As I walked into my kitchen, I smelled garlic and honey. It was because of my slow cooker, making a tasty chicken dish. It had just a few ingredients: soy sauce, honey, and garlic.
This recipe was easy to make. I only needed 10 minutes to prepare. Then, the slow cooker cooked it for a couple of hours.
The smell of the dish filled the room. It made me excited for dinner. It showed that even when we’re busy, we can have a great meal.
Introduction to Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken is a tasty choice for dinner. It mixes honey’s sweetness with garlic’s aroma. This makes a meal that’s both yummy and healthy.
It’s easy to make and cooks slowly. This lets the flavors blend together. It’s perfect for families because it’s both tasty and good for you.
Preparing this dish is simple. It’s great for busy days. It’s a hit with everyone, making it perfect for family meals.
It’s easy to fit into our busy lives. The flavors are amazing. It’s a go-to for impressing my family without spending hours cooking.
Why Choose a Slow Cooker for This Recipe
The slow cooker is perfect for my Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Breast. It cooks the chicken slowly, making it tender and juicy. This method is great for busy people because it’s easy to use.
One pot meals are super convenient. This chicken dish cooks all ingredients together. The honey, soy sauce, and garlic mix to make a delicious sauce.
It’s great for weeknight dinners or when you have guests. Just prep the ingredients and let the slow cooker do the work. You’ll have a tasty meal without any stress.
| Cooking Method | Time Required | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Low setting | 4-6 hours | Allows flavors to deepen, best for tenderness |
| High setting | 2-4 hours | Quicker option, maintaining moisture |
| Overall | 1 hour 10 minutes to 2 hours 10 minutes | Hands-free cooking, perfect for busy days |
Ingredients for Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Breast
Making the perfect homemade honey garlic sauce is key for tasty chicken recipes. With the right stuff, I can make healthy crockpot meals that everyone enjoys. Here’s what you need for this yummy dish.
Main Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 to 2.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 6 cloves of minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dark sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon Asian hot sauce (adjustable based on taste)
- 1.5 tablespoons cornstarch for thickening the sauce
- 3 tablespoons cold water to mix with cornstarch
Optional Ingredients for Enhanced Flavor
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for a little kick
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Chopped green onions for an added freshness
These ingredients mix to make a delicious homemade honey garlic sauce. It goes great with the chicken, making it a favorite in my kitchen.
How to Make Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Breast
Making crockpot honey garlic chicken breast is easy and quick. It’s a meal my family loves. Here are the steps to make it.
Preparation Steps
- Put 4 chicken breasts, about 1.5 pounds, at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix together:
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (optional for spice)
- Pour the sauce over the chicken, making sure it’s coated well.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
Cooking Instructions and Tips
Cooking time depends on how tender you like it:
- For quick cooking, use high for 2 to 3 hours.
- For slow cooking, choose low for 4 to 5 hours.
For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch into the liquid 30 minutes before it’s done. Make sure the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures it’s safe and delicious.
This recipe makes about 4 servings. Each serving has 332 calories and 49 grams of protein. It’s great with rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
Benefits of Using Honey and Garlic in Your Cooking
Using honey and garlic in cooking adds flavor and health benefits. Honey is a natural sweetener that replaces processed sugars. It has antioxidants that help the immune system.
Garlic is great for health. It fights inflammation and germs. Together, honey and garlic make food taste better and be healthier.
This mix is perfect for chicken dishes. The chicken takes on the honey and garlic flavors. This makes meals tasty and good for you.
| Ingredient | Health Benefits | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Honey | Rich in antioxidants, boosts immune system | Sweet, floral |
| Garlic | Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial properties | Pungent, savory |
Honey and garlic make food taste better and healthier. They are great in chicken dishes. These ingredients are always a hit in my kitchen.
Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken is great for everyone at dinner. Start by putting the chicken on brown rice or quinoa. This makes the dish tasty and healthy.
Try adding fresh veggies like broccoli or green beans. They make the dish look good and add nutrients. For a nice touch, add sesame seeds and green onions. They make the dish look and taste better.
These tips are perfect for meal prep. You can make lots of meals at once. This is great for family dinners all week.
- Serve with cooked brown rice or quinoa
- Add steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions
- Pair with whole grain noodles for a comforting option
These ideas make your Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken a hit. It’s tasty and healthy. Use these tips to make meals your family will love.
Meal Prep Ideas with Honey Garlic Chicken
This Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is great for meal prep. It makes six servings, perfect for a week’s meals. Preparing the ingredients takes just five minutes.
After cooking for 5-6 hours on low or 2.5-3 hours on high, I portion it out. This makes it easy for lunches or dinners.
Reheating is simple, whether in the microwave or on the stovetop. Each serving has 48 grams of protein and 405 calories. It’s a healthy choice for my meals.
I like to mix sides like steamed veggies, rice, or salads. This keeps meals fun and balanced.
| Day | Main Course | Sides |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Honey Garlic Chicken | Steamed Broccoli |
| Tuesday | Honey Garlic Chicken | Brown Rice |
| Wednesday | Honey Garlic Chicken | Quinoa Salad |
| Thursday | Honey Garlic Chicken | Roasted Sweet Potatoes |
| Friday | Honey Garlic Chicken | Mixed Greens |
Leftovers last 4-5 days in the fridge or up to 5 months frozen. Try adding green onions or sriracha for more flavor. Meal prep makes healthy eating easy and tasty all week.
Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Breast Variations
Try new flavors with crockpot honey garlic chicken breast. Want a bit of heat or different protein? These ideas will make dinner fun. Explore these tasty chicken recipes to match your taste.
Making It Spicy
Add spice to your chicken by using more chili paste or red pepper flakes. This mix of sweet and hot is great. Spices can make meals exciting and new.
Alternative Protein Options
Not feeling chicken? Try drumsticks or thighs for moist results. Pork loin adds a savory flavor. Tofu is a tasty vegetarian choice, soaking up the sauce well. Just adjust cooking times for these proteins.
| Protein Type | Cooking Time (Low) | Cooking Time (High) | Recommended Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken Breasts | 5-7 hours | 3-4 hours | 165°F |
| Chicken Thighs | 4-5 hours | 2-3 hours | 180°F |
| Pork Loin | 6-8 hours | 3-4 hours | 145°F |
| Tofu | 4-5 hours | 2-3 hours | N/A |
Storing and Reheating Tips for Leftovers
After enjoying a delicious meal of Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken, you might have leftovers. It’s important to store them right for future meals. I put the leftover chicken in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh in the fridge for up to four to five days.
When reheating, I warm the chicken in a saucepan over medium-low heat. I add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. This way, the chicken stays as tasty as the first time.
If you’re busy and want to prep meals, freeze the cooked chicken and sauce. It can last up to three months in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready, thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Thawed chicken is great for quick meals. I often add it to rice bowls or salads. Storing leftovers saves time and lets me enjoy tasty flavors all week!
