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Lighter Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

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A lighter, healthier version of honey garlic chicken made in the slow cooker. This easy recipe features tender chicken thighs in a sweet, tangy, and savory sauce that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 6–8 thighs)
  • ⅓ cup honey
  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons tomato ketchup
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water
  • Sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, toasted sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and ground ginger. Taste and adjust sweetness or tanginess as needed.
  2. Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated. (Optional: refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor.)
  3. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
  4. Using tongs or a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board. Let rest for 5 minutes, then shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Pour the slurry into the slow cooker and stir gently. Turn slow cooker to HIGH and cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring once halfway, until the sauce is glossy and thickened.
  6. Serve hot over steamed rice or cauliflower rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Notes

For best results, use low-sodium soy sauce to avoid excessive saltiness. Thicken the sauce at the end with cornstarch slurry for a glossy finish. Chicken breasts can be substituted but reduce cooking time to 4 hours on LOW. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker honey garlic chicken, lighter honey garlic chicken, easy slow cooker chicken, healthy chicken recipe, honey garlic chicken thighs

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/lighter-slow-cooker-honey-garlic-chicken-easy/