If you’re looking to elevate your slow cooking repertoire, consider crafting the Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken.
You’ll need to prepare with precision, ensuring the balance of honey, soy sauce, ketchup, and olive oil complements the chicken’s tenderness perfectly.
This methodical approach results in a dish that marries sweet and savory elements seamlessly.
However, there’s more to explore beyond just the cooking process, as serving and storage techniques can greatly enhance your culinary experience.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Crockpot or slow cooker
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Measuring cup
- 1 Measuring spoon set
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Knife
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Boneless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup Honey
- 1/3 cup Soy sauce
- 1/4 cup Ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon Red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons Water
- 1 tablespoon Sesame seeds (optional)
- 2 tablespoons Chopped green onions (optional)
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time when preparing and cooking Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken, follow this timeline:
- Preparation (10 minutes):
- 0:00 – 0:02: Gather all equipment and ingredients: crockpot, mixing bowl, whisk, measuring cup, measuring spoon set, cutting board, knife, chicken breasts, honey, soy sauce, ketchup, olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, black pepper, cornstarch, water, sesame seeds, and green onions.
- 0:02 – 0:05: Mince the garlic and chop the green onions (if using).
- 0:05 – 0:07: Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- 0:07 – 0:09: In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, olive oil, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and black pepper.
- 0:09 – 0:10: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot, making sure each piece is well coated.
- Cooking (4 hours):
- 0:10 – 4:10: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low for 4 hours.
- Resting (5 minutes):
- 4:10 – 4:15: Remove the chicken from the crockpot and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Sauce Thickening (5-10 minutes):
- 4:15 – 4:17: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth.
- 4:17 – 4:19: Stir the cornstarch mixture into the sauce in the crockpot.
- 4:19 – 4:25 (or 4:29): Turn the crockpot to high and cook the sauce for an additional 5-10 minutes until it thickens.
- Finishing Touches:
- 4:25 (or 4:29): Return the chicken to the crockpot and coat with the thickened sauce.
- 4:26 (or 4:30): Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired before serving.
- Additional Time:
- Allow a few extra minutes for reading the instructions thoroughly before starting to guarantee understanding and smooth execution.
Recipe Instructions
Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, olive oil, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and black pepper.
Pour the mixture over the chicken in the crockpot, ensuring each piece is well coated.
Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low for 4 hours.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crockpot and let it rest for 5 minutes.
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth, then stir into the sauce in the crockpot.
Turn the crockpot to high and cook the sauce for an additional 5-10 minutes until it thickens.
Return the chicken to the crockpot and coat with the thickened sauce.
Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired before serving.
Serving Tips
- Steamed Rice: A neutral base that soaks up the flavorful sauce beautifully.
- Roasted Vegetables: Adds color and nutrients, balancing the sweet and savory chicken.
- Mashed Potatoes: Offers a creamy contrast to the sauce, enhancing the comfort food feel.
- Fresh Salad: A crisp, revitalizing side to lighten up the meal and add a fresh touch.
- Quinoa: Provides a protein-packed, nutty alternative to rice, complementing the dish’s flavors.
Storage
To store Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken, place leftovers in an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Freezing
To freeze Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken, let it cool completely.
Then, store in airtight containers or freezer bags.
Label with the date.
Freeze for up to three months.
Reheating
To reheat Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken, gently warm it in a skillet over medium heat.
Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through to maintain its flavor and moisture.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any meal.
The combination of honey, soy sauce, and garlic creates a savory and sweet sauce that complements the tender chicken beautifully.
With minimal prep and cooking time, it’s ideal for busy weeknights.
Serve it with steamed rice or vegetables for a complete meal.
Customize the heat level by adjusting the red pepper flakes to your liking.
Don’t forget to garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
Enjoy this delicious recipe with your family and friends!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
You can definitely substitute chicken thighs for breasts in this recipe. Thighs are more forgiving in slow cooking, retaining moisture and flavor. Adjust cooking time slightly, as thighs might cook faster than breasts. Enjoy experimenting!
Is There a Substitute for Soy Sauce for Gluten-Free?
You can substitute soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option. Tamari provides a similar umami flavor without gluten. Verify it’s labeled gluten-free, as some brands may contain wheat. Adjust the quantity to taste preference.
How Do I Adjust the Recipe for More Servings?
To adjust the recipe for more servings, multiply each ingredient by your desired serving increase. Confirm your crockpot can accommodate the larger batch. Maintain the same cooking time and method for consistent results.
What Can I Use Instead of Olive Oil?
You can substitute olive oil with canola oil or vegetable oil for a neutral flavor. If you want a bit more flavor, use coconut oil or sesame oil, but be mindful of their distinct taste profiles.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
To make it spicy, increase the red pepper flakes to your preference or add diced jalapeños or sriracha. Mix these into the sauce ingredients. Taste and adjust the spice level until it meets your desired heat.
Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
Equipment
- 1 CrockPot or slow cooker
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 measuring spoon set
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Knife
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Boneless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup Honey
- 1/3 cup Soy sauce
- 1/4 cup Ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 3 cloves Garlic minced
- 1/4 teaspoon Red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons Water
- 1 tablespoon Sesame seeds (optional)
- 2 tablespoons Chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, olive oil, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and black pepper.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken in the crockpot, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low for 4 hours.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crockpot and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth, then stir into the sauce in the crockpot.
- Turn the crockpot to high and cook the sauce for an additional 5-10 minutes until it thickens.
- Return the chicken to the crockpot and coat with the thickened sauce.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired before serving.
Notes
