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Kid-Approved Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken: Easy Set-and-Forget Dinner

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This sticky, sweet, and savory slow cooker honey garlic chicken is a hands-off dinner that the whole family will love. With simple pantry ingredients and a set-and-forget method, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water
  • Cooked white rice (for serving)
  • Sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • Sliced green onions (for garnish)
  • Steamed broccoli or green beans (for serving)

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil (if using), and ground ginger. Set aside.
  2. Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker in a single layer.
  3. Pour the sauce over the chicken, making sure every piece is coated.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours. Do not open the lid during the first 3 hours.
  5. After 4 hours, check the chicken for doneness. It should shred easily with a fork. If still firm, cook for an additional 30 minutes. Internal temperature should reach 165°F.
  6. Remove the chicken to a plate using tongs. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water until smooth. Pour the slurry into the slow cooker liquid and stir. Turn the heat to high and cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes, until the sauce thickens to a syrupy consistency.
  7. Shred the chicken with two forks or leave whole. Return the chicken to the sauce and stir to coat.
  8. Serve immediately over steamed rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Add a side of steamed broccoli or green beans.

Notes

For a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. For a lower-sugar version, swap half the honey with a sugar-free honey substitute. Do not skip the cornstarch slurry—it transforms the sauce from watery to luscious. Use chicken thighs for best results; breasts tend to dry out. Resist the urge to peek during cooking to maintain heat.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, honey garlic chicken, easy dinner, kid-friendly, set-and-forget, chicken thighs

Find it online: https://dinadishes.com/kid-approved-slow-cooker-honey-garlic-chicken-easy-set-and-forget-dinner/