Introduction
Imagine coming home to the delightful aroma of sweet and savory goodness wafting through your kitchen. That’s exactly what you can expect from this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken! It’s a heartwarming dish that brings together the rich flavors of honey and garlic, enveloping tender, succulent chicken thighs in a sticky glaze that’s simply irresistible. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this recipe is a breeze to make and will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Cooked rice (for serving)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Directions and Instructions
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ground black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes until well combined. This luscious mixture will be the star of your dish!
- Place the chicken thighs into your slow cooker and pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the top, making sure each piece is generously coated.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and let the magic happen! Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Once the chicken is done, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it gently in the sauce, ensuring every morsel is beautifully glazed.
- To serve, ladle the honey garlic chicken over fluffy cooked rice and generously sprinkle with sliced green onions for a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes or Tips
For a touch of extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the sauce for a few hours before cooking. If you want a bit of crispiness, you can also sear the chicken thighs in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. This dish pairs perfectly with steamed vegetables or a simple side salad for a balanced meal.
Cooking Techniques
Using a slow cooker allows the chicken to become incredibly tender as it slowly absorbs the flavors of the honey garlic sauce. If you’re short on time, you can also prepare this dish in an instant pot or pressure cooker, which will reduce the cooking time significantly while still yielding delectable results.
FAQ
Can I use boneless chicken thighs or breasts? Yes, boneless chicken thighs or breasts can be substituted; just reduce the cooking time slightly as they cook faster.
How should I store leftovers? Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove.
Can I freeze this dish? Absolutely! You can freeze the cooked chicken in the sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is not only easy to prepare but also delivers a comforting flavor that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its melt-in-your-mouth texture and sweet-savory glaze, it’s a delightful choice for any occasion. Enjoy a cozy night in, and let the slow cooker do the work while you relax and unwind!