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Delicious Crock Pot Sweet Garlic Chicken

A comforting slow-cooked dish featuring tender chicken bathed in a sweet and savory garlic honey sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 360
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken & Base
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts if preferred
  • 1 medium onion optional, for added flavor
Sauce Ingredients
  • 6 large cloves garlic, minced use more if you love garlic
  • 1/2 cup honey local honey preferred for extra floral notes
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed adds depth and slight warmth
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce use low-sodium if watching salt
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup adds body and subtle tang
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth or water if that's what you have
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar brightens the sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil optional for a subtle nutty finish
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional for a gentle kick
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter adds silkiness to the sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch to thicken at the end
  • 2 tablespoons cold water for cornstarch slurry
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • for garnish chopped fresh parsley or green onions optional but lovely

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Give the slow cooker a quick non-stick spritz or a light brush of oil.
  2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Slice one medium onion and lay it in the bottom of the crock pot if using.
Make the Sauce
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together minced garlic, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
  2. Taste the sauce and adjust sweetness or acidity as desired.
  3. Stir in the butter until melted into the sauce.
Cook the Chicken
  1. Place seasoned chicken in the crock pot over the onion bed and pour the sauce evenly over the chicken.
  2. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours until the chicken reaches 165°F.
  3. Once cooked, remove the chicken to a plate to shred or leave whole.
  4. Mix the cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry; stir into the sauce and let simmer for 10–15 minutes to thicken.
  5. Return the chicken to the sauce, stir to coat, and garnish before serving.

Notes

Use thighs for better texture, don't lift the lid too often, taste the sauce before cooking to adjust flavors.