Are you craving a dish that’s both flavorful and effortless to prepare? Look no further than our delectable Slow Cooker Honey Soy Chicken recipe. With succulent chicken drumsticks marinated in a luscious blend of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Let your slow cooker do the work while you sit back and anticipate the irresistible aroma that will fill your kitchen. Join us as we embark on a culinary journey to discover the magic of Slow Cooker Honey Soy Chicken.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 kg chicken drumsticks
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp minced ginger
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions:
- Prepare Chicken: Place the chicken drumsticks in the slow cooker.
- Mix Marinade: In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, minced ginger, honey, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Stir until well blended.
- Marinate Chicken: Pour the marinade over the chicken drumsticks, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover the slow cooker and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook Chicken: Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook the chicken for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Thicken Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker, stirring well to combine. Cook for an additional 30 minutes on high heat, or until the sauce thickens.
- Serve: Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce has thickened, remove the drumsticks from the slow cooker and transfer them to a serving platter. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Boneless Chicken: If preferred, you can use boneless chicken thighs or breasts instead of drumsticks. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as boneless chicken tends to cook faster.
- Extra Flavor: Enhance the flavor of the dish by adding a splash of rice vinegar or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a touch of heat.
- Vegetable Addition: For a complete meal, add vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking. This will infuse the vegetables with the delicious flavors of the sauce.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
Keto Version:
- Replace honey with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener to reduce the carb content.
- Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to reduce the carb count further.
Low-Carb Version:
- Reduce the amount of honey or use a sugar-free sweetener to lower the carb content while still maintaining the sweetness of the dish.
- Serve the chicken over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative to traditional rice or noodles.
In conclusion, Slow Cooker Honey Soy Chicken is a deliciously simple dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a flavorful meal that will satisfy your cravings and impress your family and friends. So dust off your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the tender perfection of Slow Cooker Honey Soy Chicken – a dish that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks? A: Yes, you can use bone-in or boneless chicken thighs in place of drumsticks. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs may cook faster than drumsticks.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: Yes, you can marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Simply transfer the marinated chicken and sauce to the slow cooker when you’re ready to cook.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, you can freeze leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
