Slow cooker sticky honey chicken is a juicy, savory dish that’s super easy to prepare. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and is a kid-approved favorite. The sweet, tangy sauce envelops tender chicken, making every bite irresistibly indulgent.
Table of Contents
Easy Slow Cooker Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe
Ingredients for Sticky Honey Chicken
Chicken and Aromatics
- 500g chicken breast, diced
- 1/2 small onion, thinly sliced
The Sticky Honey Sauce
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1/4 cup light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp minced garlic
For Browning
- Flour (for coating)
- Butter (for browning)
How to Make Slow Cooker Sticky Honey Chicken
Prepare the Chicken and Onions
Start by coating the diced chicken in flour. This step helps achieve a delightful texture. Next, melt butter in a pan over medium heat and brown the chicken along with the onions until they soften slightly. Remember, the chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet.
Mix the Honey Sauce
In a bowl, mix together the honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, and minced garlic until well combined. This sticky sauce will bring all the flavors together in a delicious way.
Combine and Cook
Transfer the browned chicken and onions into your slow cooker. Pour the honey sauce over them and stir to coat everything evenly. Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken becomes tender and fully cooked.
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Sticky Honey Chicken
Achieve the Best Texture with Flour
Coating the chicken evenly with flour enhances its texture and helps the sauce cling beautifully.
Enhance Flavor by Browning
Browning the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker deepens the flavor and keeps the meat juicy.
Adjusting Sauce Thickness
If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply mix cornstarch with water and add it during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Sodium Control with Soy Sauce
For a healthier option, consider using low-sodium soy sauce to reduce your salt intake.
Adding a Spicy Kick
Want some heat? Add chili flakes or fresh chopped chili to the sauce for a zesty twist.
Incorporating Fresh Ginger
Grate fresh ginger into the sauce for an extra layer of warmth and flavor.
Garnishing with Sesame Seeds
Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top just before serving for added texture and a beautiful presentation.
Choosing the Right Chicken Cut
While chicken breast works great, substituting with boneless, skinless chicken thighs will yield a juicier result.
Scaling the Recipe
If you’re feeding a crowd, you can double the recipe. Just remember to double all the ingredients except the soy sauce.
Cooking with Bone-In Chicken
If you prefer bone-in chicken, be aware that it will require an additional 30-45 minutes of cooking time. Always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Delicious Serving Suggestions
Serve your sticky honey chicken with fluffy jasmine rice or roasted Brussels sprouts. It also pairs beautifully with quinoa salad, garlic mashed potatoes, or a refreshing cucumber salad. For a delightful twist, offer sesame noodles or spring rolls on the side.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, microwave the chicken covered with a damp paper towel for 2-3 minutes, or warm it in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water if the sauce has thickened.
Related Recipes to try
- Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
- Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs 2
- Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef With Potatoes
- Chicken Marinade
- Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
- Grill Pan Honey Glazed Steak Strips
FAQs
What ingredients do I need for sticky honey chicken?
You will need chicken breast, honey, light soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, sliced onion, flour for coating, and butter for browning.
How long does it take to cook sticky honey chicken in a slow cooker?
It takes about 2-3 hours on high heat to cook sticky honey chicken in a slow cooker until tender.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It is best to use thawed chicken for even cooking, but if using frozen chicken, increase the cooking time as needed.
What can I serve with sticky honey chicken?
This dish pairs well with jasmine rice, roasted vegetables, quinoa salad, or garlic mashed potatoes.
Is it possible to make sticky honey chicken in a regular pot?
Yes, you can cook it in a regular pot on the stovetop, but the cooking time will vary. Cook until the chicken is tender, about 30-40 minutes.
Conclusion
This slow cooker sticky honey chicken is a delightful addition to your weeknight meals. For more inspiration, check out Pinterest for tasty ideas and explore honey garlic slow cooker chicken thighs for a different twist. Enjoy cooking!
Delicious Slow Cooker Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- slow cooker
- pan
- bowl
Ingredients
- 500 g chicken breast diced
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1/4 cup light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1/2 small onion thinly sliced
- Flour for coating
- Butter for browning
Instructions
- Coat the diced chicken breast evenly with flour.
- Melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Brown the floured chicken and sliced onion until lightly colored, but not fully cooked.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, light soy sauce, brown sugar, and minced garlic until well combined.
- Transfer the browned chicken and onions into the slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the chicken and stir to ensure everything is coated.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Serve the sticky honey chicken hot, ideally with rice and your favorite vegetables.
