Description
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the sweetness of honey with the savory flavor of garlic. This tender and juicy chicken is perfect for a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 1/2 pounds (681 g) chicken thighs, bone-in, skin on, 4 large pieces
- Kosher salt, for seasoning
- Black pepper, for seasoning
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup (160 ml) hoisin sauce
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) honey
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) hot water
- 1 teaspoon (4 g) minced ginger
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Sesame seeds, as needed for garnish
- 1/4 cup (4 g) cilantro leaves
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken thighs with kosher salt and black pepper, ensuring even coverage for optimal flavor.
- Sear the chicken: Heat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and once hot, carefully place the chicken skin-side down. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until the skin is golden brown. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 2 minutes to seal in the juices.
- Prepare the sauce: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, hot water, minced ginger, and minced garlic until well combined.
- Slow cook: Transfer the seared chicken to the slow cooker, placing them skin-side down. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken. Cover and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours, or on low for 5 to 6 hours.
- Flip chicken (optional): If possible, flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure the sauce infuses both sides evenly.
- Crisp the skin (optional): For crispier skin, transfer the cooked chicken to a foil-lined sheet pan, skin-side up. Broil 10 inches from the top of the oven for 5 to 7 minutes until the skin crisps up.
- Glaze and garnish: Glaze the chicken with the remaining sauce from the slow cooker. Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro leaves before serving.
Notes
- Sautéing the chicken before slow cooking adds flavor and color to the skin, and renders excess fat.
- If skipping the sautéing step, trim excess skin and fat from the chicken before adding to the slow cooker.
- For a healthier version, use skinless chicken thighs and reduce the amount of honey.
- Serve with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 450kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
