Delight your taste buds with the aromatic and savory flavors of Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken. This dish combines tender chicken breasts with a rich and savory sauce made from honey, garlic, soy sauce, and other delightful ingredients. The best part? It’s all made in the convenience of your slow cooker, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully while you go about your day. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a fuss-free weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the details and bring the magic of slow cooking to your kitchen!
Ingredients:
- 4 Large bone-in Chicken Breasts, skin removed
- ½ cup low sodium soy sauce
- ⅓ cup honey
- ⅓ cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the bone-in chicken breasts in the slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly spaced and not stacked on top of each other.
- Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the low sodium soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced ginger, red chili flakes, minced garlic, and finely diced onion. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Pour Sauce Over Chicken: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, ensuring that the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook the chicken on low heat for 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a few tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker, mixing well to combine. Cook for an additional 30 minutes on high heat, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Once the sauce has thickened and the chicken is cooked through, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and transfer them to a serving platter. Spoon the thickened sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is generously coated. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Boneless Chicken: If you prefer boneless chicken breasts, you can use them in place of bone-in chicken breasts. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as boneless chicken breasts may cook faster.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red chili flakes to suit your taste preferences. For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili flakes, or omit them altogether if you prefer a completely mild dish.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles for a complete meal. Add steamed vegetables or a side salad for extra freshness and nutrients.
Keto and Low Carb Versions:
- Keto-Friendly: To make a keto-friendly version of this recipe, substitute the honey with a low-carb sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener. Additionally, use a low-carb hoisin sauce or omit it altogether to reduce the carb content.
- Low Carb Option: For a lower carb option, reduce the amount of honey and hoisin sauce used in the recipe. You can also use a thickening agent such as xanthan gum instead of cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? A: Yes, you can use bone-in chicken thighs or even a combination of thighs and breasts for this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, as thighs may cook faster than breasts.
Q: Can I prepare this recipe in advance? A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken in advance, then refrigerate it until you’re ready to cook. Simply pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker and proceed with cooking as directed.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, you can freeze leftover Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken for future meals. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q: What sides pair well with this dish? A: This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, including steamed rice, roasted vegetables, stir-fried noodles, or a fresh green salad.
In conclusion, Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a flavorful and convenient dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. With its tender chicken and savory sauce, it’s sure to please the whole family. Whether you’re following a keto lifestyle, looking for a low-carb option, or simply craving a delicious meal, this recipe has you covered. So, fire up your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a taste of culinary bliss with this mouthwatering dish!
