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Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken - Sweet, Savory, and Effortless

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 to 2.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth (or water)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional but recommended)
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or arrowroot)
  • 2 tablespoons cold water (for slurry)
  • Fresh green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
  • Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
  • Cooked white or brown rice, for serving
  • Steamed broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy, for serving (optional)

Method
 

  1. Prep the chicken: Trim any excess fat. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels so the sauce clings better.
  2. Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, chicken broth, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if using.
  3. Load the slow cooker: Place the chicken in the slow cooker in an even layer. Pour the sauce over the top, making sure the chicken is coated.
  4. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on Low for 3.5 to 4.5 hours (thighs) or Low for 2.5 to 3.5 hours (breasts), until the chicken is tender and reaches 165°F internally. Avoid overcooking breasts to keep them juicy.
  5. Shred or slice: Transfer the chicken to a cutting board. Shred with two forks or slice into chunks. Tent with foil to keep warm.
  6. Thicken the sauce: Turn the slow cooker to High. In a small bowl, stir cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry. Whisk the slurry into the sauce and cook uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until glossy and slightly thickened.
  7. Bring it together: Return the chicken to the slow cooker and toss in the sauce until fully coated. Taste and adjust seasoning—add a splash of vinegar for brightness or more honey for sweetness.
  8. Serve: Spoon chicken and sauce over hot rice. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Add steamed veggies on the side for a complete meal.