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slow cooker honey garlic chicken - featured image

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken: Best 5-Ingredient Dinner

  • Author: Elena
  • Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes (low)
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A simple, sticky, and savory slow cooker chicken recipe that tastes better than takeout. Using just a few pantry ingredients, this dish is tender, family-approved, and perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 6–8 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • ½ cup honey
  • ½ cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • ¼ cup water
  • Optional: ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • Optional: 2 green onions, sliced
  • Optional: 1 large bell pepper, sliced

Instructions

  1. Place the thawed chicken thighs in the bottom of a 4-6 quart slow cooker in a single layer.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger until the honey is mostly dissolved.
  3. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring it is well-coated. Add red pepper flakes if using.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
  5. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and set aside on a plate.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a smooth slurry.
  7. Pour the slurry into the remaining sauce in the slow cooker and stir well.
  8. Cover and cook on high for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to a sticky, glossy consistency.
  9. Return the chicken to the slow cooker and toss it in the thickened sauce. Let sit for 5 minutes to absorb flavors.
  10. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.

Notes

Ensure chicken is fully thawed before cooking to avoid food safety risks. The cornstarch slurry is essential for thickening the sauce; do not skip it. For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. This recipe does not freeze well.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Chinese-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving with rice
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 24
  • Sodium: 850
  • Fat: 12
  • Saturated Fat: 2
  • Carbohydrates: 42
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 28

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, honey garlic chicken, easy dinner, family meals, meal prep, gluten-free option, healthy takeout alternative

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Find it online: https://plateku.com/slow-cooker-honey-garlic-chicken-best-5-ingredient-dinner/