Imagine coming home to the sweet, savory aroma of tender chicken simmering slowly in a rich soy honey garlic sauce. This Crockpot Soy Honey Garlic Chicken is a perfect dish for busy weeknights when you want a flavorful, comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
With minimal prep and a handful of wholesome ingredients, this recipe delivers juicy chicken infused with aromatic garlic, fresh ginger, and a subtle heat from red pepper flakes. Serve it over rice or noodles for an effortlessly satisfying dinner your family will love.
- Hands-off slow cooker cooking means minimal effort and maximum flavor.
- Balanced sweetness and umami from honey and soy sauce create a delicious glaze.
- Gluten-free and adaptable with optional spice for every taste preference.
- Shredded chicken soaks up the rich sauce perfectly for tender bites every time.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Provides lean protein that becomes tender and shreddable after slow cooking.
- Soy sauce: Adds deep umami and saltiness, bringing authentic Asian flavor to the dish.
- Honey: Contributes natural sweetness that balances the saltiness of soy and caramelizes beautifully.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with pungent aroma and savory depth.
- Fresh ginger, grated: Offers a warm, zesty kick that complements the garlic and honey.
- Sesame oil: Adds a nutty richness and authentic Asian aroma to the sauce blend.
- Black pepper: Provides subtle heat and enhances overall flavor complexity.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle spicy warmth for those who enjoy a slight kick.
- Green onions, sliced: Fresh garnish that adds brightness and mild crunch when sprinkled on top.
- Sesame seeds: Toasted seeds garnish your dish, enhancing texture and visual appeal.
Instructions
- Arrange Chicken in Crockpot
Place the chicken breasts evenly at the bottom of your slow cooker. This ensures they cook uniformly while soaking in the flavorful sauce without overcrowding.
- Whisk Together Sauce Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Whisk until well blended to create a harmonious sweet and savory marinade.
- Coat Chicken with Sauce
Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken breasts, making sure they are fully covered. This helps the chicken absorb all those rich flavors throughout the cooking process.
- Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The low and slow method makes the chicken incredibly tender and juicy, perfect for shredding.
- Shred Chicken and Mix with Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it thoroughly into the sauce for maximum flavor infusion.
- Serve with Garnishes
Plate the soy honey garlic chicken over steamed rice or noodles. Finish with a sprinkle of sliced green onions and sesame seeds for fresh flavor and appealing texture.
- Adjust honey quantities to control sweetness based on your taste preference.
- Ensure chicken is shredded finely for even sauce coverage and tender bites.
- This recipe pairs excellently with steamed rice, noodles, or crisp salads to balance the rich sauce.
Storage Tips
Store leftover shredded chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this flavorful chicken over jasmine or brown rice, alongside sautéed vegetables or crunchy Asian slaw. Garnish with extra green onions and sesame seeds to enhance presentation and taste.
- Use fresh ginger and garlic for the most vibrant flavor profiles instead of powdered substitutes.
- For more depth, consider adding a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice to brighten the sauce before serving.
- Choose chicken thighs instead of breasts for even juicier results with a slightly richer flavor.
FAQs
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully here and tend to be more tender and flavorful due to higher fat content. Adjust cooking times as needed.
- Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari), this dish is naturally gluten-free.
- Can I make this on the stove instead of a crockpot?
While possible, the slow cooker allows more time for flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender. On the stove, simmer gently for 30-40 minutes.
- How spicy is this dish?
The red pepper flakes are optional, so you can control the heat level. Omitting them results in a mild, sweet dish.
- What should I serve this chicken with?
This chicken pairs beautifully with steamed rice, noodles, or a crisp vegetable salad to balance the sweet and savory sauce.
- Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, store cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Soy Honey Garlic Chicken
Equipment
- 1 crockpot slow cooker for cooking chicken
- 1 medium bowl for mixing sauce
- 2 forks for shredding chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 2 green onions sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken, coating it evenly.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir to combine with the sauce.
- Serve over rice or noodles, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- Adjust honey quantity to control sweetness.
- Shred chicken well for better sauce absorption.
- Pairs well with rice, noodles, or fresh salads.
