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Easy Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

This recipe delivers perfectly balanced honey garlic chicken with tender, fall-off-the-bone results. The slow cooking process ensures maximum flavor development and moistness, while a cornstarch slurry thickens the sauce to a desirable consistency. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for a visually appealing and delicious meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish
  • Chopped green onions, for garnish
  • Cooked rice, for serving

Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Medium bowl
  • small bowl
  • whisk
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Meat Thermometer
  • paper towels
  • fork

Method
 

  1. Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  3. Place the chicken in the slow cooker. Pour the honey garlic marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Check for doneness using a meat thermometer; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  5. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and set aside.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry.
  7. Pour the slurry into the slow cooker and stir well.
  8. Turn the slow cooker to high and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. If the sauce isn't thick enough, make another cornstarch slurry and add it gradually.
  9. If desired, shred the chicken with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and toss with the thickened sauce.
  10. Serve the honey garlic chicken over cooked rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Notes

Chicken thighs are recommended for their higher fat content, but chicken breasts can be used with a reduced cooking time. Low-sodium soy sauce is preferred to control the saltiness. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your desired heat level. Vegetables like broccoli florets, bell peppers, or snap peas can be added to the slow cooker during the last 30-60 minutes of cooking. The sauce can be adjusted to your preferred taste by adding salt, soy sauce, or lime juice.