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Chelles Recipes

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Easy Family Meal

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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes - 1 cup broccoli florets - 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers - 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water - Sesame seeds for garnish - Chopped green onions for garnish Use a liquid measuring cup for honey and soy sauce. A dry measuring cup works best for the cornstarch. Fresh herbs can enhance flavors, so use them if you have them. For more heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of chili sauce. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients for the sauce. In a bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. If you like a little heat, add the crushed red pepper flakes. Mix well until everything combines. This step is key for a flavorful sauce that coats the chicken perfectly. Now, take your chicken thighs and lay them at the bottom of the slow cooker. Make sure the pieces fit snugly but don’t crowd them. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken. Ensure every piece of chicken gets a nice coating. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will become tender and soak up all the flavors. About 30 minutes before the chicken is done, add the broccoli florets and sliced bell peppers to the slow cooker. Gently stir them into the sauce. This adds color and nutrition to your meal. Once it’s time to serve, remove the chicken and set it aside. Mix cornstarch with water, then stir it into the sauce. Cook on high for an extra 15 minutes to thicken. Shred the chicken with two forks, then return it to the slow cooker. Stir everything together for a delicious finish! Slow cooking works best with less liquid. The chicken releases juices, so you need less sauce. Always layer your ingredients. Start with the chicken at the bottom. This way, it cooks evenly. Use fresh ingredients for the best taste. For tender chicken, cook it low and slow. This method breaks down the meat fibers. I suggest cooking the chicken for 6-7 hours on low. If you are short on time, 3-4 hours on high works too. Always check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F for safety. Presentation makes a big impact. Serve the honey garlic chicken over fluffy rice or quinoa. This adds texture and flavor. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for crunch. Add chopped green onions for a fresh touch. These colors make the dish pop, making it even more appetizing. Pro Tips Marinate for Extra Flavor: Let the chicken marinate in the honey garlic sauce for at least 30 minutes before placing it in the slow cooker. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken. Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh garlic and ginger rather than powdered versions for a more vibrant and aromatic dish. Customize the Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms based on your preference or what you have on hand. Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of honey or increase the soy sauce to balance the flavors. {{image_2}} You can swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Breasts work great but may be drier. Try using maple syrup instead of honey for a different flavor. You can also use tamari for a gluten-free option instead of soy sauce. For a veggie boost, add snap peas, carrots, or spinach. If you like heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes. A teaspoon can give it a nice kick. For a milder dish, skip the flakes completely. You can also add a splash of sriracha or chili sauce for a warm touch. Adjust based on your family's taste preferences. Serve the honey garlic chicken over steamed rice or quinoa. This helps soak up the tasty sauce. You can also pair it with noodles for a fun twist. Don’t forget to sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions on top for a pretty finish. Serve with a side salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal. To store leftovers safely, first let the chicken cool. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to include any sauce and veggies. Store in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. When you're ready to eat the leftovers, reheat them gently. You can use a microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, heat on medium power for a few minutes. Stir the chicken and sauce halfway through. In a skillet, warm over low heat until hot. Add a splash of water if the sauce is too thick. To freeze, place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out excess air and seal tightly. This dish freezes well for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat as mentioned above for the best taste. Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. Chicken breasts will cook faster. They can dry out if overcooked, so keep an eye on them. Use the same cooking times but check for doneness. Thighs are juicier and more forgiving, so they are ideal. To make this dish gluten-free, swap soy sauce for tamari. Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce. You can also use coconut aminos for a sweet taste. Ensure all other ingredients, like cornstarch, are gluten-free too. Always check labels for hidden gluten. You can serve honey garlic chicken with steamed rice or quinoa. Both pair well with the sweet sauce. Roasted vegetables make a nice side too. Try serving it with a fresh salad for crunch. Noodles also work great for a filling meal. This blog post outlined how to make a delicious honey garlic chicken dish. You learned about key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips. We explored variations and storage ideas to keep your meals fresh. Remember, slow cooking makes the chicken tender, and garnishing can elevate your dish. I hope these insights help you create a tasty meal that friends and family will love. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Looking for an easy family meal that packs a punch? Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is your answer! This dish requires minimal prep and delivers big on flavor. Whether you’re a busy parent or a novice cook, I’ll guide you through simple steps to create tender, juicy chicken that your family will love. Stick around to learn the best tips, tricks, and variations to make this meal your own!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Easy Preparation: This recipe requires minimal prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

  2. Flavorful Dish: The combination of honey, garlic, and ginger creates a deliciously sweet and savory sauce.

  3. Healthy Ingredients: With lean chicken and fresh vegetables, this dish is a nutritious choice for any meal.

  4. Versatile Serving: Pair it with rice or quinoa for a wholesome meal, or enjoy it on its own!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Optional Ingredients

  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
  • Sesame seeds for garnish
  • Chopped green onions for garnish

Measurement Notes

Use a liquid measuring cup for honey and soy sauce. A dry measuring cup works best for the cornstarch. Fresh herbs can enhance flavors, so use them if you have them. For more heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of chili sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Sauce

To start, gather your ingredients for the sauce. In a bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. If you like a little heat, add the crushed red pepper flakes. Mix well until everything combines. This step is key for a flavorful sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.

Cooking the Chicken

Now, take your chicken thighs and lay them at the bottom of the slow cooker. Make sure the pieces fit snugly but don’t crowd them. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken. Ensure every piece of chicken gets a nice coating. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will become tender and soak up all the flavors.

Adding Vegetables and Thickening the Sauce

About 30 minutes before the chicken is done, add the broccoli florets and sliced bell peppers to the slow cooker. Gently stir them into the sauce. This adds color and nutrition to your meal. Once it’s time to serve, remove the chicken and set it aside. Mix cornstarch with water, then stir it into the sauce. Cook on high for an extra 15 minutes to thicken. Shred the chicken with two forks, then return it to the slow cooker. Stir everything together for a delicious finish!

Tips & Tricks

Best Practices for Slow Cooking

Slow cooking works best with less liquid. The chicken releases juices, so you need less sauce. Always layer your ingredients. Start with the chicken at the bottom. This way, it cooks evenly. Use fresh ingredients for the best taste.

How to Achieve Tender Chicken

For tender chicken, cook it low and slow. This method breaks down the meat fibers. I suggest cooking the chicken for 6-7 hours on low. If you are short on time, 3-4 hours on high works too. Always check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F for safety.

Garnishing Tips for Presentation

Presentation makes a big impact. Serve the honey garlic chicken over fluffy rice or quinoa. This adds texture and flavor. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for crunch. Add chopped green onions for a fresh touch. These colors make the dish pop, making it even more appetizing.

Pro Tips

  1. Marinate for Extra Flavor: Let the chicken marinate in the honey garlic sauce for at least 30 minutes before placing it in the slow cooker. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken.

  2. Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh garlic and ginger rather than powdered versions for a more vibrant and aromatic dish.

  3. Customize the Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms based on your preference or what you have on hand.

  4. Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of honey or increase the soy sauce to balance the flavors.

Variations

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Breasts work great but may be drier. Try using maple syrup instead of honey for a different flavor. You can also use tamari for a gluten-free option instead of soy sauce. For a veggie boost, add snap peas, carrots, or spinach.

Spice Level Adjustments

If you like heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes. A teaspoon can give it a nice kick. For a milder dish, skip the flakes completely. You can also add a splash of sriracha or chili sauce for a warm touch. Adjust based on your family’s taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the honey garlic chicken over steamed rice or quinoa. This helps soak up the tasty sauce. You can also pair it with noodles for a fun twist. Don’t forget to sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions on top for a pretty finish. Serve with a side salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

To store leftovers safely, first let the chicken cool. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to include any sauce and veggies. Store in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing.

Reheating Instructions

When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, reheat them gently. You can use a microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, heat on medium power for a few minutes. Stir the chicken and sauce halfway through. In a skillet, warm over low heat until hot. Add a splash of water if the sauce is too thick.

Freezing for Future Meals

To freeze, place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out excess air and seal tightly. This dish freezes well for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat as mentioned above for the best taste.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. Chicken breasts will cook faster. They can dry out if overcooked, so keep an eye on them. Use the same cooking times but check for doneness. Thighs are juicier and more forgiving, so they are ideal.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, swap soy sauce for tamari. Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce. You can also use coconut aminos for a sweet taste. Ensure all other ingredients, like cornstarch, are gluten-free too. Always check labels for hidden gluten.

What can I serve alongside honey garlic chicken?

You can serve honey garlic chicken with steamed rice or quinoa. Both pair well with the sweet sauce. Roasted vegetables make a nice side too. Try serving it with a fresh salad for crunch. Noodles also work great for a filling meal.

This blog post outlined how to make a delicious honey garlic chicken dish. You learned about key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips. We explored variations and storage ideas to keep your meals fresh. Remember, slow cooking makes the chicken tender, and garnishing can elevate your dish. I hope these insights help you create a tasty meal that friends and family will love. Enjoy your cooking adventur

- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes - 1 cup broccoli florets - 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers - 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water - Sesame seeds for garnish - Chopped green onions for garnish Use a liquid measuring cup for honey and soy sauce. A dry measuring cup works best for the cornstarch. Fresh herbs can enhance flavors, so use them if you have them. For more heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of chili sauce. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients for the sauce. In a bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. If you like a little heat, add the crushed red pepper flakes. Mix well until everything combines. This step is key for a flavorful sauce that coats the chicken perfectly. Now, take your chicken thighs and lay them at the bottom of the slow cooker. Make sure the pieces fit snugly but don’t crowd them. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken. Ensure every piece of chicken gets a nice coating. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will become tender and soak up all the flavors. About 30 minutes before the chicken is done, add the broccoli florets and sliced bell peppers to the slow cooker. Gently stir them into the sauce. This adds color and nutrition to your meal. Once it’s time to serve, remove the chicken and set it aside. Mix cornstarch with water, then stir it into the sauce. Cook on high for an extra 15 minutes to thicken. Shred the chicken with two forks, then return it to the slow cooker. Stir everything together for a delicious finish! Slow cooking works best with less liquid. The chicken releases juices, so you need less sauce. Always layer your ingredients. Start with the chicken at the bottom. This way, it cooks evenly. Use fresh ingredients for the best taste. For tender chicken, cook it low and slow. This method breaks down the meat fibers. I suggest cooking the chicken for 6-7 hours on low. If you are short on time, 3-4 hours on high works too. Always check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F for safety. Presentation makes a big impact. Serve the honey garlic chicken over fluffy rice or quinoa. This adds texture and flavor. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for crunch. Add chopped green onions for a fresh touch. These colors make the dish pop, making it even more appetizing. Pro Tips Marinate for Extra Flavor: Let the chicken marinate in the honey garlic sauce for at least 30 minutes before placing it in the slow cooker. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken. Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh garlic and ginger rather than powdered versions for a more vibrant and aromatic dish. Customize the Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms based on your preference or what you have on hand. Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of honey or increase the soy sauce to balance the flavors. {{image_2}} You can swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Breasts work great but may be drier. Try using maple syrup instead of honey for a different flavor. You can also use tamari for a gluten-free option instead of soy sauce. For a veggie boost, add snap peas, carrots, or spinach. If you like heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes. A teaspoon can give it a nice kick. For a milder dish, skip the flakes completely. You can also add a splash of sriracha or chili sauce for a warm touch. Adjust based on your family's taste preferences. Serve the honey garlic chicken over steamed rice or quinoa. This helps soak up the tasty sauce. You can also pair it with noodles for a fun twist. Don’t forget to sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions on top for a pretty finish. Serve with a side salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal. To store leftovers safely, first let the chicken cool. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to include any sauce and veggies. Store in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. When you're ready to eat the leftovers, reheat them gently. You can use a microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, heat on medium power for a few minutes. Stir the chicken and sauce halfway through. In a skillet, warm over low heat until hot. Add a splash of water if the sauce is too thick. To freeze, place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out excess air and seal tightly. This dish freezes well for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat as mentioned above for the best taste. Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. Chicken breasts will cook faster. They can dry out if overcooked, so keep an eye on them. Use the same cooking times but check for doneness. Thighs are juicier and more forgiving, so they are ideal. To make this dish gluten-free, swap soy sauce for tamari. Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce. You can also use coconut aminos for a sweet taste. Ensure all other ingredients, like cornstarch, are gluten-free too. Always check labels for hidden gluten. You can serve honey garlic chicken with steamed rice or quinoa. Both pair well with the sweet sauce. Roasted vegetables make a nice side too. Try serving it with a fresh salad for crunch. Noodles also work great for a filling meal. This blog post outlined how to make a delicious honey garlic chicken dish. You learned about key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips. We explored variations and storage ideas to keep your meals fresh. Remember, slow cooking makes the chicken tender, and garnishing can elevate your dish. I hope these insights help you create a tasty meal that friends and family will love. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

A delicious and easy slow cooker recipe featuring tender chicken thighs coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, served with vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 7 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 thighs boneless, skinless chicken
  • 0.5 cup honey
  • 0.25 cup soy sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 0.5 cup sliced bell peppers
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • none sesame seeds for garnish
  • none chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes until well combined.
  • Lay the chicken thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker.
  • Pour the honey garlic mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
  • Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  • About 30 minutes before serving, add the broccoli florets and bell pepper slices to the slow cooker. Stir gently.
  • Before serving, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and set aside. Stir in the cornstarch mixture into the remaining sauce, and cook on high for an additional 15 minutes with the lid on to thicken.
  • Once the sauce has thickened, use two forks to shred the chicken.
  • Add the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the thickened sauce and vegetables.

Notes

Serve over steamed rice or quinoa, and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a pop of color.
Keyword chicken, easy recipe, honey garlic, slow cooker

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