Description
This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a delicious and effortless meal perfect for busy days. Tender chicken thighs are simmered in a flavorful sauce of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, then shredded and tossed back into a thickened, sticky glaze. Serve it over rice or noodles for a comforting Asian-inspired dinner that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Thickening Slurry
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Garnishes (Optional)
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker, spreading them out evenly.
- Mix Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, ketchup, rice vinegar, freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes until combined.
- Cook Chicken: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken thighs ensuring they are well coated. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and shred it thoroughly using two forks.
- Create Slurry: In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water to make a smooth slurry that will thicken the sauce.
- Thicken Sauce: Stir the cornstarch slurry into the remaining sauce in the slow cooker. Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and mix well to combine.
- Final Cook: Cook on high heat for an additional 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to a sticky glaze consistency.
- Serve: Serve the honey garlic chicken over rice or noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha sauce.
- You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs, but they may be less tender and slightly drier.
- This dish pairs well with steamed broccoli or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
