As a busy mom, I know how precious time can be, especially when it comes to dinner. That’s why I absolutely adore my Honey Garlic Crock Pot Chicken. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a comforting hug on a plate. With its sweet and savory sauce, it’s perfect for impressing your loved ones or simply treating yourself after a long day. Plus, the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting! Just toss in the ingredients, and let the magic happen while you focus on what truly matters.

Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Crock Pot Chicken

This Honey Garlic Crock Pot Chicken is a game-changer for busy nights. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your family. The flavors are simply divine, with a perfect balance of sweetness and savory goodness. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, making cleanup a breeze. Trust me, this dish will quickly become a family favorite!

Ingredients for Honey Garlic Crock Pot Chicken

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the show! They cook up tender and juicy, soaking in all that delicious sauce.
Honey: This adds a natural sweetness that balances the savory flavors. Feel free to adjust the amount to suit your taste!
Soy sauce: A key ingredient that brings depth and umami to the dish. You can use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake.
Ketchup: It may sound unusual, but it adds a tangy sweetness that complements the honey beautifully.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic flavor. You can never go wrong with garlic!
Cornstarch: This is used to thicken the sauce at the end, giving it a luscious texture.
Water: Just a little to mix with the cornstarch for that perfect sauce consistency.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning, enhancing all the flavors in the dish.

For those who like to experiment, consider adding a splash of rice vinegar for a tangy kick or some red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. You can find the exact measurements for these ingredients at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!

How to Make Honey Garlic Crock Pot Chicken

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the steps for making this delightful Honey Garlic Crock Pot Chicken. Trust me, it’s as easy as pie!

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in your crock pot. Make sure they’re spread out evenly. This helps them cook uniformly. If you have time, you can season them lightly with salt and pepper for an extra flavor boost.

Step 2: Mix the Honey Garlic Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, and minced garlic. Whisk it all together until it’s well blended. The aroma will make your mouth water! This sauce is the heart of the dish, so don’t skip this step.

Step 3: Combine in the Crock Pot

Pour that luscious honey garlic mixture over the chicken in the crock pot. Make sure each piece is coated well. This is where the magic begins! Cover the pot with the lid, sealing in all those delicious flavors.

Step 4: Cook to Perfection

Set your crock pot to low and let it cook for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer, the better! The chicken will become tender and soak up all that sweet and savory goodness. You can go about your day while it cooks—how easy is that?

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the pot and set it aside. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir this into the sauce in the crock pot. Cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens. This step gives your dish that restaurant-quality finish!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Return the chicken to the pot, coating it with the thickened sauce. Serve it over rice or alongside your favorite veggies for a complete meal. Your family will be raving about this Honey Garlic Crock Pot Chicken, and you’ll feel like a culinary superstar!

Tips for Success

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for a few hours before cooking.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F for perfect doneness.
Don’t skip the thickening step; it elevates the sauce to a whole new level!
Feel free to double the recipe for leftovers; it reheats beautifully.
Experiment with different veggies; they can be added in the last hour of cooking.

Equipment Needed

Crock Pot: The star of the show! Any slow cooker will do.
Mixing Bowl: For combining your honey garlic sauce. A large measuring cup works too.
Whisk or Spoon: To mix the sauce ingredients thoroughly.
Meat Thermometer: Optional, but great for checking chicken doneness.

Variations

Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick that will tantalize your taste buds.
Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs: Swap out chicken breasts for thighs for a richer flavor and even more tenderness.
Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, and adjust cooking time accordingly for a delicious plant-based meal.
Honey Garlic Glazed Meatballs: Use pre-cooked meatballs instead of chicken for a fun twist that’s perfect for appetizers or a quick dinner.
Herb-Infused Version: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the sauce for an aromatic touch that elevates the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve over rice: Fluffy white or brown rice absorbs the delicious sauce perfectly.
Pair with steamed veggies: Broccoli, green beans, or carrots add color and nutrition.
Garnish with green onions: A sprinkle of chopped green onions adds freshness and a pop of color.
Enjoy with a crisp salad: A light side salad balances the meal beautifully.
Complement with a refreshing drink: I love serving it with iced tea or a light white wine.

FAQs about Honey Garlic Crock Pot Chicken

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can! Just add an extra hour to the cooking time if using frozen chicken breasts. The slow cooker will work its magic, and you’ll still get that tender, flavorful result.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make Honey Garlic Crock Pot Chicken gluten-free, simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. This way, you can enjoy the same delicious flavors without any worries!

Can I add vegetables to the crock pot?

Absolutely! You can add veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas in the last hour of cooking. They’ll soak up the sauce and add a lovely crunch to your meal.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove for a quick meal later!

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe! Just make sure your crock pot is large enough to accommodate the extra chicken and sauce. It’s perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd!

Final Thoughts

Cooking should be a joyful experience, and my Honey Garlic Crock Pot Chicken embodies that spirit. It’s not just about the delicious flavors; it’s about the memories created around the dinner table. This dish brings comfort and warmth, making it perfect for busy nights or special gatherings. I love how it allows me to spend more time with my family while still serving up something impressive. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the simplicity, and let this recipe become a cherished part of your culinary adventures. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

HONEY GARLIC CROCK POT CHICKEN: A Delicious Dinner Delight!

Author: Chef Shana
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Honey Garlic Crock Pot Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, perfect for a comforting dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Place the chicken breasts in the crock pot.
In a bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, and minced garlic.
Pour the honey garlic mixture over the chicken in the crock pot.
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Once cooked, remove the chicken and set aside.
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
Stir the slurry into the sauce in the crock pot and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes until thickened.
Return the chicken to the pot, coat with the sauce, and serve.

Notes

Serve with rice or vegetables for a complete meal.
Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey.
This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6-7 hours
Category: Dinner
Method: Crock Pot
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
Calories: 320
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Honey Garlic Crock Pot Chicken, Easy Chicken Recipe, Slow Cooker Chicken