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Best Lighter Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

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This lighter slow cooker honey garlic chicken is proof that you don’t need heavy cream, butter, or loads of sugar to make a meal that feels indulgent. The sauce is sticky and rich, the chicken is tender and juicy, and the whole thing comes together with almost no effort on your part.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (900 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/3 cup (113 grams) honey
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons (30 grams) tomato paste
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon (8 grams) cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
  • Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, tomato paste, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using) until smooth and glossy.
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and trim excess fat. Place them in the bottom of a 4-6 quart slow cooker in a single layer.
  3. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken, turning to coat. The sauce should cover about halfway up the chicken.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and shreds easily with a fork.
  5. For a thicker sauce, carefully pour the liquid from the slow cooker into a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water, then whisk into the simmering sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
  6. Serve chicken thighs whole or shredded. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.

Notes

Don’t lift the lid to check on it too often. For extra flavor, brown the chicken in a hot skillet before adding to the slow cooker. Different honeys vary in sweetness; start with 1/4 cup if your honey is strong. Add garnishes right before serving to keep them fresh.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, honey garlic chicken, lighter, easy, weeknight dinner, meal prep

Find it online: https://lenatable.com/best-lighter-slow-cooker-honey-garlic-chicken/