This Honey Garlic Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of tender chicken thighs with a sweet and savory sauce made from honey, garlic, soy sauce, and ketchup creates a delightful balance of flavors that the whole family will love. Whether cooked in a slow cooker or an Instant Pot, this dish is easy to prepare and pairs wonderfully with rice and steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Optional: fresh basil, shredded, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs at the bottom of a 4-quart slow cooker.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, soy sauce, ketchup, and honey. Pour this mixture over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
- Cooking in a Slow Cooker:
- Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Check the chicken periodically; it should be tender and cooked through. (Note: In some cases, the chicken may be done after 5 hours on low.)
- Once cooked, remove the chicken and place it on a plate, covering it with foil to keep warm. You can serve the chicken whole or shred it with two forks.
- Cooking in an Instant Pot:
- Cook on high pressure for 20 minutes.
- After cooking, remove the chicken, place it on a plate, and tent with foil to keep warm. Again, you can serve the chicken whole or shred it.
- Thicken the Sauce:
- For both methods, transfer the remaining sauce to a saucepan (or leave in the Instant Pot). In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch and water until dissolved, then whisk this mixture into the sauce.
- Bring the sauce to a boil and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Drizzle a little sauce over the chicken and garnish with fresh shredded basil if desired. This dish pairs perfectly with rice and a side of steamed broccoli or green beans.
Tips
- Customize the Flavor: If you prefer a spicier kick, add some red pepper flakes or Sriracha to the sauce mixture.
- Check the Chicken Early: Depending on your slow cooker, the chicken may cook faster than expected, so check it around the 4-5 hour mark if cooking on low.
- Leftover Sauce: The sauce is delicious and can be used as a glaze for other meats or even as a dipping sauce.
Enjoy this honey garlic chicken for a comforting, satisfying meal that’s both easy to prepare and packed with flavor!
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