Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a good alternative and can produce especially tender results. Keep in mind that the cooking time can vary depending on the size and thickness of the pieces.

Can I make this with frozen chicken?

For best results and food safety, use properly thawed chicken rather than placing frozen chicken directly into the slow cooker. Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator before preparing the recipe.

Can I make the sauce less sweet?

Yes. You can reduce the amount of honey slightly if you prefer a more savory sauce. Keep the other sauce ingredients the same initially, then adjust the flavor to your preference.

Why do I add cornstarch at the end?

Cornstarch is used to thicken the finished cooking liquid. Adding it as a slurry near the end gives you a smooth sauce and prevents it from losing its thickening ability during prolonged slow cooking.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can whisk the sauce ingredients together ahead of time and refrigerate the mixture until you're ready to cook. Keep the raw chicken refrigerated separately and prepare it according to food-safety guidelines.

What vegetables go well with this chicken?

Broccoli, carrots, green beans, snap peas, and steamed mixed vegetables all pair nicely with the sweet garlic sauce.

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Description

Tender chicken breasts slow cooked in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce made with honey, soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil. Serve it over rice with your favorite vegetables for an easy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1/3 cup honey

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 tablespoons ketchup

5 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon cornstarch

2 tablespoons cold water

Instructions

Add the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker in an even layer.

Make the Sauce: Whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until combined.

Pour the Sauce: Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken.

Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours, or until the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

Rest the Chicken: Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and let it rest briefly.

Make the Slurry: Stir the cornstarch and cold water together in a small bowl until smooth.

Thicken the Sauce: Stir the cornstarch slurry into the hot sauce in the slow cooker, cover, and cook on HIGH for 10–15 minutes, until thickened.

Finish the Chicken: Return the chicken to the slow cooker and spoon the thickened honey garlic sauce over it before serving.

Notes

For less sodium, use reduced-sodium soy sauce. Chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Nutrition values are estimates based on the listed ingredients and 4 servings.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 255 kcal
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 620mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 23g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 39g
Cholesterol: 109mg

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