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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 2 cups broccoli florets - 1 cup carrots, sliced - 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish) - Sesame seeds (for garnish) - Salt and pepper to taste When I make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken, I focus on simple, fresh ingredients. The chicken breasts are the star. They stay juicy and tender while cooking. Honey adds a sweet touch to the dish. Soy sauce gives it a nice salty bite. Garlic and ginger bring warmth and depth. I love using broccoli and carrots in this recipe. They add color and crunch. The green onions and sesame seeds are perfect for garnishing. They add extra flavor and make the dish look beautiful. Don’t forget about the salt and pepper. They are key to enhancing the flavors. I always taste the sauce to see if it needs more seasoning. Each ingredient plays a role in creating a balanced meal full of flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab a medium bowl. In that bowl, whisk together the following: - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar Make sure it all mixes well. This sauce is sweet and salty, perfect for chicken. Next, take your 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Season them with salt and pepper on both sides. Place the chicken in your slow cooker. Now, pour the honey garlic mixture over the chicken. Make sure each piece is coated well. This helps the chicken soak up all that yummy flavor. After the chicken is ready, it’s time for the veggies. Arrange 1 cup of sliced carrots around the chicken. Then, tuck in 2 cups of broccoli florets on top. This adds color and more nutrition to your dish. Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours. If you're in a hurry, use the high setting for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be tender and easy to shred. When the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken and vegetables. Place them on a serving dish. If you want a thicker sauce, pour it into a pan. Heat it on medium for a few minutes to reduce it. Drizzle the thickened sauce over the chicken and veggies. For a nice touch, garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy your flavorful meal! To get the best flavor from your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken, use fresh ingredients. Fresh garlic and ginger bring vibrant tastes that dried versions can’t match. Quality honey and soy sauce also make a big difference. They add depth and sweetness to the dish. Keep an eye on cooking time. For the best taste and texture, cook on low for 4-6 hours. If you need it faster, the high setting works in 2-3 hours. Always check the chicken to ensure it’s tender. If you want a thicker sauce, pour it into a pan after cooking. Heat it on medium until it reduces and gets thicker. This process intensifies the flavors. Garnishing makes your dish pop! Consider adding chopped green onions and sesame seeds for color and crunch. You can also use chopped cilantro or crushed red pepper for a kick. If you want something different, try toasted nuts or seeds for added texture. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will give your dish a vibrant flavor. Always opt for fresh over powdered when possible. Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to swap broccoli and carrots for other veggies like bell peppers or snap peas, depending on your preference. Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer the leftover liquid in a saucepan until it reduces to your desired consistency. Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe is great for meal prep! Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the fridge. {{image_2}} You can swap chicken breasts for thighs. Chicken thighs add extra moisture and flavor. They cook well and stay tender. You can also try vegetarian options. Tofu or tempeh works great here. Both soak up the honey garlic sauce well. For tofu, press it first to remove excess water. Cut it into cubes and brown it slightly before adding it to the slow cooker. Tempeh can be steamed for a few minutes to enhance its taste. If you want a twist, try different sauces. Teriyaki sauce gives a sweet and tangy flavor. You can mix it with the honey for a delightful blend. Sweet and sour sauce is another great option. It offers a nice balance between sweet and tart. Just replace the honey sauce with your choice. Adding more vegetables can enhance your meal. Bell peppers, snap peas, or zucchini are good choices. They add crunch and color. You can also try serving it with rice, quinoa, or noodles. These sides absorb the sauce and round out your dish. Make your plate vibrant and nutritious with these options! To store leftovers, let the chicken cool first. Place the chicken and veggies in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to separate the sauce if you want to keep it thicker. If you want to freeze the dish, pack it in a freezer-safe container. You can freeze it for up to three months. For best results, freeze the chicken and sauce together. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before warming it. To keep your meal tasty, use the stovetop or microwave. If using the stovetop, heat on low and stir often. If using the microwave, cover it to keep moisture in. This will help keep the chicken juicy and the sauce flavorful. Cooking this dish takes time, but it’s worth it. If you set your slow cooker to low, it will take about 4 to 6 hours. If you need it quicker, use the high setting. Cooking on high takes about 2 to 3 hours. Always check that the chicken is tender and cooked through before serving. Yes, you can! To make this dish gluten-free, simply swap soy sauce for tamari. Tamari is a great gluten-free option and works well in this recipe. Make sure to check other ingredients for gluten, too. Always read labels to ensure everything is safe. This chicken pairs well with many sides. Here are some tasty options: - Steamed rice - Quinoa - Noodles - Stir-fried veggies - Fresh salad These sides will balance the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken. Enjoy your meal! The recipe for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is both simple and delicious. You learned about the key ingredients and steps to create this meal. You can add your favorite vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition. Storing and reheating leftovers is easy, too. This dish is versatile, allowing for various proteins and sauces. Enjoy preparing it your way and impressing friends and family with your cooking. Don't forget to experiment and have fun in the kitchen!

Sweet and Savory Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

A delicious slow-cooked chicken dish with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, perfect for a comforting meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 cup carrots, sliced
  • 2 pieces green onions, chopped
  • to taste sesame seeds
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and rice vinegar until well combined.
  • Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Place them in the slow cooker.
  • Pour the honey garlic mixture over the chicken, ensuring the pieces are well coated.
  • Add the sliced carrots around the chicken, and tuck the broccoli florets on top.
  • Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. If your slow cooker has a high setting, cook for 2-3 hours.
  • Once cooked, remove the chicken and vegetables from the slow cooker and place them on a serving dish.
  • If desired, you can thicken the sauce by pouring it into a pan over medium heat for a few minutes, allowing it to reduce.
  • Drizzle the thickened sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Keyword chicken, easy dinner, honey garlic, slow cooker