (60 ml) of low-sodium soy sauce. Honestly, nobody needs all that salt! Tamari works great if you're dodging gluten.
Ketchup: 2 tbsp (30 ml) – yes, ketchup! Trust me on this one. It adds a lovely tang.
Garlic: 4 cloves , minced. Now, I love garlic. So feel free to add an extra clove or two. I wont' judge!.
Rice Vinegar: 1 tbsp (15 ml) – don't skip this! It adds a crucial bit of acidity.
Sesame Oil: 1 tsp (5 ml) – this gives it that proper Asian flavour.
Ginger: 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) grated or 1/4 tsp ground. Fresh is best, obvs! But ground is fine in a pinch.
Cornstarch: 1 tbsp (15 ml) .
Cold Water: 2 tbsp (30 ml) – for mixing with the cornstarch.
Seasoning Sensations
Think of this sauce as your blank canvas. Get creative!.
- Garlic & Ginger Power: These two are the backbone of the flavour. Don't skimp!
- Honey's Sweet Magic: The Honey Recipes aren't complete without the right choice.
- Quick Swaps: No rice vinegar? A splash of apple cider vinegar works. Out of ginger? A tiny pinch of ground ginger will do.
Gear Up: Essential Kitchen Tools
You don't need a fancy kitchen to whip this up. Just the basics.
- Crock Pot (or Slow Cooker): A 6-quart size is ideal, but anything bigger will work. Don't use anything smaller.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Pretty self explanatory, eh?
- Small bowl: For mixing that cornstarch slurry.
- Whisk: Not essential, but it helps get the sauce nice and smooth.
Alternatives
No whisk? A fork will do. Don't have a 6-quart crock pot? A bigger one will be okay. See? Easy peasy!
Get ready for baking Sweets
This chicken recipe is a surefire way to spice up any meal!.
I remember, the first time i did my own tea cake loaf , i felt like i had all the skills in the world!.
I hope the honey garlic chicken will give you the same feeling! this recipe could easily be paired with a tea loaf or a cake loaf .
If you don't have time or ingredients, you can always try it with a regular tea cake recipe or a tea cake .
Alright, let’s get this cooking! I’m buzzing about sharing this recipe. I swear, it's a lifesaver.
Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken: The Weeknight Winner
This crock pot honey garlic chicken recipe is a surefire winner. perfect for busy weeknights. or those lazy weekends when you just can't be bothered.
Tender chicken thighs slow cooked in a luscious, sticky sweet honey garlic sauce. honestly, it’s both incredibly flavorful and easy. think takeout, but healthier.
And tastier! this is inspired by classic honey garlic wings. elevated for a comforting, home cooked meal. just the thing for a lifestyle of a foodie .
It's super easy, basically throwing ingredients in a pot. Easier than deciding what to watch on Netflix. It feeds around 4 to 6 people, depending if they are hungry.
Prep Steps: Ready, Set, Crock!
Essential mise en place . honestly, the secret to easy cooking is prepping! gather all your ingredients first. dice the garlic.
Measure the honey and soy sauce. trust me, it saves time. and stress!
Time Saving Organization Tips . Get your slow cooker out. Season chicken in advance. You can even prep the sauce the night before. This will cut down the prep time even more.
Safety Reminders . Always wash your hands. Don't cross contaminate. Use a separate cutting board for chicken. It's basic, but important.
step-by-step: Slow Cooker Magic
- Prep the Chicken: Season 2.5 lbs of chicken thighs with 1/2 tsp of salt and 1/4 tsp of pepper.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: Whisk together 1/2 cup of honey, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp of ketchup, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp of rice vinegar, 1 tsp of sesame oil, and 1/2 tsp of ginger. This Honey Tea sauce will transform the chicken!
- Place Chicken in Crock Pot: Arrange the chicken in a single layer.
- Pour Sauce Over Chicken: Cover everything with that glorious honey garlic mix.
- Cook: Cook on low for 4- 6 hours . Or on high for 2- 3 hours . Chicken must be cooked through and easily shreds. Internal temp should be 165° F ( 74° C) . This is crucial!
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water. Pour into the crock pot during the last 30 mins. This makes the sauce thicker. Skip if you want it thinner.
- Shred Chicken: Use two forks to shred the chicken right there in the pot.
- Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot over rice.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Chicken
- Expert Technique: For richer flavor, brown the chicken in a pan before adding to the crock pot. Adds that extra something.
- Mistake to Avoid: Don't overcook the chicken on high! It will dry out! Low and slow is the key, you know?
- make-ahead: The chicken is great the next day. Store in fridge for up to three days. Perfect for meal prep!
This is how you can elevate chicken on crock pot recipes . i'm a big fan of easy baking sweets and honey recipes , but i wanted to share something savory.
You can even get creative and make a tea cake loaf for dessert using a similar tea cake recipe ! think of this as your go-to weeknight dinner.
You can even make a cake loaf or tea loaf to have with your tea cake .
Alright, let's dive into the nitty gritty, yeah? once you've nailed this crock pot honey garlic chicken , there are a few extra bits and bobs to consider.
It's like putting the cherry on top of a perfect cake loaf .
Recipe Notes for Crock Pot Chicken Bliss
Serving It Up Just Right
Presentation, innit? honestly, this chicken on crock pot recipes screams for a bit of flair. think glistening, shredded chicken piled high on a bed of fluffy rice.
White rice works a treat, but lifestyle of a foodie knows brown rice adds a lovely nutty thing. sprinkle some sesame seeds and those lovely green onions for a pop of colour.
Side dishes? steamed broccoli or green beans are classics. or, fancy pants, try serving it in lettuce wraps. it's like a healthy, flavour explosion.
Complementary drinkies? i like a simple glass of iced honey tea .
Storage Secrets
Got leftovers? lucky you! this stuff keeps like a dream. pop it in the fridge in an airtight container. it'll be good for 3-4 days.
Freezing? absolutely! just let it cool completely first. it will keep for up to 3 months.
Reheating is a doddle. Microwave it, or gently heat it in a pan on the hob. Make sure it is piping hot all the way through, yeah?
Swaps and Changes
Fancy a tweak? easy peasy. for a gluten-free version, swap the soy sauce for tamari. works a treat! want a healthier spin? try using maple syrup instead of honey recipes for a less refined sugar kick.
Seasonally, add chunks of butternut squash in autumn for a bit of that cosy vibe. Or toss in some bell peppers in summer for sunshine on a plate.
Little Bit of Knowledge
Okay, let’s get down to brass tacks. this chicken on crock pot recipes is packed with protein. great for building and repairing all that body stuff.
There's also honey , which some folk reckon has antibacterial properties. think of it as a delicious dose of goodness!
It’s not super low in calories, so if you're watching your weight, be mindful of portion sizes.
You know, finding amazing chicken on crock pot recipes that are easy to make is such a win. i had this one time where i needed something quick for a potluck.
This recipe saved the day! everyone raved about it, and honestly, i barely lifted a finger. give it a whirl, yeah? you won't regret it! it's better than any tea cake loaf or any random tea loaf that you might find! perfect baking sweets or just as a tea cake .
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken in these chicken on crock pot recipes?
While it is possible to cook frozen chicken in a slow cooker, it's generally not recommended due to food safety concerns. The chicken may spend too long in the "danger zone" temperature range, increasing the risk of bacteria growth.
It's best to thaw your chicken in the refrigerator overnight before adding it to the crock pot for the best and safest results.
My sauce is too watery! How can I thicken it?
No worries, that's a common issue! The easiest fix is to make a cornstarch slurry (like we do in the recipe) - just mix cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the crock pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Alternatively, you can remove some of the sauce and simmer it in a saucepan on the stove to reduce and thicken it, then pour it back over the chicken. Remember, patience is a virtue, especially when sauce is involved.
Help! My chicken is dry. What went wrong?
Overcooked chicken is often the culprit. Using chicken thighs is a great way to avoid this, as they are more forgiving than chicken breasts. Be sure to use the low setting on your crock pot whenever possible and start checking for doneness before the minimum cooking time is up.
Also, make sure the lid is properly sealed to retain moisture, after all, we don't want a repeat of the "Great British Bake Off" soggy bottom incident, do we?
How long can I store leftover Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken?
Properly stored, cooked chicken will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Make sure to cool the chicken completely before transferring it to an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken for up to 2-3 months.
Reheat thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving - nobody wants a bout of "Delhi Belly"!
Can I adapt these chicken on crock pot recipes for different dietary needs?
Absolutely! For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. To reduce the sugar content, you can decrease the amount of honey or use a sugar-free honey substitute. If you're watching your sodium intake, opt for low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos and be mindful of added salt.
There's a version to suit every palate even your Aunt Mildred's peculiar preferences!
What are some side dishes that go well with this Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken recipe?
This chicken is incredibly versatile, so the possibilities are endless! It's delicious served over rice (white, brown, or cauliflower), quinoa, or even mashed potatoes. For a lighter option, try pairing it with steamed broccoli, green beans, or a fresh salad.
Think of it as your culinary chameleon it blends perfectly with almost anything!
Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken The Weeknight Win
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 375 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 12.5g |
| Fiber | 1g |