Discover the Perfect Sweet Garlic Chicken Recipe for Your Crockpot

Ah, the sweet, savory aroma of Sweet Garlic Chicken simmering in the crockpot – it’s enough to make your mouth water! This easy-to-prepare dish is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want a comforting, flavorful meal with minimal effort. The slow cooking process infuses the chicken with a heavenly blend of garlic, honey, and soy sauce, resulting in a dish that’s tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor in every bite.

Table of Contents

The Beauty of Slow Cooking Chicken

Slow cooking chicken in a crockpot is a game-changer when it comes to achieving melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. The long, gentle cooking time allows the connective tissues to break down, tenderizing the meat and infusing it with all the delicious sauce flavors. Plus, it’s a hands-off cooking method that frees you up to tackle other tasks while dinner practically makes itself.

Ingredients for Sweet Garlic Chicken

• 4–6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
• Fresh chopped parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Saucy Sensation

The key to this Sweet Garlic Chicken dish is the flavorful sauce that coats the chicken. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, ketchup, vinegar, minced garlic, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Make sure all the ingredients are well combined to create a smooth, irresistible sauce.

Arranging the Chicken in the Crockpot

Now, it’s time to get those chicken thighs or breasts into the crockpot. Simply place them in a single layer on the bottom of the pot. No need to sear or brown them beforehand – the slow cooking process will take care of that and make the chicken tender and juicy.

Cooking the Sweet Garlic Chicken

Pour the prepared sauce mixture evenly over the chicken in the crockpot, ensuring all the pieces are well coated. Cover the pot with the lid and let the magic happen. Cook the Sweet Garlic Chicken on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, depending on your schedule and desired level of tenderness.

Thickening the Sauce

About 20 minutes before serving, it’s time to thicken the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Gently pour this into the crockpot and stir until the sauce has thickened into a glossy, delectable glaze.

Garnishing and Serving

Once the sauce has reached the perfect consistency and the chicken is cooked through, it’s time to serve. Garnish the Sweet Garlic Chicken with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the dish hot over your favorite side, such as white rice, brown rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

This Sweet Garlic Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Try serving it over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice to soak up all that delectable sauce. For a healthier option, pair it with roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas. If you’re in the mood for something a little heartier, serve the chicken over a bed of noodles, such as linguine or udon.

Nutritional Benefits

Not only is this Sweet Garlic Chicken incredibly delicious, but it’s also a relatively healthy option. Chicken thighs are a great source of protein, and the use of low-sodium soy sauce and honey helps keep the sodium and sugar content in check. Plus, the addition of garlic and optional red pepper flakes provides antioxidants and a subtle kick of heat.

Variations and Add-Ons

The beauty of this Sweet Garlic Chicken recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. For a spicier version, simply increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes. If you’d like to make it a one-pot meal, you can add some chopped vegetables to the crockpot, such as bell peppers, onions, or snap peas.

For a gluten-free option, swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. If you’re looking to cut down on the sugar, you can replace the honey with a sugar-free alternative, such as maple syrup or agave nectar.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does sweet and sour chicken take in a slow cooker?

Sweet and sour chicken typically takes 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high in a slow cooker to become tender and fully cooked through.

How to make slow cooker honey garlic chicken?

To make slow cooker honey garlic chicken, simply combine the chicken with a sauce made from honey, garlic, soy sauce, and other seasonings in the crockpot. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.

How long does chicken need to be in a crockpot?

The general guideline for cooking chicken in a crockpot is 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high, depending on the size and cut of the chicken. Chicken thighs and breasts typically need 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high to become tender and fully cooked.

What to make with chicken in a slow cooker?

There are endless possibilities for what to make with chicken in a slow cooker! Some popular options include:

• Shredded chicken for tacos, sandwiches, or soups
• Chicken stew or chicken noodle soup
• Chicken and dumplings
• Barbecue chicken
• Chicken teriyaki or other Asian-inspired dishes
• Creamy chicken and rice casserole

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Honey Garlic Shrimp in the Crockpot
• Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
• Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

Conclusion

Prepare to be wowed by the delightful flavors of Sweet Garlic Chicken simmering in your crockpot. This easy-to-make dish is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you crave a comforting, restaurant-worthy meal. With its irresistible blend of sweet and savory notes, this chicken will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Give it a try, and get ready to experience the magic of slow-cooked chicken perfection!

For more snack ideas and kitchen inspiration, follow me on Pinterest.

Print