This slow cooker honey garlic chicken is deliciously sweet and savory.
With a little prep time, you can let your crockpot do the work, resulting in tender, juicy chicken infused with irresistible honey and garlic.
INGREDIENTS:
4 boneless, skinless chicken
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 cloves garlic
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional)
2 tablespoons water (optional)
Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS:
in the pan Place the chicken breasts
In a mixing bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, paprika (if using), salt and pepper.
Pour the garlic honey over the chicken fillets, making sure it is evenly distributed.
Cover and cook on low heat for 5-6 hours or on high heat for 3 hours or until the chicken is cooked through.
Once the chicken is cooked, you can choose the sauce:
Mix corn and water in a small bowl until smooth.
Use the corn and corn mixture in the pot with the chicken.
Cook over high heat for 15-20 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
After thickening the chicken, serve it hot by garnishing it with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.
Enjoy this delicious honey garlic casserole with rice, quinoa or your favorite side dish.
How to Store Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
Refrigeration:
Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Let the chicken cool to room temperature before storing to prevent excess moisture buildup.
Freezing:
For longer storage, place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
For easier portioning, shred the chicken before freezing.
Reheating:
Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe dish for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop: Warm in a pan over medium-low heat until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much.
Slow Cooker: Reheat on low for 1-2 hours if reheating a larger batch.
Variations and Tips for Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
Variations:
Protein Substitutions:
Chicken thighs: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
Beef or pork: Swap the chicken for beef strips or pork tenderloin for a different take.
Tofu or tempeh: For a vegetarian version, use firm tofu or tempeh, adjusting the cook time as needed.
Flavor Enhancements:
Ginger Kick: Add 1 teaspoon of grated ginger for a fresh, zesty flavor.
Citrus Twist: Squeeze fresh lime or orange juice into the sauce for a bright, tangy contrast.
Smoky Depth: Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke.
Make It Spicier:
Increase the red pepper flakes or add Sriracha for a fiery touch.
Stir in some chili paste (like gochujang or sambal oelek) for deeper heat.
Low-Carb or Keto Option:
Substitute honey with sugar-free honey or a keto-friendly sweetener.
Serve over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
Serving Ideas:
Serve over steamed jasmine rice, quinoa, or stir-fried vegetables.
Use the shredded chicken in lettuce wraps or tacos for a fun twist.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken:
Don’t Overcook: Slow cookers vary, so check the chicken for doneness at 4-5 hours on low or 2.5 hours on high to prevent dryness.
For Extra Thick Sauce: The cornstarch slurry works best if added in the last 20 minutes of cooking.
For Crispy Chicken: After slow cooking, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes to caramelize the glaze before serving.
Make It Meal-Prep Friendly: Store portions with rice and vegetables for easy grab-and-go meals.
Nutritional Information for Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
(Per serving, based on 4 servings and without optional garnishes)
Calories: ~300-350 kcal
Protein: ~35g
Carbohydrates: ~30g
Sugars: ~25g (from honey)
Fat: ~6-8g
Saturated Fat: ~1g
Cholesterol: ~90mg
Sodium: ~700-900mg (depends on soy sauce used)
Fiber: ~1g
Health Considerations:
High in protein – great for muscle maintenance and satiety.
Low in fat – a lean and healthier protein choice.
Can be high in sodium – use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt intake.
Lower-carb option – for a keto-friendly version, replace honey with a sugar-free sweetener.