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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 1 cup bell peppers, sliced - 1 cup broccoli florets - Cooked rice or quinoa - Sesame seeds - Green onion Gathering the right ingredients is key for great flavor. Start with the chicken thighs. They give the dish its rich taste and juicy texture. Honey adds sweetness, while low sodium soy sauce brings that savory umami. Garlic and ginger infuse the dish with warmth and depth. Next, for an added zing, don’t skip the apple cider vinegar. It balances the sweetness of honey nicely. Sesame oil adds a nutty note. If you like a bit of heat, toss in red pepper flakes. The bell peppers and broccoli not only make the meal colorful but also pack in nutrients. When it comes to serving, I love pairing this dish with rice or quinoa to soak up all that delicious sauce. A sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onion on top gives it a lovely crunch and bright finish. Enjoying this meal is not just about taste; it’s about savoring a dish made with love. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you need to make the sauce. In a bowl, whisk together these ingredients: - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) Mix them well until smooth. This sauce is sweet, tangy, and full of flavor. Next, lay the chicken thighs flat at the bottom of the slow cooker. Make sure they fit nicely. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken, coating it well. Then, add your vegetables. Use: - 1 cup bell peppers, sliced - 1 cup broccoli florets Layer them over the chicken and sauce. This adds color and nutrition. Now, cover the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. The chicken should be tender and reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F (75°C). After cooking, remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred it into pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Mix it with the sauce and vegetables. Cook for an extra 10 to 15 minutes on low. This helps the flavors blend well. Check the chicken's internal temperature. It needs to reach 165°F/75°C for safety. Every slow cooker cooks a bit differently, so adjust your cooking time if needed. If your slow cooker runs hot, check the chicken sooner. If it cooks low, give it a bit more time. This ensures your chicken stays tender and juicy. Serve your honey garlic chicken over a bed of rice or quinoa. Both options soak up the sauce well. They also add a nice texture. For a pop of color and crunch, garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onion. They make the dish look pretty and taste great. Want more flavor? Add extra garlic or ginger into the sauce. These ingredients bring out the dish's natural sweetness. You can also swap in different veggies based on what you have. Carrots, snap peas, or even zucchini work well. Just make sure to add them at the right time to keep them crisp and colorful. Pro Tips Choose the Right Chicken: For the best flavor and tenderness, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. They hold up better during the slow cooking process and remain juicy. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like carrots, snap peas, or zucchini based on your preference or what you have on hand. Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken and vegetables once cooked, then transfer the sauce to a saucepan and simmer until it reduces to your desired consistency. Make It Ahead: This dish is perfect for meal prep! Make a double batch and store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. {{image_2}} You can switch honey for maple syrup or agave. These options add a nice sweetness. If you want a different protein, try chicken breasts or even tofu. Both work well and soak up the sauce nicely. To change the heat, add more red pepper flakes for spice. If you want it milder, skip the flakes. You can also try different flavors. For a twist, use teriyaki or sweet and sour sauce instead of honey. These options add a unique flair to your dish. Feel free to mix in other veggies. Carrots and snap peas taste great in this recipe. You can add them early in the cooking process. For delicate veggies like zucchini, add them in the last hour of cooking. This keeps them fresh and vibrant. After you finish your meal, let the chicken cool down. Place it in a container with a tight lid. Store it in the fridge. You can keep it for up to four days. This helps keep it fresh and tasty. To freeze honey garlic chicken, use a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you want to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it in a pot on the stove or microwave until hot. To make cooking easier, prep your ingredients in advance. Chop the bell peppers and broccoli ahead of time. You can also mix the sauce and store it in the fridge. This way, your meal will be quick to put together. If you have leftovers, try adding them to a salad or wrap for lunch. Making Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken takes about 15 minutes to prep. Then, you cook it for 4 to 6 hours on low. This means you can set it and forget it! If you want a quick dinner, this dish is perfect for busy days. Yes, you can cook chicken on high in the slow cooker. If you choose this setting, the cooking time shortens. It usually takes about 2 to 3 hours on high. Just make sure to check the chicken. It should reach 165°F (75°C) to be safe to eat. This dish pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Cooked rice - Quinoa - Steamed vegetables - Salad - Noodles These sides balance the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken. Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free! Just use gluten-free soy sauce. Many brands offer this option. You can also check for other gluten-free ingredients. This way, everyone can enjoy the meal without worries. This blog post covered a simple recipe for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken. You learned about the key ingredients, how to prepare them, and cooking instructions. You now have tips for variations or side dishes, as well as storage advice for leftovers. This dish is not just tasty but also flexible. You can switch ingredients or adjust flavors to fit your needs. Enjoy making this meal your own!

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

A delicious and easy slow cooker recipe featuring tender chicken thighs coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, served with colorful vegetables.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • to taste serving cooked rice or quinoa
  • to taste garnish sesame seeds
  • to taste garnish green onion

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). This will be your flavorful sauce.
  • Place Chicken in Slow Cooker: Lay the chicken thighs flat at the bottom of the slow cooker.
  • Add Sauce: Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken, ensuring they are well-coated.
  • Add Vegetables: Layer the sliced bell peppers and broccoli over the chicken and sauce mixture.
  • Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
  • Shred Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
  • Combine: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix it with the sauce and vegetables. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes on low to allow the flavors to meld together.
  • Serve: Spoon the honey garlic chicken and veggies over cooked rice or quinoa.
  • Garnish: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onion for an extra flavor boost and visual appeal.

Notes

For added heat, include red pepper flakes. Serve over rice or quinoa.
Keyword chicken, easy recipe, honey garlic, slow cooker