Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken: 6 Easy Steps

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Slow Cooker Honey Garlic is a simple recipe with minimal ingredients and rich flavors. The chicken is tender and melts in your mouth, making it perfect for busy days. This dish combines the smoky sweetness of honey and barbecue sauce with the robust flavor of garlic, delivering a meal that’s comforting, easy, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re hosting friends or just looking for a quick family dinner, this recipe will impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic

Here are some reasons why this dish is a favorite:

Minimal ingredients that you probably already have at home.
Prep time is only 10 minutes, making it a quick meal option.
The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
It’s gluten-free, making it suitable for various diets.
Versatile: can be served with rice, potatoes, or veggies.
Perfect for leftovers, as it tastes even better the next day.
It’s a healthy choice with only 348 calories per serving.
Simple to adapt for various proteins like pork or shrimp.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic

Gather these items:

1 ½ cups barbecue sauce (your favorite such as Sweet Baby Ray’s, Trader Joe’s, mild, spicy, garlicky, etc.)
¼ cup honey
1 tablespoon minced garlic (or to taste, about 4-5 cloves, finely minced)
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
Green onions (sliced into thin rounds; optional for garnishing)
Sesame seeds (optional for garnishing)

How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Step-by-Step

Step 1: Spray the insert of your 6-quart or 7-quart slow cooker with cooking spray, although it’s optional.
Step 2: Add the barbecue sauce, honey, and garlic, and stir to combine.
Step 3: Remove approximately 1/2 cup of the sauce and place it in the refrigerator for later use.
Step 4: Add the chicken and toss to coat it evenly in the sauce.
Step 5: Arrange the chicken in an even flat layer.
Step 6: Cover and slow cook on HIGH for about 2 ½ to 3 hours, or on LOW for about 5 to 6 hours, until the internal temperature is 165F.
Step 7: If desired, shred the chicken with two forks after cooking and return it to the slow cooker.
Step 8: Add the reserved 1/2 cup sauce mixture and toss the chicken to ensure it is well-coated.
Step 9: Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, salt and pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.
Step 10: Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, with veggies, in enchiladas, tortillas, or sliders.

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken: 6 Easy Steps - Slow Cooker Honey Garlic - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Perfect Slow Cooker Honey Garlic

Keep these in mind:

This recipe is versatile and can be served with various sides.
Adjust cooking times based on your slow cooker model.
For added depth, consider using a honey garlic glaze for slow cooker dishes.
Check the chicken’s temperature early to avoid overcooking.
Pair with slow cooker honey garlic vegetables for a complete meal.

Best Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Garlic

You can serve this dish in various ways:

Over fluffy white rice or quinoa for a hearty meal.
With mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.
In tortillas or as sliders for a fun twist.
Pair with healthy slow cooker honey garlic meals like steamed broccoli or green beans.

How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Honey Garlic

To store leftover Slow Cooker Honey Garlic, place the chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for 3-4 days. When reheating, warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. This recipe is perfect for meal prep, making your busy weeknights much easier.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Honey Garlic

What is honey garlic slow cooker?

The honey garlic slow cooker method combines sweet honey and savory garlic, creating a rich sauce that enhances the flavor of meats and vegetables while they cook slowly.

Can I make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients the night before and place them in the slow cooker in the morning. This is a great way to ensure a quick meal after a long day.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Slow Cooker Honey Garlic?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure you don’t overcrowd the slow cooker, as this can lead to uneven cooking. Always check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Variations of Slow Cooker Honey Garlic You Can Try

Here are some delicious variations:

For a twist, try slow cooker honey garlic pork using pork chops or tenderloin.
Substitute chicken with shrimp for a slow cooker honey garlic shrimp dish.
For a vegetarian option, use slow cooker honey garlic vegetables with your choice of seasonal veggies.
Experiment with honey garlic beef slow cooker for a different flavor profile.