Honey Garlic Chicken Crockpot Bliss

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever craved a meal that basically cooks itself? These easy chicken crockpot meals are my go-to for busy weeknights. This honey garlic chicken is like a warm hug.

It's packed with flavour, without hours slaving over the stove!

Brief Overview

This recipe has roots in Asian inspired cuisine. Think of it as Chinese takeaway, but healthier and way easier. Prep takes 15 minutes, and then the slow cooker does the magic for 6- 8 hours.

This recipe makes about 6 servings, perfect for a family dinner or meal prepping.

Main Benefits

Honestly, the best part is the taste. Honey garlic chicken thighs are rich in protein. This dish is perfect for a cozy Sunday dinner or any night you want something comforting.

It's also a great example of dump and go chicken crockpot cooking.

Why This Crockpot Chicken Recipe Rocks

Hey, want to try something new? So many slow cooker chicken recipes easy are out there. This honey garlic chicken is special because it's so darn flavourful.

The blend of sweet honey, tangy soy sauce, and pungent garlic creates a taste explosion!

Crockpot Chicken Done Right

Are you hunting for best crockpot chicken recipes ? This one is simple and satisfying. It’s perfect for those easy weeknight meals crockpot .

You can set it up in the morning and come home to a delicious meal.

More About This Crockpot Chicken Dinner Ideas

This recipe even works well with rice. You could also throw in some mixed veggies. Looking for chicken thigh crockpot recipes ? These chicken thighs come out tender and juicy.

It really is a foolproof recipe.

Ready to Grab Those Ingredients?

Now, let's get to the good stuff, the ingredients. Get ready to whip up some delicious, healthy crockpot chicken recipes .

If you're looking for easy crockpot chicken breast recipes , just sub the thighs! I once accidentally used way too much honey but the flavors still worked out great.

So don't be afraid to adapt.

Ingredients & Equipment: Honey Garlic Chicken Crockpot Showdown

Right, so we're diving headfirst into the wonderful world of easy chicken crockpot meals . This honey garlic chicken thighs recipe is a total winner.

I mean, who doesn't love a dump and go chicken crockpot situation? Honestly, it is one of the best crockpot chicken recipes there is.

Main Players: Ingredients for Chicken Crockpot Gold

Here’s what you’ll need to make this slow cooker chicken recipes easy :

• 2.5 lbs ( 1.13 kg ) boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Quality chicken makes a difference, so grab some decent ones.
• 1/2 cup ( 120 ml ) honey. This adds the sweetness, obviously!
• 1/4 cup ( 60 ml ) low-sodium soy sauce. Keeps it from being too salty.
• 1/4 cup ( 60 ml ) ketchup. Adds some tang, trust me.
• 2 tablespoons ( 30 ml ) rice vinegar. A little zing is essential.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced. Don't skimp on the garlic!
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger. Adds warmth and depth.
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional). If you like it hot!
• 2 tablespoons ( 30 ml ) cornstarch.
• 1/4 cup ( 60 ml ) cold water.

Spice It Up: The Secret Sauce

The magic is in the sauce. Soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger it's a flavour explosion. If you're feeling adventurous, a splash of Sriracha adds a great kick.

Running low on soy sauce? Coconut aminos are a good sub. Crockpot chicken dinner ideas don’t get much better than this.

Essential Gear for the Job

Alright, time to talk equipment. You don't need fancy gadgets for this.

• A 6-quart ( 5.7 liter ) slow cooker/crockpot. This is non-negotiable!
• Measuring cups and spoons. Gotta get those measurements right.
• A small bowl. For mixing up that lovely sauce.
• A whisk. To ensure everything's nicely combined.

No need for fancy chef knives here. Easy weeknight meals crockpot style are all about simplicity, so don't get intimidated! Healthy crockpot chicken recipes are totally achievable with just these basic tools.

And, don't forget to try other great chicken thigh crockpot recipes !

This easy crockpot chicken breast recipes adaptation of honey garlic chicken thighs is a tasty and simple way to enjoy dinner. Now, let’s get cooking!

Easy Chicken Crockpot Meals: Your Ticket to Dinner Bliss

Honestly, who doesn't love an easy chicken crockpot meals recipe? I know I do. The best part? You just dump and go! The slow cooker does all the work.

Let’s dive into this game changing Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe. Trust me, your weeknights just got a whole lot easier.

Prep Like a Pro for Crockpot Chicken Dinner Ideas

First, let's get our act together. This is the essential "mise en place". Chop those four garlic cloves like your life depends on it.

Then, measure out your honey , soy sauce , ketchup , rice vinegar , and ginger . It saves so much time later.

Trimming extra fat from the 2.5 pounds of chicken thighs is a must. It stops that greasy flavour. It takes about 15 minutes!

step-by-step: Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes Easy Peasy

1. Place your trimmed chicken thighs right into the slow cooker.
2. Whisk together the 1/2 cup of honey , 1/4 cup of soy sauce , 1/4 cup of ketchup , 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar , minced 4 cloves of garlic , 1 teaspoon of ginger , and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if you're feeling spicy!) in a bowl.
3. Pour that gorgeous sauce all over the chicken. Make sure it's evenly coated, proper lush.
4. Cover that bad boy and cook on low for 6- 8 hours , or on high for 4- 6 hours. Honestly, I prefer low; it makes the chicken extra tender.
5. (Optional) If you want a thicker sauce, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water and stir into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
6. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165° F/ 74° C . Shred it with two forks if you fancy. Serve it up, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if you have them!

Pro Tips for the Best Crockpot Chicken Recipes

Okay, listen up! Don't overcrowd the slow cooker. It steams the chicken instead of browning it. A big no-no. Always mix cornstarch with cold water before adding it to hot liquid.

Otherwise, you'll get lumps, and nobody wants that. This is a great recipe for chicken thigh crockpot recipes , you know? Easy weeknight meals crockpot , sorted! You can also try this with easy crockpot chicken breast recipes .

So many options. If you’re into healthy crockpot chicken recipes , maybe swap the honey for a natural sweetener. Another win!

Recipe Notes for Your Honey Garlic Chicken Crockpot Masterpiece

Okay, so you're about to dive into making these easy chicken crockpot meals , and that's awesome! I've got a few extra tips and tricks I've picked up along the way to make sure your honey garlic chicken thighs are the absolute bomb.

These slow cooker chicken recipes easy are so versatile!.

Serving It Up Like a Pro

Presentation matters, you know? Imagine piling that gorgeous, glistening chicken on a bed of steaming rice. I'm all about simplicity.

Fluff up some rice basmati or jasmine works great. Scatter some sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top.

BAM! Restaurant quality, right there in your kitchen. I always serve this with steamed broccoli, and sometimes I am fancy and add some edamame to that.

For drinks? Ice-cold lemonade is always a winner with this crockpot chicken dinner idea . A light, crisp white wine works well too, if you're feeling fancy!

Storage SOS

Okay, listen up. This is crucial. Once your chicken thigh crockpot recipes is done, let it cool down a bit before you stash it in the fridge.

Don't leave it out at room temperature for more than two hours, alright?. Pop it in an airtight container, and it'll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days .

Freezing? Totally doable! Let it cool completely, then portion it out into freezer bags or containers. It'll happily hang out in the freezer for up to 3 months .

When you're ready to eat, just thaw it overnight in the fridge, and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Mix It Up, Baby!

Honestly, this recipe is like a blank canvas. Want it spicier? Throw in a chopped chili or a pinch more red pepper flakes.

Watching your sugar intake? Swap the honey for a sugar-free alternative. Want healthy crockpot chicken recipes ? Consider swapping your soy sauce for coconut aminos, its gluten-free.

I've even thrown in some pineapple chunks before for a Hawaiian twist, and that's was amazing! I love this dump and go chicken crockpot .

And if you're feeling adventurous, why not experiment with different herbs and spices? Rosemary, thyme, or even a dash of smoked paprika can add a whole new dimension to the flavor.

Nutrition Nuggets

Okay, let's get real for a sec. This recipe is packed with protein. Each serving clocks in at around 30 grams, which is fantastic for building muscle.

Also, remember that those honey and garlic are good for you.

Keep in mind, that the calorie counts are estimates, and it may vary. So, easy weeknight meals crockpot can be healthy!.

So, what are you waiting for? Get in that kitchen and make some magic with those best crockpot chicken recipes ! And don't worry, I've seen you trying to make crockpot chicken and rice recipes you got this.

Trust me, this easy crockpot chicken breast recipes is almost impossible to mess up. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken in this easy chicken crockpot meals recipe, or does it need to be thawed first?

For best results and food safety, it's always recommended to thaw your chicken thighs before adding them to the crockpot. Using frozen chicken can significantly increase the cooking time and may prevent the chicken from cooking evenly, potentially leading to unsafe temperatures.

Thawing ensures the chicken cooks properly and absorbs the delicious honey garlic flavors evenly no soggy bottoms here!

My sauce is too watery! How can I thicken my easy chicken crockpot meals sauce without cornstarch?

No worries, mate! If you're out of cornstarch or prefer not to use it, there are a few other options. You could try whisking in a tablespoon or two of arrowroot powder mixed with cold water (like cornstarch).

Alternatively, you can remove the chicken and simmer the sauce in the crockpot on high with the lid off for 30-45 minutes to allow it to reduce and thicken naturally. It will thicken up just like your granny's gravy!

How long can I store leftovers of this honey garlic chicken, and what's the best way to reheat it?

Leftover honey garlic chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave it until heated through, or gently warm it in a saucepan on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to prevent it from drying out.

You can even reheat it in the crockpot on low for about an hour, ensuring the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature. It's even better the next day like a proper Sunday roast!

I'm watching my salt intake; can I reduce the sodium in this easy chicken crockpot meals recipe?

Absolutely! Sodium control is key. The easiest way to reduce sodium is to use low-sodium soy sauce. You can also omit any added salt and rely on the natural flavors of the honey, garlic, and other ingredients. Consider adding a squeeze of lemon or lime juice at the end to brighten the flavor without needing extra salt.

This way, you can enjoy the deliciousness without feeling too guilty about the sodium intake.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs for this easy chicken crockpot meals recipe?

Yes, you can, but keep in mind that chicken breasts tend to dry out more easily than chicken thighs when slow cooking. To combat this, reduce the cooking time. Aim for 3-4 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high, and check the internal temperature frequently to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) without overcooking.

You might also consider adding a bit more liquid to keep the chicken moist. Alternatively, you could try searing the chicken breasts before putting them in the slow cooker.