Description
Sticky, tender, and packed with garlicky-sweet flavor, this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is an easy dinner idea perfect for busy weeknights. It’s one of those food ideas that practically cooks itself and still tastes like something you’d order at your favorite Asian restaurant. Whether you need a quick dinner, a healthy-ish protein for meal prep, or something new to add to your collection of easy recipes, this one delivers. Serve it over rice, stuff it in wraps, or pair it with veggies — this versatile dish is a keeper.
Ingredients
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1/2 cup honey
1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
2 scallions, thinly sliced
Instructions
1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, hoisin sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
2. Place the chicken thighs in a single layer in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over the top.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 2.5–3.5 hours, until chicken is tender.
4. Optional: Remove chicken and pour sauce into a saucepan. Mix cornstarch with cold water, whisk in, and simmer until thickened.
5. Return chicken to the thickened sauce or pour it back over the chicken.
6. Garnish with sesame seeds and scallions. Serve hot over rice or veggies.
Notes
Broil the chicken for 2–3 minutes after slow cooking for a crisp finish.
Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make it gluten-free.
For a thicker sauce without cornstarch, simmer it longer to naturally reduce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: easy dinner, slow cooker, honey garlic chicken, quick meal, healthy dinner, food ideas