What To Know
- Cover and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours, or on high heat for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- To reheat, place the honey chicken in a covered dish and microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
- So, embrace the simplicity of slow cooking and embark on a culinary journey that will make you a master of this delectable honey chicken recipe.
Indulge in the delectable flavors of honey chicken, prepared with ease in your slow cooker. This recipe combines the perfect balance of sweet and savory, resulting in tender chicken coated in a rich, glossy sauce. With minimal effort, you can create a restaurant-quality dish that will impress your family and friends. So, gather your ingredients and let’s embark on a culinary journey to create this irresistible honey chicken recipe in your trusty slow cooker.
Ingredients:
1. 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
2. 1 tablespoon olive oil
3. 1/2 cup soy sauce
4. 1/2 cup honey
5. 1/4 cup brown sugar
6. 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
7. 2 cloves garlic, minced
8. 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
9. 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
10. 1 teaspoon sesame oil
11. 1/4 cup cornstarch
12. 1/4 cup water
13. 1 tablespoon chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, olive oil, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, garlic, ginger, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly.
2. Slow Cooker Magic:
- Transfer the chicken mixture to your slow cooker. Cover and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours, or on high heat for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
3. Create the Glossy Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, cornstarch, and water until smooth.
4. Thicken the Sauce:
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and set it aside. Turn the slow cooker to high heat and bring the sauce to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
5. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
- Return the cooked chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat it in the thickened sauce.
6. Garnish and Serve:
- Transfer the honey chicken to a serving dish and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve with steamed rice or your favorite sides.
Tips for Perfect Honey Chicken:
- For extra crispy chicken, brown the chicken pieces in a pan before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Adjust the amount of honey and brown sugar to suit your desired sweetness level.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slightly spicy kick.
- To make the sauce thicker, add an additional tablespoon of cornstarch.
- Serve the honey chicken with a side of steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Variations:
- Pineapple Honey Chicken: Add chunks of fresh pineapple to the slow cooker along with the chicken.
- Veggie-Packed Honey Chicken: Stir in your favorite chopped vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli, during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Spicy Honey Chicken: Add a teaspoon of Sriracha or chili sauce to the sauce for a spicy twist.
- Sesame Honey Chicken: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top of the honey chicken before serving.
Storage and Reheating:
- Store leftover honey chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, place the honey chicken in a covered dish and microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
“Sweet Ending” Conclusion:
The honey chicken recipe slow cooker is a culinary delight that combines convenience and flavor. With minimal effort, you can create a dish that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. So, embrace the simplicity of slow cooking and embark on a culinary journey that will make you a master of this delectable honey chicken recipe.
Information You Need to Know
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
- Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs as a substitute for chicken breasts.
2. How can I make the sauce even thicker?
- To achieve a thicker sauce, add an additional tablespoon of cornstarch to the cornstarch and water mixture before thickening the sauce.
3. What sides go well with honey chicken?
- Steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a simple green salad are all great options to serve with honey chicken.
4. Can I freeze the leftover honey chicken?
- Yes, you can freeze the leftover honey chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
5. How do I reheat the honey chicken after freezing?
- To reheat the frozen honey chicken, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat it in a covered dish in the microwave or oven until heated through.
