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Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken - Easy, Tender, and Flavorful

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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). Thighs are juicier and more forgiving.
  • Honey: 1/2 cup. Any mild honey works.
  • Soy sauce: 1/3 cup low-sodium. Regular soy sauce can make it too salty.
  • Garlic: 4–6 cloves, minced. Fresh is best for flavor.
  • Rice vinegar: 1–2 tablespoons, to brighten the sauce. Apple cider vinegar also works.
  • Ketchup or tomato paste: 2 tablespoons. Adds body and a subtle tang.
  • Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon. Optional, for a toasty finish.
  • Ground ginger: 1/2 teaspoon, or 1 teaspoon fresh grated.
  • Crushed red pepper flakes: 1/4 teaspoon, optional for gentle heat.
  • Cornstarch: 1.5 tablespoons, to thicken the sauce.
  • Water: 2 tablespoons, for the cornstarch slurry.
  • Green onions and sesame seeds: For garnish, optional but nice.
  • Serving options: Steamed rice, cauliflower rice, noodles, or sautéed greens.

Method
 

  1. Prep the slow cooker: Lightly spray the insert or rub a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk honey, soy sauce, garlic, rice vinegar, ketchup (or tomato paste), sesame oil, ginger, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
  3. Add the chicken: Place chicken in the slow cooker in a single layer if possible. Pour the sauce over the top, ensuring the chicken is coated.
  4. Set and cook: 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. Shred or slice: Remove chicken to a cutting board. Shred with two forks or slice into chunks, then set aside.
  6. Thicken the sauce: Whisk cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Stir it into the cooking liquid in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on High for 10–15 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and turns glossy.
  7. Combine: Return the chicken to the slow cooker and toss in the sauce to coat evenly.
  8. Taste and adjust: Add a splash more vinegar if it’s too sweet, or a drizzle of honey if you want it sweeter. Season with a pinch of salt if needed.
  9. Serve: Spoon over rice or noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.