Finding the right side dishes to accompany your Slow Cooker Sunday Honey Garlic Chicken can elevate your meal. This dish, with its sweet and savory notes, goes well with a variety of sides. Here are some excellent choices:

Steamed Broccoli: The slight bitterness of broccoli complements the sweetness of the chicken.
Jasmine Rice: Its fluffy texture and subtle flavor act as a perfect canvas for the chicken’s sauce.
Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad provides a cool contrast to the warm chicken.
Garlic Bread: For those who appreciate the buttery, garlicky taste, this adds a rich element.

Let’s dive into the mouthwatering world of Slow Cooker Sunday Honey Garlic Chicken!

Have you ever had one of those days when you just want a warm, comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen? That’s where my trusty slow cooker comes in. Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that’s not only easy to prepare but also bursting with flavor: Slow Cooker Sunday Honey Garlic Chicken. This dish brings together the sweetness of honey, the savory notes of garlic, and tender chicken that practically melts in your mouth. It’s perfect for Sunday dinner with family or any night when you need a touch of home-cooked goodness.

What is Slow Cooker Sunday Honey Garlic Chicken?

Slow Cooker Sunday Honey Garlic Chicken is a simple yet delicious dish that combines chicken thighs, a tangy honey-soy sauce, and aromatic garlic. Cooking it low and slow allows the flavors to deepen and the chicken to become tender. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a cold evening.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe works for several reasons:

Convenience: With the slow cooker doing most of the work, you can spend your time doing other things.
Flavor Development: Slowly cooking the chicken allows it to soak up the honey and garlic flavors thoroughly.
Versatility: You can pair this dish with a variety of sides, making it adaptable to any preference.
Healthy Ingredients: Made with chicken thighs, fresh garlic, and honey, it’s a nutritious choice that doesn’t compromise on taste.

What You’ll Need to Make This Dish

Before we roll up our sleeves, here’s what you need:

Main Ingredients:

½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
2 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch in the USA)
1 kg (2.2 lbs) skinless, boneless chicken thigh fillets, trimmed and quartered
4 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
1 tbsp rice vinegar (or substitute with apple cider or white wine vinegar)
1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
2 tbsp dark soy sauce
120 ml (½ cup) chicken stock
2 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
165 ml (½ cup) honey
1 tsp freshly grated ginger
½ tsp fine salt

To Serve:

Boiled rice or egg fried rice
Chopped spring onions (scallions)
Toasted sesame seeds

How to Make Slow Cooker Sunday Honey Garlic Chicken

The process is simple yet rewarding. Let’s begin.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by trimming and quartering the chicken thighs. This will help them cook evenly and absorb the flavors better.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, combine the cornflour, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and fine salt. Toss the chicken thighs in this mixture until they are well coated.

Step 3: Combine the Sauce

In a separate bowl, mix the minced garlic, toasted sesame oil, dark soy sauce, rice vinegar, chicken stock, honey, and freshly grated ginger. This will create a rich sauce that enhances the chicken’s flavor.

Step 4: Assemble in the Slow Cooker

Place the coated chicken thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over them, ensuring the chicken pieces are well covered. Add the unsalted butter on top. This butter will melt and contribute to the dish’s richness.

Step 5: Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more tender the chicken will be.

Step 6: Final Touches

Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken. You can thicken the sauce by cooking it on the stove for a few minutes if you prefer a less runny sauce.

Step 7: Serve

Return the chicken to the slow cooker to coat it in the sauce before serving.

How to make Slow Cooker Sunday Honey Garlic Chicken

Tips

To make the most of your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken, consider the following tips:

Use Chicken Thighs: They remain juicy compared to chicken breasts, which can dry out.
Marinate for Extra Flavor: Let the chicken sit in the sauce for a few hours or overnight for increased flavor depth.
Add Vegetables: Throw in some chopped carrots or bell peppers in the final hour of cooking for added nutrition.
Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to reduce the amount of honey if you prefer a less sweet dish.
Safety First: Always ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

How to Store Leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored easily! Allow the chicken to cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for 2-3 months. When reheating, aim for a gentle heat to avoid drying the chicken out.

Nutrition Information

For a standard serving (approximately 1 cup):

Calories: 350
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Total Fat: 10g

How Would I Recommend Serving Slow Cooker Sunday Honey Garlic Chicken?

Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience:

Over Jasmine Rice: Serve it atop a fluffy bed of jasmine rice. The rice soaks up the rich sauce beautifully, making each bite delectable.
With Egg Fried Rice: Imagine the chicken mingling with colorful vegetables and aromatic fried eggs, creating a filling and savory treat.
On a Bed of Greens: For a lighter take, serve it over fresh spinach or mixed greens. The warmth of the chicken wilts the greens slightly, creating a delightful contrast.
With a Side of Garlic Bread: This pairing is perfect for those who love a bit of crunch. The garlic bread is an excellent way to scoop up the sauce.

Slow Cooker Sunday Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients if Not Available?

Sometimes, you might not have all the ingredients on hand. Here are some alternatives:

Honey: If you’re out of honey, maple syrup can provide a similar sweetness with a different flavor profile.
Chicken Thighs: You can substitute chicken breasts, but they may be less juicy. Consider brining them first for better results.
Rice Vinegar: If rice vinegar isn’t available, apple cider vinegar makes a great substitute due to its similar acidity levels.
Dark Soy Sauce: For a lighter flavor, use regular soy sauce. Just be aware it might alter the overall flavor slightly.

Slow Cooker Sunday Honey Garlic Chicken

Content Editor

Have you ever had one of those days when you just want a warm, comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen?

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 4

Course Dinner

Cuisine American, Chinese

Servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

Slow Cooker

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
2 tbsp cornflour cornstarch in the USA
1 kg 2.2 lbs skinless, boneless chicken thigh fillets, trimmed and quartered
4 garlic cloves peeled and minced
1 tbsp rice vinegar or substitute with apple cider or white wine vinegar
1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
2 tbsp dark soy sauce
120 ml ½ cup chicken stock
2 tbsp unsalted butter cut into small pieces
165 ml ½ cup honey
1 tsp freshly grated ginger
½ tsp fine salt

To Serve:

Boiled rice or egg fried rice
Chopped spring onions scallions
Toasted sesame seeds