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Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken - Easy, Flavorful, and Family-Friendly

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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 chicken breasts; thighs stay juicier)
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth (or water)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tablespoon garlic paste)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional but flavorful)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for mild heat)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water (for slurry)
  • Sesame seeds and sliced green onions (for garnish)
  • Cooked rice or steamed vegetables (for serving)

Method
 

  1. Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, chicken broth, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
  2. Prep the chicken: Trim excess fat and pat the chicken dry. This helps the sauce cling better and keeps the texture clean.
  3. Layer in the slow cooker: Place the chicken in a single layer in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the top, making sure all pieces are coated.
  4. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on Low for 4–5 hours or High for 2.5–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and reaches 165°F.
  5. Thicken the sauce: Remove the chicken to a plate. Whisk cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry. Stir it into the hot cooking liquid, cover, and cook on High for 10–15 minutes until glossy and slightly thickened.
  6. Finish and serve: Return the chicken to the slow cooker, toss gently in the sauce, and let it sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
  7. Plate it up: Spoon over rice, noodles, or steamed broccoli for a complete meal.