Slow Cooker Honey Chicken
Introduction
Slow Cooker Honey Chicken
Slow Cooker Honey Chicken is a delectable and easy-to-make recipe that uses minimal effort and yields big flavors. This recipe combines the perfect balance of sweetness from honey, savory soy sauce, and a touch of spice, which come together to create a tender, juicy chicken dish that will have your family and friends asking for seconds. The best part? The slow cooker does all the work for you. Whether you’re whipping up a weekday meal or preparing for guests, this recipe is both convenient and impressive.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
Ingredients
– 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
– Half a cup of honey
– A third of a cup of soy sauce
– 2 teaspoons of minced garlic
– 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
– 2 teaspoons of sesame oil
– 2 teaspoons of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water (for thickening the sauce)
– Optional sesame seeds and green onions for garnish
Prep Time
Getting Ready
Preparing this dish takes just 10 minutes of your time. Begin by assembling and measuring your ingredients. Make sure your chicken is cleaned and trimmed if necessary. Mixing the honey sauce is the only additional step before everything gets added to the slow cooker.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cooking and Serving
The cooking time is approximately 4 hours on low or 2 hours on high, thanks to the efficiency of the slow cooker. The total time, including preparation, is around 4 hours and 10 minutes if you cook on low. This recipe serves approximately 4 people, making it ideal for family meals or smaller gatherings.
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Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Place the chicken into the slow cooker to prepare it for cooking.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, vegetable oil, cayenne pepper (optional), and water. Mix well until the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Step 3: Add Sauce to the Chicken
Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Ensure all pieces of chicken are evenly coated with the sauce.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Set the slow cooker to cook on low for approximately 3-4 hours, or on high for 1.5-2 hours. Stir the chicken halfway through the cooking process to make sure it cooks evenly and remains coated in the sauce.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you want a thicker sauce, combine cornstarch with water in a small bowl to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking time. Allow the sauce to thicken as it continues to cook.
Step 6: Serve the Honey Chicken
Once done, serve the slow cooker honey chicken over white rice, brown rice, or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds, if desired.
Notes
Cooking Time
The cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker’s model and heat settings. Adjust accordingly if necessary.
Sauce Thickness
You can adjust the thickness of the sauce by using more or less cornstarch slurry. For a thicker sauce, add more cornstarch; for a thinner sauce, skip the slurry entirely.
Make It Spicier
If you enjoy spicier dishes, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the sauce.
Storage Instructions
Leftover honey chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Freezing Instructions
This dish can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
Vegetable Additions
You can add vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas during the last 30-40 minutes of cooking for added flavor and texture.
Protein Alternatives
This recipe works well with chicken thighs or even tofu as an alternative to chicken breasts.
Serving Suggestions
Pair the honey chicken with steamed vegetables or a salad for a complete meal. Rice, quinoa, or even mashed potatoes make excellent side dishes.
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Cook Techniques
Using a Slow Cooker
Place the chicken pieces in the slow cooker and make sure the sauce evenly covers the chicken for even flavoring. Let the slow cooker do its job and cook the chicken slowly to allow the flavors to meld perfectly.
Thickening the Sauce
After cooking, if the sauce is thin, you can thicken it by mixing cornstarch with water and adding it to the slow cooker. Stir well and allow the sauce to thicken on high heat.
Shredding Chicken
To shred the chicken for better sauce coverage, simply use two forks or a meat shredder while the chicken is still warm and soft after cooking.
Adding Vegetables
You can add vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or snap peas during the last hour of cooking to keep them from becoming overcooked in the slow cooker.
FAQ
Can you use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work just as well as chicken breasts in this recipe. They tend to be juicier and more flavorful.
How long do you cook this dish in a slow cooker?
Cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked through.
What can I serve with Slow Cooker Honey Chicken?
This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just ensure you are using gluten-free soy sauce in the sauce mixture to make it a gluten-free recipe.
What can I do if the sauce seems too sweet?
You can adjust the sweetness by adding a small amount of rice vinegar or lemon juice to balance out the flavor.
Can this dish be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it before serving.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, the leftovers freeze well. Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I use frozen chicken in the slow cooker?
It is not recommended to use frozen chicken in the slow cooker as it may take too long to reach a safe temperature, which could increase the risk of bacteria growth.
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Conclusion
Making slow cooker honey chicken is a fantastic way to create a flavorful and easy meal that your entire family will enjoy. The combination of sweetness from the honey and the savory flavors from the spices and soy sauce creates a well-balanced dish that pairs perfectly with simple sides. Using a slow cooker makes this recipe convenient for busy days, and it is sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen!
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