Need a dinner that’s packed with flavor and super simple to make? This Slow Cooker Honey Soy Chicken is your answer! With a perfect balance of sweet and savory, the chicken turns out tender and juicy every time. Set it, forget it, and let the slow cooker work its magic!
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Why This Recipe Works
- Sweet and Savory Perfection: The honey-soy sauce creates a deliciously balanced glaze that’s irresistible.
- Tender and Juicy: Slow cooking ensures the chicken is perfectly cooked and full of flavor.
- Effortless Meal: Minimal prep and hands-off cooking make it ideal for busy days.
🥘 Ingredients
- Chicken Breast: Provides lean protein, serving as a tender and juicy base for the dish.
- Reduced-Sodium Soy Sauce: Imparts a rich umami flavor, enhancing the savory profile while keeping sodium levels in check.
- Honey: Adds a natural sweetness, balancing the savory elements with its smooth, syrupy texture.
- Hoisin Sauce: Contributes depth and a hint of sweetness, enriching the complexity of the flavors.
- Rice Vinegar: Offers a tangy note, lifting and balancing the richness of the sauces.
- Toasted Sesame Oil: Brings a nutty, aromatic quality, adding warmth and depth to the dish.
- Garlic: Infuses a robust aroma and flavor, enhancing the overall savory experience.
- Scallions: Provide a fresh, mild onion flavor, adding brightness and color.
- Sesame Seeds: Introduce a subtle crunch and nutty taste, enhancing the texture of the dish.
- Salt: Balances flavors and enhances the savory elements, ensuring a well-seasoned dish.
- Black Pepper: Adds a gentle kick of spice, complementing the sweet and savory components.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- Vegetable-Enhanced Version: Include broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas in the slow cooker for added nutrients.
- Crispy Honey Soy Chicken: After cooking, broil the shredded chicken with a drizzle of sauce for a caramelized, crispy texture.
- Citrus Infusion: Add orange or lime zest to the sauce for a refreshing, citrusy flavor.
🔪How To Make Slow Cooker Honey Soy Chicken
Step One: Grate the garlic and keep it in a small bowl. Add chicken to the slow cooker.
Step Two: Pour in honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and toasted sesame oil. Mix well to coat the chicken.
Step Three: Add hoisin sauce, grated garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir everything until combined.
Step Four: Cook for 3-4 hours on high or 6-7 hours on low. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking.
Step Five: Shred the cooked chicken using a hand mixer or forks for quick shredding.
Step Six: Serve over rice. Garnish with sliced scallions and sesame seeds. Enjoy!
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Marinate First: Let the chicken sit in the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking for deeper flavor.
- Thicken the Sauce: After cooking, transfer the sauce to a pan and simmer with a cornstarch slurry for a glossy finish.
- Add Fresh Ginger: Grate a small piece of ginger for an extra layer of warmth and flavor.
- Toast the Sesame Seeds: Lightly toast the sesame seeds for a nutty, aromatic garnish.
💭 FAQs
Reduce the amount of honey or substitute it with a less sweet alternative, like agave nectar.
Yes, but ensure your slow cooker has enough space, and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken.
Cool the chicken completely and store it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To freeze, place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
🧂Serving Suggestions
Here are some great ways to serve Slow Cooker Honey Soy Chicken.
- Instant Pot White Rice: A classic pairing to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Fried Rice: Add vegetables and egg for a hearty side.
- Noodles: Serve with stir-fried or plain noodles for a comforting meal.
- Mashed Potatoes: A creamy and satisfying side that complements the sauce.
- Dumplings: Pair with steamed or pan-fried dumplings for an Asian-inspired feast.
- Sesame Cucumber Salad: A refreshing, cool side dish.
🍽 Related Recipes
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Slow Cooker Honey Soy Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 lb. Chicken Breast
- 1 Cup Reduced-Sodium Soy Sauce
- ½ Cup Honey
- ¼ Cup Hoisin Sauce
- 1 tbsp. Rice Vinegar
- 1 tbsp. Toasted Sesame Oil
- 6 Cloves Garlic
- 2 Scallions
- 1 tsp. Sesame Seeds
- ¼ tsp. Salt
- ¼ tsp. Black pepper
Instructions
- Grate the garlic and keep it in a small bowl. Add chicken to the slow cooker.
- Pour in honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and toasted sesame oil. Mix well to coat the chicken.
- Add hoisin sauce, grated garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir everything until combined.
- Cook for 3-4 hours on high or 6-7 hours on low. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking.
- Shred the cooked chicken using a hand mixer or forks for quick shredding.
- Serve over rice. Garnish with sliced scallions and sesame seeds. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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