This honey garlic chicken is the perfect dish for busy days! It’s sweet, sticky, and so easy to make in your crockpot. Just toss in chicken, honey, garlic, and let it do its thing!
Who doesn’t love a meal that practically makes itself? I enjoy making this when I want a tasty dinner with zero fuss. Serve it with rice, and you have a yummy feast! 🍚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are great for their flavor and tenderness. If you prefer, you can use boneless thighs or even chicken breast, though they may cook a bit quicker.
Honey: Honey gives the dish its signature sweetness. If you’re looking for a lower-calorie option, agave syrup works well as a substitute, though it has a slightly different flavor.
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce adds depth and saltiness. For a gluten-free option, try using tamari or coconut aminos. You can also use low-sodium soy sauce to keep the salt content down.
Ketchup: Ketchup provides a tangy kick. If you’re out, you can substitute tomato paste mixed with a dash of vinegar or a bit of barbecue sauce for a twist.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for flavor, but jarred minced garlic can work in a pinch. If you don’t have garlic, try garlic powder; just use about 1 teaspoon.
How Can I Achieve the Best Flavor in My Honey Garlic Chicken?
It’s all about the right balance of flavors! Make sure to mix the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, and garlic thoroughly before pouring it over your chicken. This ensures every piece of chicken is coated evenly, absorbing all those delicious flavors.
- Layer the chicken in a single layer to allow for even cooking.
- Don’t rush the cooking time. Slow cooking really helps the flavors meld.
- After cooking, thickening the sauce with cornstarch gives it that perfect sticky texture to cling to the chicken.
Once your chicken is done cooking, don’t forget to taste the sauce! Adjust with more honey or soy sauce if you want it sweeter or saltier. Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken In The Crockpot
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (can substitute boneless)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
To Thicken the Sauce:
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons water
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Sesame seeds (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Honey Garlic Chicken takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus cooking time of 5-6 hours on low, or 2-3 hours on high in the crockpot. Total time can range from 5 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes. Perfect for setting and forgetting while you go about your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Sauce:
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, dried basil (if you’re using it), salt, and black pepper. This will be the sticky sauce that makes the chicken so yummy!
2. Prepare the Crockpot:
Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of the crockpot in a single layer. This helps them cook evenly. Don’t worry if they’re a bit snug; they will shrink down as they cook.
3. Add the Sauce:
Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Feel free to spoon some of the sauce over the chicken to get every nook and cranny covered!
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 5-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (75°C).
5. Thicken the Sauce:
Once the chicken is done, carefully remove it from the crockpot and set it aside on a plate or a cutting board. Leave the sauce inside the crockpot. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
6. Finish the Sauce:
Stir the cornstarch slurry into the sauce in the crockpot, then turn the crockpot to high. Let the sauce cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens beautifully.
7. Return the Chicken:
Once the sauce has thickened, return the chicken to the crockpot, and spoon the thickened sauce over the chicken to coat it nicely.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, garnish the dish with sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, and sesame seeds if you like a little crunch. Serve your Honey Garlic Chicken hot over white rice or steamed vegetables, and enjoy the sticky, sweet flavors!
Dig in and savor every bite of your delightful, homemade Honey Garlic Chicken! 🥢🍽️
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. Thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for quicker results.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the honey garlic sauce and place it over the chicken in the crockpot the night before. Refrigerate the crockpot insert until you’re ready to cook. Just remember to take it out to come to room temperature before cooking to avoid cracking the insert.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit of water or chicken broth to keep the chicken moist.
What Can I Serve with Honey Garlic Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to round out the meal.
