Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken

Looking for a hassle-free and mouthwatering weeknight dinner? Try this incredible Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken! It’s packed with flavor and requires minimal effort!

When it comes to cooking delicious meals with minimal effort, the Crockpot is a true game-changer! One recipe that my family loves is Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken.

This dish combines the sweetness of honey with the savory flavors of garlic and tender chicken, resulting in a delightful family-dinner night. With minimal effort and served over rice, noodles, potatoes or in a lettuce wrap, it’s one that is sure to impress your family and friends!

What You’ll Need

Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Recipe Card Below

• Ketchup
• Honey or Hot Honey
• Low Sodium Soy Sauce
• Garlic Powder
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs and Breasts
• Cornstarch
• Optional: Green Onions and Sesame Seeds

Tools You’ll Need

• Crockpot
• Measuring Cup

Why You’ll like this Recipe

• Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken has only 6 simple ingredients!
• It’s an stress-free, quick meal to throw in the Crockpot!
• It’s a perfect meal for entertaining guests!
• The chicken is succulent, tender, full of flavor and absolutely delicious!

How to Make this Recipe

1. In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, honey, soy sauce and garlic powder.

2. To a Crockpot, add chicken in one layer. Pour the sauce evenly on top. Cover and cook on low 4-6 hours or high 2-4 hours.

3. Transfer the cooked chicken to a bowl. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water. Whisk the mixture into the Crockpot. 

4. Return the chicken back to the Crockpot, breaking into large pieces. Cover and cook on high 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and meld with the chicken.

5. If desired, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Tips and Substitutions

• Boneless skinless breasts, thighs or tenders all work great for this Crockpot dish. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly, as chicken thighs tend to be more tender and may require a shorter cooking time.
• You can use frozen chicken for this recipe as well. However, keep in mind that the cooking time will be slightly longer. It's recommended to thaw the chicken before cooking for more even results.
• Bone-in chicken can work for this recipe. However, keep in mind that the cook time may need to be adjusted slightly, as bone-in chicken takes longer to cook than boneless chicken. Ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Searing the chicken first is optional, but it does add great color and flavor.
• Yummy vegetables can be a great addition. Chopped bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms, onions or broccoli are excellent. Add them during the last hour of cooking.
• Taste the sauce at the end of cook time. You can add more honey if you want it sweeter. You can add crushed red pepper, cayenne or seasonings to your taste preference as well.
• These side dishes are a perfect compliment to Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken:
  • Rice and Noodles of all Varieties
  • Mashed Potatoes
  • Salad
  • Quinoa or Couscous
  • Garlic Bread
  • Cauliflower Rice
  • Sautéed Greens
  • Vegetables like Garlic Broccoli and Mushrooms, Crispy Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower and Crispy Green Beans.

Storage

• Allow the honey garlic chicken to cool down to room temperature before storing it. Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator up to 3-4 days.
• Store in a freezer-safe container up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight if it was frozen. Once thawed, reheat it thoroughly in a skillet, oven, or microwave until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use coconut aminos for a lower-sodium version?
  • Yes! It will still add the desired savory flavor to the dish without the higher sodium content. Feel free to adjust the other ingredients according to your taste preferences.
• Can I make Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken ahead of time and freeze it?
  • Absolutely! After cooking, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an air-tight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Can I add vegetables to the Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken?
  • Absolutely! Look under Tips and Substitutions for yummy additions.
• Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
  • Yes, you can use 2-4 fresh minced garlic cloves instead of garlic powder.
• Can I cook this dish on high heat for a shorter time?
  • If you're short on time, you can cook this dish on high heat for 2-4 hours instead of low heat for 4-6 hours. Just ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before shredding and serving.
• Is it necessary to break apart the chicken after cooking?
  • You can leave the chicken whole, break into larger pieces or shred before adding it back to the sauce. Smaller pieces helps the meat absorb more of the flavorful sauce.
• Can I adjust the amount of honey and garlic in the recipe?
  • Of course! You can adjust the amount of honey and garlic to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can add more honey. Likewise, if you're a garlic lover, feel free to increase the amount of garlic.
• Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a Crockpot?
  • Yes! Follow the same ingredient quantities and mix them in the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for about 10-12 minutes, then release the pressure manually. Shred and serve as directed. Adjust the cooking time if using larger chicken pieces.
• Is this recipe gluten-free?
  • Ensure the soy-sauce and ketchup variety chosen is gluten-free.

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• Crockpot Pork Roast and Gravy
• Crockpot Tomato Basil Chicken
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