Honey Garlic Slow Cooker (Printable Version)

Tender chicken thighs in a sticky-sweet garlic sauce that develops rich flavors while cooking hands-free in your slow cooker.

# Ingredients:

→ For the Chicken

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
02 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
03 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ For the Sauce

04 - 1/3 cup honey
05 - 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
06 - 1/4 cup ketchup
07 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
09 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
10 - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

→ For Thickening

11 - 1 tablespoon cornstarch
12 - 2 tablespoons water

→ For Garnish

13 - Sesame seeds
14 - Chopped green onions

# Steps:

01 - Lightly season the chicken thighs or breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, ginger, vinegar, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
03 - Place the chicken in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring it's well coated on all sides.
04 - Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
05 - Remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Transfer the sauce to a saucepan. Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce. Simmer over medium heat until it thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
06 - Return the chicken to the slow cooker or pour the thickened sauce over the chicken. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

# Notes:

01 - Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal as they stay tender and juicy. Chicken breasts also work but may cook faster.
02 - Taste the sauce before cooking and adjust the honey if you prefer a less sweet flavor.
03 - Freshly minced garlic adds a richer flavor compared to pre-minced garlic from a jar.
04 - Include carrots, broccoli, or snap peas in the slow cooker for a complete one-pot meal.
05 - This dish pairs well with steamed jasmine rice or can be used as filling for wraps and sandwiches.
06 - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.