Welcome to our delicious honey chicken crock pot recipe, perfect for home chefs looking for a flavorful and easy-to-make dish. With the convenience of the crock pot, this savory and sweet honey chicken recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.
The combination of honey and tangy flavors creates a perfect balance of taste and aroma, making it an ideal dinner option for any day of the week. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply want to try something new, this honey chicken crock pot recipe is guaranteed to satisfy.
Key Takeaways:
- Our honey chicken crock pot recipe is perfect for home chefs looking for a flavorful and easy-to-make dish.
- The combination of honey and tangy flavors creates a perfect balance of taste and aroma.
- This savory and sweet honey chicken recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.
- Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply want to try something new, this honey chicken crock pot recipe is guaranteed to satisfy.
- This honey chicken crock pot recipe is versatile and can be customized to suit your preferences and dietary needs.
Slow Cooker Honey Chicken – A Sweet and Tangy Delight
Are you ready to experience a dish with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors? Our slow cooker honey chicken is just what you need. The succulent chicken is cooked to perfection in a crock pot, and the honey sauce adds a layer of sweetness that is perfectly complemented by the tangy ingredients. Trust us, your taste buds are going to thank you for this one.
When it comes to making our sweet and tangy honey chicken, the key ingredient is, of course, honey. But it’s not just any honey – we recommend using locally-sourced honey for the best flavor. You’ll also need soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, and a few other simple ingredients to create the aromatic honey sauce that will coat the chicken.
Once you’ve prepared the sauce, it’s time to get your chicken ready. We recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. Be sure to trim off any excess fat and season the chicken with salt and pepper for added flavor.
Assembling the dish is easy – simply place the chicken in your crock pot and pour the honey sauce over it. Then, let the slow cooker do its magic. We recommend cooking the chicken on low for 4-5 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. This will ensure that the chicken is cooked through and infused with the delicious honey sauce.
The best part about this dish is the way the honey sauce caramelizes and glazes the chicken as it cooks. When it’s done, you’ll have sticky and glazed honey chicken that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters at your table.
Pair this sweet and tangy honey chicken with your favorite sides – we recommend rice and steamed vegetables. The dish is also versatile enough to be paired with a variety of sauces, such as barbecue or buffalo sauce. Whatever you choose, just be sure to savor every bite.
Now that you know how to make our slow cooker honey chicken, you’re sure to impress your family and friends with this delicious and flavorful dish. Give it a try – we promise you won’t be disappointed.
Honey Chicken Crock Pot Recipe
Welcome back, home chefs! Now that you’re ready to cook our delicious honey chicken recipe, let’s start with the ingredients you’ll need:
Honey Chicken Crock Pot Recipe
Equipment
- Crock Pot (Slow Cooker): Essential for slow cooking the chicken with the honey sauce.
- Mixing Bowl: For preparing the honey sauce.
- Whisk: To mix the ingredients for the honey sauce until well-blended.
- Skillet or Frying Pan (Optional): If you choose to sear the chicken before slow cooking.
- Baking Sheet: For broiling the chicken to achieve a caramelized glaze.
- Parchment Paper: To line the baking sheet and prevent the chicken from sticking.
- Pastry Brush: To brush the chicken with the remaining honey sauce before broiling.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements of ingredients.
- Knife: To trim any excess fat from the chicken and to mince the garlic.
- Cutting Board: For preparing the chicken and slicing the green onions.
- Tongs: Useful for placing the chicken in the crock pot, turning the chicken while searing, and removing the chicken from the crock pot.
- Oven: For the broiling step to achieve the glazed finish.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts boneless and skinless: 1.5 pounds
- Honey: 1/3 cup
- Ketchup: 1/3 cup
- Soy sauce: 1/4 cup
- Garlic cloves minced: 2
- Dried oregano: 1 tablespoon
- Dried basil: 1 tablespoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Green onions sliced, for garnish: 2-3
Instructions
Preparing the Chicken:
- Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts.
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and any other preferred seasoning.
- Optional: Sear the chicken in a pan over medium-high heat for a few minutes on each side for a caramelized outer layer.
- Place the chicken in the crock pot in a single layer.
Preparing the Honey Sauce:
- In a mixing bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, and dried basil. Whisk until well-blended.
- Optional: Add a teaspoon of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for extra zing.
- Pour the honey sauce over the chicken in the crock pot, ensuring even coating.
Cooking in the Crock Pot:
- Cover the crock pot and set the temperature to low. Cook for 4-5 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Alternatively, cook on high for 2-3 hours. Check periodically to avoid overcooking.
- Optional: Stir once or twice during cooking to ensure even coating of the sauce.
Achieving Sticky and Glazed Finish:
- Preheat the oven to broil.
- Remove the chicken from the crock pot and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the chicken with the remaining honey sauce from the crock pot.
- Broil for 3-5 minutes until the chicken has a caramelized glaze. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Optional Crispy Coating:
- Mix breadcrumbs with spices like paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder.
- Coat the glazed chicken in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place on the baking sheet and broil as instructed above.
Serving:
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven.
- Garnish with sliced green onions.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
The recipe is flexible; feel free to add or reduce ingredients based on your liking.
Enjoy your delicious Honey Chicken from the Crock Pot!
The ingredients are widely available and should be easy to find at your local grocery store. Alternatively, order them directly to your door with Instacart!
Keep in mind that this recipe is flexible and can be adjusted to your taste preferences. If you like your honey chicken to be spicier, you can add some red pepper flakes to the sauce. Or, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of soy sauce.
Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s move on to the preparation of the chicken for slow cooking.
Getting Your Chicken Crock Pot-Ready
Alright, before we dive into the magic of slow cooking, let’s get that chicken prepped to perfection. For this dish, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are your best bet.
Start by giving your chicken a little cleanup – trim off any extra fat. Then, season it up with some salt and pepper. Feeling adventurous? Go ahead and sprinkle on some of your favorite seasonings, maybe garlic powder or paprika, to amp up the flavor.
If you’ve got a few extra minutes, give those chicken pieces a quick sear in a hot pan. It’s not a must-do, but it’s a game-changer. You’ll get this gorgeous caramelized layer that’s all about flavor and texture.
Now, let’s get that chicken cozy in the crock pot. Lay them out so they’re not all piled up on each other. You want them to cook evenly and soak up all that honey sauce goodness.
Stick to these steps, and you’re setting yourself up for a chicken that’s not just tender, but melt-in-your-mouth amazing, all wrapped up in that sweet and tangy honey sauce. Let’s get cooking!
Creating the Flavorful Honey Sauce
Alright, you’ve got your chicken prepped and ready in the crock pot. Now, let’s dive into the star of the show: that mouthwatering honey sauce! It’s the heart of this dish, bringing that delightful dance of sweet and tangy right to your chicken.
For this sauce, you probably have most of the ingredients sitting in your kitchen already. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Honey: 1/3 cup
- Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup
- Ketchup: 1/4 cup
- Minced Garlic: 2 cloves
- Dried Basil: 1 tsp
Whip these together in a bowl until they’re nicely blended. Feel free to tweak the honey or soy sauce if you want, but if you’re unsure, just stick to these measurements for a surefire hit.
A little pro tip? If you’re in the mood for a kick, throw in a teaspoon of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Once your sauce is all mixed up, drench your chicken with it in the crock pot. Make sure every piece gets its fair share of this flavorful goodness.
Now, all that’s left is to let the crock pot do its thing. Seal it up, set your timer, and get ready for your kitchen to be filled with an aroma that’s nothing short of heavenly.
Stay tuned, because we’ll chat about how to ensure your honey chicken comes out perfectly tender and dripping with flavor next!
Let’s Get That Chicken Cooking in the Crock Pot!
Alright, with your chicken and honey sauce all set, it’s crock pot time! This is where the culinary magic unfolds, with the honey sauce melding into the chicken, making it irresistibly flavorful.
Kick things off by laying your chicken at the base of the crock pot. Whether you’re a breast or thigh person, either works great for this recipe. Now, drizzle that delectable honey sauce all over, ensuring every piece gets its share of saucy goodness.
Pop the lid on, switch the setting to low, and let it simmer away. In about 4-5 hours, you’ll have chicken so tender, it’ll practically fall apart at the touch. But if you’re watching the clock, you can crank it up to high and get it done in 2-3 hours. Just keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
A little tip from the kitchen: Give the chicken a gentle stir once or twice during cooking. It ensures every bit is drenched in that amazing honey sauce.
Getting That Perfect Honey Glaze on Your Chicken
So, your kitchen’s been filled with the mouthwatering scent of honey chicken simmering away in the crock pot. Now, let’s take things up a notch and get that glossy, sticky finish that’s going to make this dish truly unforgettable.
For that show-stopping glaze, we’re going to turn up the heat. Begin by transferring your chicken onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Now, using that leftover honey sauce from the crock pot, give your chicken a generous brush-down. You want it dripping in that sweet goodness.
Time to fire up your oven’s broiler. Slide in the baking sheet and let the chicken broil for about 3-5 minutes. Keep a close eye on it – you’re aiming for a beautiful caramelized glaze, not charred chicken.
Once you’ve achieved that perfect glaze, pull the chicken out and let it sit for a bit. When you dig in, you’ll be met with a sticky, sweet, and savory masterpiece that’s bound to impress.
Craving Some Crunch?
If you’re in the mood for an added crunch, let’s breadcrumb that chicken before it hits the oven. Mix up some breadcrumbs with spices you love – think paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder. Coat your chicken in this mix, then broil. You’ll end up with a crispy outer layer that complements the juicy, tender chicken inside. Enjoy!
Serving and Pairing the Honey Chicken Dish
Now that your delicious honey chicken is ready, it’s time to think about how to serve and pair it for a complete and satisfying meal. Our honey chicken crock pot recipe pairs perfectly with a variety of sides and sauces, allowing you to mix and match to your liking.
If you’re looking for a healthy option, try serving your honey chicken with steamed vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, or green beans. The combination of savory chicken and fresh greens creates a balance of flavors that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized.
If you’re looking for a heartier option, try pairing your honey chicken with mashed potatoes or rice. The sweetness of the honey sauce pairs perfectly with the starchiness of the potatoes or rice, creating a filling and comforting meal.
For those who enjoy a bit of spice, try adding some hot sauce or chili flakes to your honey chicken. The sweet and spicy combination creates a unique and exciting flavor experience.
Don’t forget about dipping sauces! Our honey chicken is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sauces such as barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or honey mustard.
With so many options, you can customize your honey chicken crock pot recipe to suit your personal preferences. Whether you’re looking for a healthy side or a hearty main dish, our delicious honey chicken will be the star of the meal.
Pairing Suggestions:
- Steamed vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, or green beans
- Mashed potatoes or rice
- Hot sauce or chili flakes
Sauce Suggestions:
- Barbecue sauce
- Ranch dressing
- Honey mustard
Pair your delicious honey chicken crock pot recipe with your favorite sides and sauces for a complete and satisfying meal.
Storing and Reheating Honey Chicken Leftovers
Now that you’ve whipped up a delicious honey chicken crock pot recipe, you may have some leftovers to enjoy later. Here are some tips on how to store and reheat your honey chicken to ensure it stays fresh and delicious.
Storing Honey Chicken Leftovers
After allowing your honey chicken to cool down, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge. Properly stored honey chicken can last for up to four days. If you need to store it for longer, consider freezing the leftovers in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag.
Reheating Honey Chicken Leftovers
The best way to reheat honey chicken is in the oven or on the stove. Avoid using the microwave, as it can dry out the chicken and make it rubbery.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Place the honey chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil.
- Heat the chicken in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until thoroughly heated.
- If you prefer to reheat the chicken on the stove, place it in a saucepan and add a tablespoon of water or chicken broth.
- Cover the saucepan and heat on medium-low until the chicken is warmed through.
Once your honey chicken is heated, serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Variations and Substitutions for Honey Chicken Crock Pot Recipe
Our honey chicken crock pot recipe is delicious as is, but it’s also versatile enough for you to add your own unique twist. Here are some variations and substitutions you can try:
- Spicy: If you like your food with a kick, add some chili flakes or hot sauce to the honey sauce for a spicy honey chicken.
- Healthy: For a healthier option, use skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs and reduce the amount of honey and soy sauce in the recipe. You can also add more vegetables like carrots, onions, and bell peppers for added nutrition.
- Vegetarian: Replace the chicken with cubes of firm tofu and cook for 2-3 hours in the crock pot. Skip the step of preparing the chicken for slow cooking and instead layer the tofu at the bottom of the crock pot. Add the honey sauce and cook as directed.
- Gluten-Free: Replace the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make this dish gluten-free.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things. The beauty of cooking is that you can always customize a recipe to your liking!
Enjoy Homemade Honey Chicken Straight from Your Crock Pot
We’re thrilled to share this honey chicken crock pot delight with you. It’s a blend of sweet, tangy, and pure comfort, and we’ve got a hunch it might just earn a top spot in your family’s dinner rotation.
Simplicity at Its Best:
The beauty of this dish? It’s all about simplicity. Prep your ingredients, let them mingle in the crock pot, and then go on with your day. Whether you’re ticking off your to-do list or kicking back with a book, your trusty crock pot’s got dinner covered.
Serving Suggestions:
When it’s time to eat, pair this chicken with some steamy rice, a side of roasted veggies, or a crisp salad. And if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, pop them in an airtight container and they’ll be just as tasty tomorrow.
Make It Yours:
Feel free to play around with the recipe too – switch up the seasonings, try a different chicken cut, or toss in some veggies. It’s all about making it uniquely yours.
A Culinary Thank You:
Thanks for letting us guide you through this culinary adventure. Here’s to many more delicious moments and shared meals with those you cherish. Bon appétit!
FAQ’s
Absolutely! Boneless chicken works well in this honey chicken crock pot recipe. Just ensure that you adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
Yes, you can use skin-on chicken if you prefer. The chicken will still cook beautifully in the crock pot and the skin will add an extra layer of flavor and crispy texture.
While honey is a key ingredient in this recipe, you can experiment with other sweeteners such as maple syrup or agave nectar. Just keep in mind that it may alter the flavor profile slightly.
Absolutely! This recipe is easily scalable. Just make sure that your crock pot has enough capacity to accommodate the doubled ingredients and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Yes, feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the crock pot for a complete meal. Carrots, bell peppers, and onions are great additions that will soak up all the delicious flavors.
It is not recommended to use frozen chicken in this recipe. It is best to thaw the chicken thoroughly before adding it to the crock pot to ensure even cooking.
Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Chicken thighs will result in a more flavorful and moist dish, but make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly as thighs may require slightly longer to cook.
Absolutely! If you prefer a spicy kick, you can add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the honey sauce. Adjust the amount according to your desired level of spiciness.
While this recipe is specifically designed for the crock pot, you can adapt it for the oven. Simply transfer the prepared chicken and sauce to a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken for this recipe. Just keep in mind that bone-in chicken may require slightly longer cooking time to ensure that the chicken is cooked through.
This article was reviewed and published by Ryan Yates, Culinary Expert with over 15 years of experience in elevated cooking techniques. This process was tested in a working commercial kitchen that Ryan manages as a Professional Chef.
Note: This article was crafted with the primary intent of educating and assisting our readers. We ensure that our content is backed by research and expertise. For more culinary insights, stay tuned to the Authentic Hospitality blog.
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