Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken: A Sweet, Savory, and Effortless Masterpiece �
1. Introduction
Looking for a mouthwatering, fuss-free dinner that practically cooks itself? This Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is your answer! Combining the perfect balance of sweet honey, savory garlic, and tender chicken, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort. Whether you’re a busy parent, a meal-prep enthusiast, or just someone who loves delicious food, this slow-cooked delight will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s the perfect addition to your weeknight dinner rotation.
2. Ingredients
To make this irresistible Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry:
6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts) – learn more about chicken recipes here
½ cup honey (local honey works great!)
¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
¼ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best!)
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Sesame seeds and chopped green onions (for garnish)
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by placing the chicken thighs in the crockpot. Season them lightly with salt and pepper on both sides. This simple step enhances the flavor of the chicken and ensures it absorbs the delicious honey garlic sauce. For more easy chicken recipes, check out our collection.
Step 2: Add the Honey
Drizzle the honey evenly over the chicken. The honey not only adds sweetness but also helps create a glossy, caramelized glaze as the chicken cooks. For more honey-based recipes, visit our friends at Half Baked Harvest.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, ketchup, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, and black pepper. Pour this mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. The combination of these ingredients creates a rich, umami-packed sauce that infuses the chicken with incredible flavor. This sauce is so good, you’ll want to use it on all your beef recipes too!
Step 4: Cook and Thicken the Sauce
Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it and set it aside. If you prefer a thicker sauce (and who doesn’t?), mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the crockpot. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens. Return the chicken to the crockpot and coat it with the thickened sauce.
4. Serving Suggestions
This Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken pairs beautifully with steamed rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes. For a low-carb option, serve it with roasted vegetables or cauliflower rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an extra pop of color and flavor. Looking for more complete meal ideas? Check out our breakfast recipes to start your day right!
5. Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the chicken or warm it in a skillet over medium heat. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it. This dish actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld!
6. Variations and Substitutions
Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner option.
Sweetener: Substitute maple syrup or agave nectar for honey if preferred.
Soy Sauce: Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free alternative.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
Vegetarian Option: Try this with tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based version!
7. Nutritional Information
Each serving of Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken (based on 6 servings) contains approximately:
Calories: 280
Protein: 24g (great for muscle building!)
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fat: 10g
Sugar: 20g
Fiber: 0.5g
Sodium: 800mg
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking to avoid uneven cooking and food safety concerns. We recommend thawing in the refrigerator overnight for best results.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! Cook on HIGH pressure for 10 minutes, then quick release. Thicken the sauce using the sauté function. The Instant Pot version is perfect for when you forget to start the crockpot in the morning!
How can I make the sauce thicker?
Mix cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce, then cook for an additional 10-15 minutes. For an even richer sauce, you can reduce it on the stovetop after cooking.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe scales beautifully. Just make sure your crockpot is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients without being more than ¾ full.
9. Conclusion
This Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken recipe from Recipes for Today is a game-changer for anyone seeking a delicious, easy-to-make meal. With its perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, tender chicken, and minimal prep time, it’s sure to become a family favorite. The best part? You can set it and forget it while you go about your day. Try it today and enjoy the magic of slow-cooked perfection! For more about our kitchen adventures, visit our about page.
Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken is a mouthwatering, fuss-free dinner that combines sweet honey, savory garlic, and tender chicken. Perfect for busy weeknights, this slow-cooked delight requires minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor. Serve it with rice or veggies for a complete meal that will become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
½ cup honey
¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
¼ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Sesame seeds and chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper and place them in the crockpot.
Drizzle honey evenly over the chicken.
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, ketchup, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, and black pepper. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours.
Remove the chicken and set aside. If desired, thicken the sauce by mixing cornstarch with water and stirring it into the crockpot. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Return the chicken to the crockpot and coat with the thickened sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
Notes
For a leaner option, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs.
Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar if preferred.
Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.
Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
