If you’re on the lookout for a recipe that combines convenience with delightful flavors, then search no further than the Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken. This Asian-inspired dish promises tender, juicy chicken enriched with a perfect blend of sweet and savory from honey and garlic. Using a crockpot will free up your time and infuse the chicken with flavors that develop slowly, ensuring each bite is deliciously immersive.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs, bone-in, skinless
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Equipments
- Crockpot
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
How to Make Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe – Step By Step
Step 1 – Prepare the Marinade
Begin by mixing the marinade. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Ensure the ingredients are well combined, creating a smooth marinade. This mixture will be the base flavor that transforms the chicken into a luscious feast.
Step 2 – Season the Chicken
Before placing the chicken in the crockpot, it’s crucial to season it properly. Take your chicken thighs and sprinkle them with salt and pepper to taste. This seasoning ensures that even before the marinade works its magic, the chicken has a foundational flavor.
Step 3 – Combine Chicken and Marinade
Place the seasoned chicken thighs into the crockpot. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. You can use a spatula to spread the marinade evenly across all chicken thighs, ensuring no area is left untouched by flavor.
Step 4 – Cook in the Crockpot
Set your crockpot to low, cover it, and let the chicken cook for 6-7 hours. Alternatively, you can cook on high for about 3-4 hours if you’re short on time. The slow cooking will ensure that the chicken becomes tender and the flavors mingle beautifully.
Step 5 – Serve with Style
Once cooked, serve the honey garlic chicken hot. You can garnish it with freshly chopped parsley or spring onions for an added touch of color and flavor. Pair it with a side of steamed vegetables or a warm bowl of rice to soak up that delectable sauce.
How to Serve Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
For an appealing presentation, serve the chicken over a bed of jasmine rice or alongside lightly steamed broccoli. The contrasting colors not only make for a pleasing aesthetic but also provide a balanced meal with diverse flavors.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
For the best results, be sure to brown the chicken slightly before placing it in the crockpot. This step is optional but adds a depth of flavor and a nice color to the dish. Also, if you’re a fan of thicker sauces, you can remove the chicken once cooked and simmer the sauce separately in a skillet until desired thickness is achieved.
Packed-With-Protein Variation: High Protein Honey Garlic Chicken
Looking to up your protein game? Consider incorporating additional chicken breast to your crockpot recipe. Chicken breast not only increases the protein content but also delivers a leaner version of this recipe, perfect for those tracking macros. Opt for 1 lb each of thighs and breasts to maintain flavor depth while enhancing nutritional value.
Satisfy Your Cravings with Low-Carb Honey Garlic Chicken
For a low-carb twist, replace the honey with a sugar-free alternative, such as monk fruit sweetener, which keeps the sweetness while cutting down on carbs. Additionally, serve it with cauliflower rice instead of traditional jasmine rice. This simple switch creates a comforting dish that fits perfectly into a low-carb lifestyle.
Storage Instructions
This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing portions. When reheating, gently warm up on the stove or in the microwave to maintain the chicken’s tenderness and sauce consistency.
FAQs
- Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?Yes, however, thighs are more flavorful and tender due to their higher fat content.
- Can I make this dish spicier?Feel free to add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for added heat.
- Is it possible to cook this dish faster?Try cooking on the high setting for 3-4 hours instead of the low setting.
- How do I thicken the sauce?If desired, simmer the sauce in a skillet after removing the chicken to reduce and thicken it.
Wrap Up: Your Turn to Cook!
Ready to bring some sweet and savory goodness into your kitchen? This Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is perfect for any night of the week. The flavors will speak for themselves, earning you compliments and smiles with every bite. If you enjoyed this recipe, please feel free to leave a comment below and don’t forget to share the love with your friends and family!
Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- chicken thighs
- honey
- soy sauce
- ketchup
- garlic
- olive oil
- salt and pepper
- dried oregano
- crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
Steps
- Begin by mixing the marinade. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Ensure the ingredients are well combined.
- Take your chicken thighs and sprinkle them with salt and pepper to taste. This seasoning ensures that even before the marinade works its magic, the chicken has a foundational flavor.
- Place the seasoned chicken thighs into the crockpot. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
- Set your crockpot to low, cover it, and let the chicken cook for 6-7 hours.
- Once cooked, serve the honey garlic chicken hot. You can garnish it with freshly chopped parsley or spring onions for an added touch of color and flavor.