Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken: Tender, Flavorful, and Easy

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a melt-in-your-mouth dish featuring succulent chicken thighs smothered in a sweet and savory honey garlic butter sauce. With minimal prep and the slow cooker doing most of the work, this dish delivers tender chicken with rich flavors that are sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Why Make This Recipe

Effortless and Flavorful

Using a slow cooker, this recipe allows you to set it and forget it while the chicken cooks slowly to perfection, soaking up all the delicious flavors. The honey garlic butter sauce brings a wonderful balance of sweetness and savory richness, making this dish ideal for family dinners or meal prep.

Tender Chicken Every Time

Slow cooking the chicken thighs ensures they turn out incredibly tender and juicy. The combination of the rub and honey garlic butter sauce creates a deeply flavorful dish with minimal effort.

Versatile

This chicken can be served with various sides like steamed vegetables, rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. It also works great as a filling for wraps or sandwiches.

Ingredients & Substitutions

For the Chicken:

• 6 large chicken thighs (skinless and bone-in): Chicken thighs are perfect for slow cooking as they remain juicy and flavorful. You can substitute with boneless, skinless thighs, but be sure to reduce the cooking time.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Olive oil is used for both the rub and searing (optional). You can substitute with avocado oil or vegetable oil.

For the Rub:

• 1 teaspoon paprika: Use either mild or smoked paprika depending on your preference for smokiness.
• 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar: Brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness to the rub. You can use coconut sugar for a refined sugar alternative.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds savory depth to the rub.
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: For a mild, sweet onion flavor.
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional): Add for heat if you like spicy food.
• 1 teaspoon coarse salt: Adjust to taste, especially if you’re using a saltier broth.
• 1/4 teaspoon cracked pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper enhances the rub’s flavor.

For the Honey Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 1/2 cup honey: Sweetens the sauce and gives it that signature honey garlic flavor.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Butter adds richness to the sauce. Use unsalted to control the salt content.
• 6 cloves garlic (minced or finely chopped): Fresh garlic provides a punch of flavor.
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce: Adds umami and saltiness without overwhelming the dish. You can substitute with tamari for a gluten-free option.
• 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar (or cider vinegar): Adds tang to balance out the sweetness of the honey.
• 1 pinch salt: Adjust to taste, especially if your soy sauce is already salty.
• 1/2 teaspoon cracked pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper adds some heat and depth.

Additional:

• 1/4 cup water or chicken broth: Helps create a bit of liquid for the sauce. You can use low-sodium chicken broth for more flavor.
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch: To thicken the sauce and create a syrup-like consistency.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Pat dry the skinless, bone-in chicken thighs with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
• In a small bowl, combine olive oil with the rub ingredients (paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and cracked pepper).
• Rub the mixture evenly onto the chicken thighs.

2. Optional Sear:

• Heat the remaining olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 2 minutes per side to develop a nice crust and flavor. You don’t need to cook the chicken through at this stage.
• Transfer the seared chicken thighs to a 6-quart slow cooker.

3. Make the Sauce:

• In the same pan where the chicken was seared, melt the butter over medium heat, scraping up any browned bits left from the chicken.
• Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Stir in honey, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a rapid simmer for 1 minute, then remove from heat.

4. Slow Cook:

• Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Flip the chicken to coat it evenly in the sauce.
• Cover and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or on LOW for 5-6 hours. Baste the chicken with sauce halfway through the cooking time for even flavor.
• When the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), remove it from the slow cooker.

5. Rest the Chicken:

• Transfer the chicken to a serving dish and tent with foil. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving.

6. Thicken the Sauce:

• While the chicken is resting, pour the juices from the slow cooker into a pot. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
• Whisk together 1/4 cup water or chicken broth with 2 teaspoons cornstarch to form a slurry.
• Add the slurry to the sauce and whisk continuously until it thickens to a syrup-like consistency (about 2-3 minutes). For a thicker sauce, repeat this step with 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water.

7. Broil the Chicken (Optional):

• For a crispy, charred finish, place the slow-cooked chicken thighs on a lined baking sheet. Brush with some of the thickened sauce (about 2 tablespoons per thigh).
• Broil in the oven for 1-2 minutes per side until the edges are golden and crispy.

8. Serve:

• Slice the chicken and serve it drizzled with the honey garlic butter sauce. Enjoy!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

This flavorful chicken can be served with a variety of sides. Try pairing it with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. The honey garlic sauce makes it perfect for drizzling over your side dishes.

How to Store Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the chicken for up to 4 months. Be sure to store it in a freezer-safe container or zippered bag.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop. If reheating in the oven, cover it with foil to keep it moist.

Tips to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

1. For extra flavor: Add a few sliced onions or bell peppers into the slow cooker with the chicken to enhance the flavor of the sauce.
2. Don’t overcook: Make sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken so it doesn’t dry out.
3. For a smoky finish: If you prefer a smoky flavor, try adding smoked paprika to the rub mixture or a dash of liquid smoke to the sauce.

Variations

• Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• With veggies: You can add carrots, potatoes, or peas to the slow cooker to cook along with the chicken.
• For a healthier twist: Use low-fat butter or coconut oil and serve with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used in this recipe. However, chicken breasts tend to dry out faster than thighs, so be sure to monitor the cooking time to avoid overcooking.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the chicken and sauce a day before, then store it in the fridge. Just heat it up and finish cooking when you’re ready to serve.

Can I make this recipe in the oven?
Yes, you can cook the chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 30-40 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Be sure to baste the chicken with the sauce every 15 minutes.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is the perfect dish for anyone who loves tender, juicy chicken with a rich, flavorful sauce. The combination of honey, garlic, and butter makes for a mouthwatering meal that your family will love. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, it’s a must-try recipe for your next dinner!

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