Introduction
Remember those days when the smell of a home-cooked meal filled the air, promising warmth and comfort after a long day? We all crave that effortless deliciousness, the kind that magically appears on the dinner table without hours of slaving away in the kitchen. If you’re looking for a recipe that delivers incredible flavor with minimal fuss, then get ready to discover your new weeknight hero. Get ready to transform your dinner routine with a dish that’s both savory and sweet, and unbelievably easy to make: our Slow Cooker Honey Soy Chicken.
Why Make This Recipe
This Slow Cooker Honey Soy Chicken offers many benefits. It is an effortless perfection; your slow cooker does all the hard work. The flavor is irresistible, with a perfect balance of sweet honey and savory soy. The chicken becomes tender and juicy from slow cooking. This is a versatile meal, great for meal prep or family dinners. You will also have minimal cleanup because it is a one-pot dish. Finally, it is family-friendly and will please everyone.
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Soy Chicken
Making Slow Cooker Honey Soy Chicken is very easy. First, prepare your chicken by patting it dry and seasoning it. Then, whisk together the honey soy sauce ingredients. Combine the chicken and sauce in the slow cooker. Cook it until the chicken is tender. You can thicken the sauce at the end if you like, and then garnish.
Ingredients of: Slow Cooker Honey Soy Chicken
- For the Chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (or bone-in for extra flavor!)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- For the Irresistible Honey Soy Sauce:
- Soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
- Honey
- Garlic, minced
- Fresh ginger, grated
- Rice vinegar
- Sesame oil
- Cornstarch (for thickening, optional)
- Water (if using cornstarch)
- Optional Garnishes & Serving Suggestions:
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions (scallions)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
Directions of: Slow Cooker Honey Soy Chicken
Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken
Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper. (Optional: For extra browning, sear chicken in a hot pan for 2-3 minutes per side before adding to the slow cooker.)
Step 2: Whisk Up The Honey Soy Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until well combined.
Step 3: Combine in the Slow Cooker
Place the seasoned chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the honey soy sauce mixture evenly over the chicken.
Step 4: Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shredded with a fork. Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker and the size of your chicken pieces.
Step 5: Thicken (Optional) & Garnish
If desired, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the slow cooker with the sauce, whisking constantly. Cook on high for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Shred or slice the chicken, then return it to the slow cooker to coat in the sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Soy Chicken
Serve Slow Cooker Honey Soy Chicken with fluffy white rice or brown rice to soak up the sauce. Steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus make a healthy side. Quinoa or couscous are lighter grain options. An Asian-inspired slaw adds a crunchy contrast. You can also make lettuce wraps by spooning the shredded chicken into lettuce cups.
How to Store Slow Cooker Honey Soy Chicken
Store leftover Slow Cooker Honey Soy Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker Honey Soy Chicken
Do not overcrowd your slow cooker; this helps with even cooking. Chicken thighs stay juicier than breasts during slow cooking. Taste the sauce before adding chicken and adjust honey or soy sauce as needed. Searing the chicken first can add depth of flavor, though it is optional. Always ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Variation
You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick. Include canned pineapple chunks for a tropical sweetness. Add bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas during the last hour for extra vegetables. A little orange zest in the sauce can lighten the flavors. For a stickier glaze, simmer a portion of the sauce on the stovetop until reduced before adding it back to the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for Slow Cooker Honey Soy Chicken?
It is best to use thawed chicken for the best and safest results. Frozen chicken can release a lot of water and dilute the sauce, and it takes longer to cook safely.
How do I prevent my Slow Cooker Honey Soy Chicken from being too watery?
Pat your chicken dry before putting it in the slow cooker. Do not overfill the slow cooker. You can also use the cornstarch slurry method at the end to thicken the sauce to your liking.
Can I prepare the sauce for Slow Cooker Honey Soy Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can whisk together all the sauce ingredients up to 2-3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to make cooking day even quicker.
Tangy Orange-Ginger Slow Cooker Honey Soy Chicken
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Medium Bowl
- Whisk
- Paper Towels
- Small Bowl
- Fork
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs boneless, skinless
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Tangy Orange-Ginger Honey Soy Sauce
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1 tbsp cornstarch for thickening, optional
- 2 tbsp water if using cornstarch
Optional Garnishes & Serving Suggestions
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 green onions sliced (scallions)
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped
Instructions
Main Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and black pepper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, orange juice, and orange zest until well combined.
- Place the seasoned chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker, then pour the prepared sauce mixture evenly over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and easily shredded.
- If desired, remove the cooked chicken and set aside. Whisk cornstarch and water to create a slurry, then pour into the slow cooker sauce, whisking constantly. Cook on high for 15-20 minutes until thickened. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker to coat, and garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, and fresh cilantro before serving.