Description
Whip up Easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Dinner. This tender, sweet, and savory chicken recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. So simple!
Ingredients
Scale
- Main Players:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing, optional)
- Sauce Essentials:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for GF)
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tbsp)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- Finishing Touches:
- 2 tbsp cold water (for cornstarch slurry)
- Serve It Up:
- Cooked white rice or noodles
- Fresh green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken:: First things first, pat those chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. This really helps them get a nice sear, which adds a layer of flavor you just can’t skip, even if you’re in a hurry. I usually season them with a little salt and pepper right then and there. It’s a small step, but it makes a big difference, honestly. Don’t worry if they’re not perfectly dry, just get most of the moisture off. This is where I always make a bit of a mess, with chicken bits everywhere, but it’s part of the fun, right?
- Sear for Flavor (Optional, but Recommended!):: Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, sear the chicken thighs for about 2-3 minutes per side until they’re golden brown. You’re not cooking them through, just building flavor. This step is a game-changer for your Easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Dinner. I know, I know, it’s an extra pan, but trust me, it’s worth it. I’ve skipped this before when I was feeling lazy, and the chicken just didn’t have that same rich depth. You’ll smell that amazing aroma filling your kitchen – that’s the flavor developing!
- Whip Up the Sauce:: While the chicken is doing its thing (or if you skipped searing, no judgment!), whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and rice vinegar in a medium bowl. Make sure everything is well combined. You want that sweet, tangy, garlicky goodness to be perfectly blended. I always give it a little taste test here – sometimes I add a tiny bit more honey if my day has been extra sour, haha! This is the heart of your Easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Dinner, so get it right.
- Combine in the Crockpot:: Place the seared (or unseared) chicken thighs into your slow cooker. Pour that glorious honey garlic sauce all over the chicken, making sure each piece is nicely coated. Give it a gentle stir to ensure everything is submerged in the deliciousness. It should already smell incredible, even before cooking! I sometimes add a few extra garlic cloves here, just because I’m a garlic fiend. Don’t be afraid to make it your own, hon.
- Slow Cook It Down:: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The cooking time can vary a bit depending on your slow cooker, so keep an eye on it. The chicken should be fall-apart tender when it’s done. I usually check it around the 3-hour mark on low. You want it cooked through but still super moist. This is the beauty of the Easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Dinner – it does all the work for you!
- Thicken the Sauce & Serve:: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it with two forks (or leave it whole, your call!). In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with a few tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the sauce remaining in the crockpot. Cook on high for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your liking. It should be glossy and coat the back of a spoon. Return the chicken to the sauce, toss to coat, and serve! The smell will be absolutely intoxicating, a true testament to a fantastic Easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Dinner.