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Honey Garlic Crockpot Chicken - Easy, Flavorful, and Comforting

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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; thighs stay juicier)
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup ketchup (adds body and tang)
  • 3–4 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 adds depth)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for mild heat)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (slurry to thicken)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish
  • Cooked rice, quinoa, or noodles for serving

Method
 

  1. Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and chicken broth until smooth.
  2. Season the chicken: Lightly season the chicken with salt and pepper. Place it in the slow cooker in an even layer.
  3. Pour and set: Pour the sauce over the chicken. Cover and cook on Low for 4–5 hours or High for 2.5–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
  4. Thicken the sauce: Transfer the chicken to a plate. Whisk the cornstarch and water, then stir the slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on High for 10–15 minutes, or until the sauce becomes glossy and slightly thick.
  5. Shred or slice: Shred the chicken with two forks or slice it into chunks. Return it to the slow cooker and toss with the sauce.
  6. Taste and adjust: Add more soy sauce for salt, a splash of vinegar for brightness, or a drizzle of honey for sweetness as needed.
  7. Serve: Spoon the chicken and sauce over rice, quinoa, or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.