Try making this simple and delicious crockpot honey garlic chicken. Start with quality cuts of chicken like thighs or breasts for tenderness. Mix pure honey, soy sauce, ketchup, and fresh garlic to create a flavorful sauce. Lightly season the chicken and arrange it in your crockpot. Pour the sauce over the chicken and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. This savory and sweet dish provides about 233 calories and 31 grams of protein per serving. Ready to impress at mealtime? There's much more to discover about perfecting your crockpot chicken game.
Key Components: Chicken, Honey, Garlic
When crafting a delicious Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken, the key components of chicken, honey, and garlic play an essential role. First, choose quality chicken, like thighs or breasts, for tenderness. Honey adds natural sweetness and caramelizes beautifully during slow cooking. Guarantee it's pure and high-quality for the best results.
Garlic infuses a rich, savory depth into the dish, balancing the sweetness of honey and the savoriness of chicken.
To enhance your dish, consider these tips:
- Select organic chicken to guarantee a fresh and flavorful base.
- Use local honey for a distinct, natural sweetness.
- Opt for fresh garlic cloves to maximize flavor.
- Consider bone-in chicken for more moisture and taste.
Fresh Garlic Enhances Flavor
When you use fresh garlic in your crockpot honey garlic chicken, its aromatic properties fill your kitchen with an irresistible scent.
It boosts the natural sweetness of the honey while intensifying the savory notes of the dish.
You'll find that fresh garlic transforms the flavor profile, making each bite more flavorful and satisfying.
Garlic's Aromatic Properties
Garlic is an essential ingredient that brings a robust and aromatic quality to any dish, and this is especially true for your crockpot honey garlic chicken. When you crush fresh garlic, it releases a powerful aroma that elevates the dish's overall appeal.
As it slowly cooks, the garlic's scent permeates the chicken, infusing it with a deep, savory essence. You'll find that this aroma isn't just a pleasant smell; it's an indication of the flavor depth it adds.
Each bite of your chicken will carry the distinct, appetizing fragrance that only fresh garlic can provide. By using fresh garlic, you're ensuring that your dish isn't just tasty but also irresistibly inviting from the moment you lift the lid.
Boosts Natural Sweetness
Harmony between flavors is key to a memorable dish, and fresh garlic plays an essential role in achieving this in your crockpot honey garlic chicken.
When you use fresh garlic, it naturally boosts the sweetness of the honey, creating a well-balanced flavor profile. The aromatic compounds in garlic enhance the honey's natural sugars, making your dish irresistibly tasty.
Intensifies Savory Notes
As you savor the enhanced sweetness from the honey, fresh garlic takes center stage to intensify the savory notes in your crockpot chicken.
It's not just about adding garlic; it's about choosing fresh cloves for that unmistakable, robust flavor.
When you mince fresh garlic, it releases aromatic oils that meld beautifully with the chicken and honey.
This combination creates a rich, mouthwatering aroma that fills your kitchen.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients
- Action: Gather and measure all necessary ingredients.
- Tools/Ingredients: Chicken breasts (about 2-3 lbs), 1/2 cup honey, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup ketchup, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional), salt and pepper to taste.
- Tip: Confirm all ingredients are measured accurately for consistent flavor.
- Mix the Sauce
- Action: In a medium bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, dried basil, and red pepper flakes.
- Tools/Ingredients: Mixing bowl, whisk or spoon.
- Tip: Whisk thoroughly to confirm the honey is fully incorporated into the sauce for even flavor distribution.
- Prepare the Chicken
- Action: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Tools/Ingredients: Chicken breasts, salt, pepper.
- Tip: Avoid over-salting; remember the soy sauce will add saltiness.
- Arrange in Crockpot
- Action: Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the crockpot.
- Tools/Ingredients: Crockpot, seasoned chicken breasts.
- Tip: Arrange the chicken in a single layer if possible to confirm even cooking.
- Pour the Sauce
- Action: Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce over the chicken in the crockpot.
- Tools/Ingredients: Prepared sauce.
- Tip: Make sure the sauce covers the chicken for maximum flavor.
- Cook the Chicken
- Action: Set the crockpot to low heat and cook for 4-5 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours.
- Tools/Ingredients: Crockpot.
- Tip: Avoid lifting the lid during cooking as it releases heat and can extend cooking time.
- Check for Doneness
- Action: Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Tools/Ingredients: Meat thermometer.
- Tip: Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken to get an accurate reading.
- Serve the Chicken
- Action: Remove the chicken from the crockpot and serve it with your choice of sides.
- Tools/Ingredients: Serving platter, side dishes (e.g., rice, vegetables).
- Tip: Spoon extra sauce over the chicken for added flavor before serving.
Follow these steps to prepare a delicious and flavorful crockpot honey garlic chicken dish that's sure to be a hit at any meal!
Gather Necessary Ingredients
To create a delicious Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken, you'll need to gather a few simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor.
Start with one and a half pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs for tender, juicy results. Next, grab half a cup of honey to add a natural sweetness that balances perfectly with garlic's savory notes.
You'll need four cloves of garlic, minced, to provide that classic, irresistible aroma. Don't forget a third of a cup of low-sodium soy sauce, which enhances the depth of flavor, and two tablespoons of ketchup for a subtle tang.
A teaspoon of dried oregano will give an earthy hint. Finally, get a quarter teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a mild kick. Now, you're ready to move on to the next steps!
Slow-Cook for Tender Results
Begin by placing the chicken thighs in the bottom of your crockpot, guaranteeing they're spread out evenly. This allows for even cooking and guarantees each piece absorbs the flavorful sauce.
Next, pour your honey garlic mixture over the chicken, making sure each thigh is well coated. Set your crockpot to low heat and let it work its magic for about 6-7 hours. If you're short on time, cook on high for 3-4 hours instead.
Resist the temptation to lift the lid; keeping it closed maintains the steam and heat necessary for tenderizing the meat. As the chicken cooks, it'll become succulent and infused with the sweet and savory flavors.
Once done, serve the tender chicken with your favorite sides. Enjoy!
Calorie and Protein Content
When you're savoring the delightful flavors of honey garlic chicken, it's essential to know what you're consuming regarding calories and protein. This dish offers not just taste but also nutritional benefits, making it a fantastic meal option. A typical serving will provide a balanced amount of calories and protein, contributing to your daily nutritional needs.
Here's a quick breakdown of what you can expect:
| Component | Calories | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Breast | 165 | 31 |
| Honey | 64 | 0 |
| Garlic | 4 | 0.2 |
In a single serving, you get around 233 calories and 31 grams of protein. This makes it an ideal choice for those looking to maintain energy levels while enjoying a flavorful meal.
Conclusion
You've simmered the chicken, you've savored the aroma, and you've mastered the art of crockpot cooking. With each bite of tender chicken, sweet honey, and robust garlic, you're rewarded with a meal that's both simple and delicious. You've enhanced the flavor with fresh garlic, elevated the dish with your skills, and enjoyed the perfect balance of calories and protein. Now, you're ready to share this delightful recipe and inspire others to create their own culinary masterpiece.
