Short Description
If you’re looking for a super easy, delicious, and flavorful dinner, this Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken is exactly what you need. Tender chicken slow-cooked with a sweet and savory sauce? Yes, please!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a total game-changer when it comes to meal prep. The crockpot does all the work for you, infusing the chicken with a perfectly balanced honey garlic sauce that’s sweet, savory, and just a little bit tangy. It’s comforting, juicy, and sure to please everyone at the dinner table. Plus, the best part? You can set it and forget it! Just a few minutes of prep, and you’ll have a meal that’s bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
Here’s a sneak peek of the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe:
- Chicken breasts or thighs
- Honey
- Garlic (fresh or minced)
- Soy sauce
- Apple cider vinegar
- Olive oil
- A pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick
For the full list of ingredients and exact measurements, scroll down below!
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by placing your chicken breasts (or thighs, depending on your preference) into the bottom of your crockpot. You want them to be in a single layer for even cooking. If you’re using frozen chicken, you can still go ahead, but you might need to cook it a little longer.
Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, garlic, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil. If you like a little heat, throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes. Mix it all together until the honey is dissolved and the sauce is smooth.
Step 3: Pour the Sauce Over the Chicken
Once your sauce is ready, pour it evenly over the chicken. Make sure each piece is well coated. You can spoon some of the sauce over the top to make sure it gets nice and flavorful as it cooks.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Set your crockpot to low and cook for about 4-5 hours. If you’re in a rush, you can cook on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken will come out so tender and juicy, it will practically fall apart when you try to shred it.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken (Optional)
Once the chicken is done cooking, you can either leave it as is or shred it right in the pot. If you’re shredding it, use two forks to pull apart the chicken. It will soak up all that delicious sauce.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- If you want your sauce a little thicker, you can remove the chicken once it’s cooked and let the sauce simmer uncovered for a few minutes until it reduces and thickens up.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a little extra zing to the sauce. It complements the honey beautifully.
- To make this recipe extra hearty, consider serving it over rice, mashed potatoes, or even some roasted veggies for a full meal.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Swap out the chicken for pork tenderloin or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, use sriracha or chili paste instead of red pepper flakes.
- If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, you can substitute with regular vinegar or a splash of lemon juice.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Pair this dish with a side of rice or mashed potatoes to soak up that amazing honey garlic sauce. You could also serve it with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables like carrots or broccoli. For a little extra flair, top it with some fresh chopped parsley or sesame seeds.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the chicken in individual portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, just pop it in the microwave or heat it gently on the stove. If it seems dry, add a splash of water or broth to bring back some moisture.
FAQs
- Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Just cook it a little longer, about 6 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. - Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure your crockpot is large enough to fit all the ingredients. - Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free variety, like tamari. - Can I add veggies to this recipe?
Definitely! You can toss in some vegetables like carrots or bell peppers in the last 2 hours of cooking for a one-pot meal.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken is perfect for busy days when you need a quick yet delicious dinner. The tender chicken soaked in a sweet, savory sauce is sure to satisfy every time. Whether you’re feeding the family or prepping meals for the week, this recipe will become one of your go-to favorites. Enjoy!
Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
This Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken is a super easy, flavorful dinner with tender chicken slow-cooked in a sweet, savory, and slightly tangy honey garlic sauce. Perfect for busy nights or meal prep!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours on low (or 2-3 hours on high)
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes to 5 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic (fresh or minced)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of your crockpot. If using frozen chicken, add extra cook time.
- Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: Whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
- Pour the Sauce Over the Chicken: Pour the sauce over the chicken in the crockpot, making sure it’s evenly coated.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Set the crockpot to low for 4-5 hours (or high for 2-3 hours) until the chicken is cooked and tender.
- Shred the Chicken (Optional): Shred the chicken with two forks in the crockpot to soak up the sauce.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, remove chicken and simmer the sauce uncovered until reduced.
- Add lemon juice for extra zing.
- Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast or thigh with sauce
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 512mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg