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Nothing beats the hands-off ease of slow cooker honey garlic chicken when you are craving something comforting yet light. With a balance of sweet jammy sauce and just enough savory garlic heat this recipe transforms basic chicken breasts into a saucy main fit for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings. Toss everything in your slow cooker and enjoy the way your kitchen fills with those unmistakable honey garlic aromas
What Makes It Special
- Uses a homemade sauce with pantry ingredients
- No stovetop monitoring needed the slow cooker does all the work
- The water chestnuts bring a satisfying crunch
- Makes great leftovers for meal prepping
I first made this recipe on a cold rainy Sunday when the family wanted takeout flavors without the extra cost. Now I double it so we have quick lunches tucked away
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What You’ll Need
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: give a lean base that soaks up every drop of flavor and cook up perfectly tender. Buy fresh or high-quality thawed chicken for the juiciest results
- Water chestnuts: add crunch and freshness. Look for the canned ones that are whole and sliced without added preservatives
- Soy sauce: builds savory depth. If possible opt for low sodium versions to balance the sweetness
- Honey: provides the sticky sweet signature glaze. Lighter honey works best so the sauce stays clean and glossy
- Blackberry jam: brings tart fruity notes that round out the flavors. Smooth seedless is key for the best texture
- Cornstarch: thickens the sauce at the end so it coats every piece of chicken
- Minced garlic and garlic powder: offer double layers of flavor and a punch of aroma so try to use fresh garlic when you can
- Chili garlic sauce: gives a subtle heat and complexity without overpowering the dish. A little goes a long way so taste as you go
Let’s Cook This Together
- Prep the Chicken:
- Cut the boneless skinless chicken breasts into small even pieces so they cook quickly and absorb more sauce. Take your time for bite sized cubes this ensures the best texture
- Dice the Water Chestnuts:
- Drain the water chestnuts completely and dice them finely. This step gives your final dish crunch in every spoonful
- Mix the Sauce:
- In a small bowl whisk together soy sauce honey blackberry jam cornstarch minced garlic chili garlic sauce and garlic powder until everything is smooth and fully combined
- Combine in Slow Cooker:
- Add the chicken and water chestnuts to the bowl of your slow cooker. Pour your sauce mixture evenly over the top use a spatula to mix so every piece is coated
- Cook Low and Slow:
- Set your slow cooker on low for about six to eight hours or on high for three to four hours. Avoid opening the lid too often to keep the heat steady. The chicken should be fork-tender and reach an internal temp of at least one hundred sixty five degrees Fahrenheit
- Thicken the Sauce:
- About ten minutes before serving stir in a quick cornstarch slurry if you want the sauce stickier. Mix equal parts cornstarch and cool water then drizzle in and stir. It will thicken as it simmers
- Serve It Up:
- Dish out on fresh lettuce leaves or over steamed rice. Garnish with scallions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a restaurant-style finish
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Good to Know
- High protein and low fat with lean chicken breast
- Leftovers last up to four days and reheat well
- Sauce is naturally gluten free when using tamari
One bite always takes me back to lazy Saturdays when we would all gather in the kitchen to do a quick prep together piling the chicken high on crisp lettuce and racing to see who could make the tidiest wrap
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Keeping It Fresh
Store leftovers right away in airtight containers to lock in juiciness. For freezing cool completely and portion into bags for single servings. I always tuck a little extra sauce in each portion so reheated chicken stays tender
Easy Ingredient Swaps
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No blackberry jam on hand Try apricot or orange marmalade for a citrusy twist. You can also swap out chicken breasts for boneless thighs if you want even more richness
How to Serve It Right
This honey garlic chicken is perfect for lettuce wraps if you want a lighter meal and shines over jasmine rice for something more filling. For a party style presentation serve alongside a variety of crunchy veggies like shredded carrots or sliced cucumbers for topping
Behind the Dish
I first discovered this method when trying to clean out the pantry and found an unopened can of water chestnuts. Mixing jam and chili sauce into the glaze felt a little daring at first but it quickly became a house favorite that even picky eaters love
Kitchen Wisdom
- Cut chicken in even pieces for consistent cooking and a better saucy bite
- Add the cornstarch slurry slowly while stirring to control thickness and avoid lumps
- If reheating in the microwave add a splash of water to keep the chicken moist
Recipe FAQs
- → How can I serve honey garlic chicken?
This dish is delicious served over steamed rice or spooned into lettuce leaves for fresh, crunchy wraps.
- → Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, substitute tamari or coconut aminos for soy sauce and ensure your chili garlic sauce is gluten-free.
- → What is the best way to thicken the sauce?
Add a quick cornstarch slurry near the end of cooking and stir well for the ideal consistency.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- → How do I reheat without drying out?
Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.