Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Welcome to this delicious slow cooker honey garlic chicken recipe! This dish is perfect for busy days when you want a flavorful and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of sweet honey and savory garlic creates a mouthwatering sauce that coats tender chicken pieces. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
- 2 tablespoons water (optional, for mixing with cornstarch)
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Steps
Follow these steps to make the slow cooker honey garlic chicken:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place them in the slow cooker.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, dried basil, and dried oregano. Stir well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Step 3: Pour the Sauce
Pour the sauce over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, making sure to cover them completely.
Step 4: Cook
Cook the chicken on low heat for 4-6 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and tender.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir the mixture into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Step 6: Serve
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a serving platter. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and visual appeal. Serve the chicken with steamed rice or your favorite side dish.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to enhance your slow cooker honey garlic chicken:
Tip 1: Marinate the Chicken
If you have some extra time, marinate the chicken breasts in the sauce for a few hours or overnight. This will help infuse the flavors and make the chicken even more delicious.
Tip 2: Add Vegetables
To make a complete meal, you can add your favorite vegetables to the slow cooker along with the chicken. Carrots, bell peppers, and broccoli are great options that will complement the dish.
Tip 3: Spicy Kick
If you like some heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. This will give your honey garlic chicken a spicy kick.
Tips
Here are some additional tips to ensure your slow cooker honey garlic chicken turns out perfectly:
Tip 1: Use the Right Chicken
For the best results, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the sauce wonderfully.
Tip 2: Adjust the Cooking Time
Every slow cooker is different, so adjust the cooking time accordingly. If your slow cooker tends to cook at a higher temperature, reduce the cooking time to prevent overcooking the chicken.
Conclusion
With its irresistible combination of sweet honey and savory garlic, this slow cooker honey garlic chicken is sure to become a family favorite. The convenience of the slow cooker and the minimal effort required make it a perfect choice for busy weeknight dinners. Enjoy this delicious meal and impress your loved ones with your culinary skills!
