Hey there, fellow home cooks! If you’re looking for a recipe that’s not just delicious but also ridiculously easy to whip up, let me introduce you to my all-time favorite: crockpot honey chicken! Seriously, I can’t tell you how many busy weeknights this dish has saved me. Just toss everything in the crockpot, and let it work its magic while you go about your day. The smell that fills your kitchen as it cooks is pure bliss! Plus, the chicken turns out so tender and flavorful, it’s practically begging to be shredded and served. Trust me, this dish is a total crowd-pleaser, and it’s perfect for beginners who want to impress without the stress. Let’s dive into the details so you can enjoy this sweet and savory goodness too!
Ingredients List
Before we get cooking, let’s gather our ingredients for this scrumptious crockpot honey chicken. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 pounds of chicken thighs (boneless is easiest for shredding!)
- 1/2 cup of honey (the star of the show for that sweet glaze)
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce (for that delicious umami flavor)
- 1/4 cup of ketchup (yes, it adds a lovely tang!)
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better)
- 1 teaspoon of ground ginger (for a subtle kick)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skip this, it brings everything together)
- Chopped green onions for garnish (they add a lovely crunch and color!)
Make sure to have everything ready before you start—this dish comes together in a flash!
How to Prepare *Crockpot Honey Chicken*
Now that we have our ingredients lined up, let’s get this deliciousness cooking! Making crockpot honey chicken is a breeze, and I promise it’ll be one of the easiest meals you’ve ever made. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be golden!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, place the chicken thighs directly into your crockpot. You can layer them, but try to keep them in a single layer if possible for even cooking.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. This mixture is where all the magic happens!
- Once combined, pour this sweet and savory sauce over the chicken thighs, ensuring they’re all nicely coated. Don’t worry if some sauce pools at the bottom; it’ll soak in as it cooks.
- Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can set it to high for about 3-4 hours, but low is best for tender chicken.
- When the cooking time is up, carefully shred the chicken with two forks right in the pot. It’ll be incredibly tender and flavorful!
- Serve it over rice and sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh touch. Enjoy every bite!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re ready to make this amazing crockpot honey chicken, here are some tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time! First, be sure to use boneless chicken thighs for easier shredding and maximum flavor. If you’re aiming for a sweeter dish, feel free to adjust the honey amount to your taste. Also, don’t skip the salt and pepper—they’re crucial for bringing out the flavors! If you want to add some veggies, throw in bell peppers or carrots for extra color and nutrition. And remember, every crockpot cooks a little differently, so keep an eye on the chicken as it cooks, especially the first time. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Before you dig into this delightful crockpot honey chicken, it’s good to know what you’re enjoying! Keep in mind that the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider these as estimates. Here’s a typical breakdown for one serving:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Fiber: 1g
It’s a tasty and satisfying meal that you can enjoy without guilt!
FAQ About *Crockpot Honey Chicken*
Got questions about making this delicious crockpot honey chicken? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear:
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, you can! Just remember that chicken breasts can dry out more easily, so keep an eye on the cooking time.
What can I serve with this dish? This honey chicken pairs perfectly with rice, but you can also serve it with noodles or a fresh salad for a lighter option.
Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prep the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. Just toss everything in the crockpot in the morning!
What if I don’t have soy sauce? No problem! You can substitute it with tamari for a gluten-free option or even coconut aminos for a slightly different flavor.
Can I freeze leftovers? Yes! Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It should last about 2-3 months in the freezer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly easy to make—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Just toss everything in the crockpot and let it do the work for you.
- The flavor is absolutely delicious, with a perfect sweet and savory balance.
- It’s versatile—serve it over rice, noodles, or even in a wrap!
- Great for meal prep; leftovers taste amazing the next day.
- Kid-approved and a total crowd-pleaser; everyone will love it!
Ingredient Notes/Substitutions
Let’s talk about the ingredients in this crockpot honey chicken and some easy swaps if you need them! First up, I love using chicken thighs because they’re juicy and shred beautifully. If you prefer, boneless chicken breasts work too, but just keep an eye on them to prevent drying out. For the honey, it’s the star here, so I wouldn’t skip it! However, you could swap it for maple syrup for a different sweetness. As for the soy sauce, feel free to use tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a milder flavor. And if you’re not a fan of ginger, just leave it out or replace it with a dash of ground cinnamon for a unique twist! These simple swaps can make the recipe work for your pantry and taste buds!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got some delicious leftover crockpot honey chicken? Let’s make sure it stays just as tasty for your next meal! First, let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. If you want to save it for later, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months—just label it with the date so you remember! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Enjoy!
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Crockpot Honey Chicken: 5 Steps to a Sweet Delight!
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and delicious crockpot honey chicken recipe that’s perfect for beginners.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup of honey
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 1/4 cup of ketchup
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Place the chicken thighs in the crockpot.
- In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks.
- Serve with rice and garnish with green onions.
Notes
- Use boneless chicken for easier shredding.
- Adjust the honey for desired sweetness.
- Add vegetables for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours on low
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: crockpot honey chicken, easy chicken recipe, slow cooker chicken
