Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a simple and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a savory-sweet sauce. This recipe delivers the perfect balance of honey’s natural sweetness, the rich umami of soy sauce, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. With minimal effort and just a few pantry staples, this dish comes together beautifully in your slow cooker, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or a no-fuss weekend meal.
The slow cooking process allows the chicken to absorb the marinade’s flavors, resulting in juicy, fork-tender pieces of meat. The honey garlic sauce becomes a sticky glaze that pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as versatile as it is delicious, offering plenty of room for customization based on your taste preferences.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Minimal Prep: A few minutes of mixing and chopping, and your slow cooker does the rest.
• Versatile Pairings: Pairs well with rice, veggies, or even a simple salad.
• Family Favorite: The sweet and savory flavors are appealing to both kids and adults.
Ingredients
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ½ cup BBQ sauce
• ⅓ cup honey
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts, cut into 4–6 oz pieces
Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Marinade
1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the soy sauce, BBQ sauce, honey, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes.
2. Whisk until all ingredients are well blended to create a smooth marinade.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
1. Place the chicken breast pieces in the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer if possible.
2. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring every piece is evenly coated.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
1. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on high for 2–3 hours.
2. Check for doneness after 2 hours; the chicken should be tender and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
1. Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker.
2. Optionally, transfer the sauce to a small saucepan and simmer for a few minutes to thicken it. Drizzle the sauce over the chicken before serving.
Tips
• Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to match your heat preference.
• Thicker Sauce: Add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) to the sauce and simmer until thickened.
• Add Veggies: Include carrots, broccoli, or bell peppers in the slow cooker for a complete one-pot meal.
Storage Options
• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth.
• Freezing: Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is the perfect go-to recipe for when you want a delicious, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Its bold, balanced flavors will make it a favorite in your household!
