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Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken - Easy, Saucy, 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
  

  • Chicken: 2 to 2.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
  • Honey: 1/3 cup
  • Soy sauce: 1/3 cup (use low-sodium if you prefer)
  • Garlic: 5–6 cloves, minced
  • Rice vinegar: 1–2 tablespoons (or apple cider vinegar)
  • Ketchup or tomato paste: 2 tablespoons (ketchup adds sweetness; paste adds depth)
  • Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon (optional but great for flavor)
  • Fresh ginger: 1 teaspoon grated (optional)
  • Crushed red pepper flakes: Pinch, for gentle heat (optional)
  • Cornstarch: 1–2 tablespoons, for thickening
  • Water: 2–3 tablespoons to mix with cornstarch
  • Green onions: For garnish
  • Sesame seeds: For garnish (optional)
  • Cooked rice or mashed potatoes: For serving
  • Salt and black pepper: To taste

Method
 

  1. Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season both sides lightly with salt and pepper. If using breasts, consider cutting them in half to ensure even cooking.
  2. Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, vinegar, ketchup (or tomato paste), sesame oil, ginger, and red pepper flakes if using. Taste and adjust sweetness or saltiness as needed.
  3. Load the slow cooker: Place the chicken in the slow cooker in a single layer, if possible. Pour the sauce over the top, making sure every piece is coated.
  4. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on Low for 3.5–5 hours or on High for 2–3 hours. Thighs are forgiving; breasts need closer monitoring to avoid drying out.
  5. Check doneness: The chicken should be tender and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). It should shred easily with two forks.
  6. Thicken the sauce: Transfer the sauce to a small saucepan or set the slow cooker to High. Whisk cornstarch with water to make a slurry and stir it into the sauce. Simmer 3–5 minutes until glossy and slightly thick.
  7. Shred or slice: Shred the chicken in the slow cooker and pour the thickened sauce back over it. Toss to coat every piece.
  8. Finish and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Spoon over rice or mashed potatoes. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.