I recently discovered a recipe for Crock Pot Sweet Garlic Chicken that has quickly become a staple in my household. This dish is the perfect combination of savory and sweet, and is incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can have a delicious meal waiting for you at the end of a long day.
To make this dish, you will need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, honey, soy sauce, garlic, ketchup, and dried basil. Simply mix the ingredients together in the slow cooker, add the chicken, and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours. The result is tender, flavorful chicken that pairs perfectly with rice or vegetables.
If you’re looking for a new recipe to add to your dinner rotation, give Crock Pot Sweet Garlic Chicken a try. It’s a crowd-pleaser that is sure to become a favorite in your household as well.
Table of contents
- 1 Recipe Overview
- 2 Preparation Steps
- 3 Frequently Asked Questions
- 3.1 What are the best practices for achieving tender chicken in a slow cooker?
- 3.2 Can I cook chicken breasts and thighs together in a crock pot for the sweet garlic chicken recipe?
- 3.3 Is it necessary to brown chicken before adding it to a crock pot for sweet garlic flavor?
- 3.4 How can I prevent my garlic chicken from becoming too dry when cooked in a crock pot?
- 3.5 What are some healthy ingredient substitutions for traditional crock pot sweet garlic chicken recipes?
- 3.6 How can I adapt a honey garlic chicken recipe for a slow cooker with only five ingredients?
Recipe Overview
Ingredients
To make Crock Pot Sweet Garlic Chicken, you’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, minced garlic, brown sugar, soy sauce, and cornstarch. You can also add optional ingredients such as sesame seeds and green onions to enhance the flavor.
Cooking Time
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights as it only requires 10 minutes of preparation time. Once the ingredients are mixed together in the crockpot, the chicken can be cooked on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours.
Serving Size
This recipe yields 4-6 servings depending on the size of the chicken breasts used. It’s a great option for meal prep as the leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Overall, Crock Pot Sweet Garlic Chicken is a simple and delicious meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Preparation Steps
Chicken Preparation
To prepare the chicken for Crock Pot Sweet Garlic Chicken, I start by washing the chicken breasts and patting them dry with paper towels. Then, I cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season them with salt and black pepper to taste.
Sauce Mixing
In a separate bowl, I mix together the sauce ingredients, which include minced garlic, soy sauce, ketchup, honey, and dried basil. I make sure to mix the ingredients well until the sauce is smooth and all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Cooking Process
After preparing the chicken and the sauce, I add the chicken to the Crock Pot and pour the sauce over it. I make sure to stir the chicken and sauce together until the chicken is fully coated with the sauce. Then, I cover the Crock Pot with the lid and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours.
During the cooking process, I check the chicken occasionally to make sure it is cooking evenly and to stir the sauce. Once the chicken is fully cooked, I serve it with rice or vegetables for a delicious and easy meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best practices for achieving tender chicken in a slow cooker?
To achieve tender chicken in a slow cooker, it is recommended to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs rather than chicken breasts. Chicken breasts tend to dry out more easily and are less forgiving when cooked for a long time in a slow cooker. Additionally, it is important to avoid overcooking the chicken. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours.
Can I cook chicken breasts and thighs together in a crock pot for the sweet garlic chicken recipe?
Yes, you can cook chicken breasts and thighs together in a crock pot for the sweet garlic chicken recipe. However, keep in mind that chicken breasts will cook faster than chicken thighs, so it is recommended to cut them into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking.
Is it necessary to brown chicken before adding it to a crock pot for sweet garlic flavor?
While it is not necessary to brown chicken before adding it to a crock pot for sweet garlic flavor, doing so can enhance the overall flavor and texture of the dish. Browning the chicken in a pan before adding it to the slow cooker can help create a crispy exterior and seal in the juices, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
How can I prevent my garlic chicken from becoming too dry when cooked in a crock pot?
To prevent garlic chicken from becoming too dry when cooked in a crock pot, it is important to use enough liquid in the recipe. A good rule of thumb is to use at least 1 cup of liquid (such as chicken broth or water) for every 1 pound of chicken. Additionally, avoid overcooking the chicken and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours.
What are some healthy ingredient substitutions for traditional crock pot sweet garlic chicken recipes?
To make crock pot sweet garlic chicken recipes healthier, consider using skinless chicken and reducing the amount of sugar or honey used in the recipe. You can also substitute the sugar or honey with natural sweeteners such as maple syrup or agave nectar. Additionally, you can add more vegetables to the recipe, such as carrots, bell peppers, or broccoli, to increase the nutritional value.
How can I adapt a honey garlic chicken recipe for a slow cooker with only five ingredients?
To adapt a honey garlic chicken recipe for a slow cooker with only five ingredients, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, honey, soy sauce, garlic, and chicken broth. Simply mix the honey, soy sauce, garlic, and chicken broth in a bowl and pour over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, and enjoy!