Slow Cooker Golden Honey-Glazed Chicken
This recipe yields tender chicken with a rich, amber glaze. The slow cooking process allows the honey and garlic to infuse deeply into the meat.
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 3–7 hours (depending on heat setting)
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Servings: 4
Ingredients
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Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness)
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Honey: 1 cup
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Soy Sauce: 1/2 cup (or Tamari for gluten-free)
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Ketchup: 1/4 cup
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Oil: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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Aromatics: 2 cloves garlic, minced
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Spice: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
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Seasoning: Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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Prep the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
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Whisk the Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, vegetable oil, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper until smooth.
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Combine: Pour the honey mixture evenly over the chicken.
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Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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Thicken the Sauce: Once cooked, remove the chicken and set aside. Pour the liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan.
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Simmer: Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat for 5–10 minutes until it reduces and thickens into a glossy glaze.
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Serve: Drizzle the thickened glaze generously over the chicken.
Serving Suggestions
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Grains: Serve over fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes to catch the extra sauce.
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Vegetables: Pairs perfectly with steamed broccoli, green beans, or a crisp green salad.
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Additions: A crusty baguette is excellent for mopping up the remaining glaze.
Tips for Success
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Tangy Twist: Add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to the sauce before cooking to cut through the sweetness.
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Kid-Friendly: Omit the red pepper flakes and serve with sweet corn or glazed carrots.
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Meal Prep: This chicken shreds beautifully, making it great for leftovers in wraps or salads the next day.