healthy crock pot chicken. I know the struggle. You clock out after a crazy day and dinner feels like climbing a mountain (but, like, there are never snacks on mountains, are there?). You want something healthy. You want easy. You want something that your pickiest eater won’t side-eye. Trust me, I’ve been in those shoes—last Tuesday, to be specific. Let me tell you, a crock-pot honey garlic chicken recipe saves the night every single time. And, you can always browse more of my go-to chicken favorites right here: chicken recipes if you want to shake things up.
What do you serve crock-pot honey garlic chicken with?
Alright, let’s get into the good stuff—what to put with this healthy crock pot chicken masterpiece. First time I made it, I plopped it on plain white rice. Super basic, but hey, not bad! But you know what? The sauce is so dang tasty, you could pour it over pretty much anything. Here are my dead-simple ideas:
- Fluffy white or brown rice (tastes like your favorite restaurant takeout).
- Steamed broccoli or green beans—take just five minutes!
- Warm, crusty bread to mop up all that sauce (I could eat a loaf, not kidding).
- Over mashed sweet potatoes if you want to be kind of fancy.
Honestly, sometimes I just toss it in a bowl with some stir-fried veggies and call it an almost-healthy rice bowl. No shame.
Recipe Adaptations
Can I tell you how many times I’ve swapped things in this recipe when I ran out of something? Basically, this healthy crock pot chicken is the MVP of flexible dinners. If you have thighs instead of breasts—do it. Prefer maple syrup to honey because…well, you have a giant jug in your pantry that needs using? It works! I even tossed in some extra ginger once and loved the zip.
Let’s not even talk about veggies. Bell peppers, carrots, snap peas—throw them right in for the last hour for a full meal, less mess, more flavor. Or go wild and sprinkle a little sriracha for a mild kick. The crockpot honestly forgives all.
“This honey garlic chicken seriously changed my weeknight meal game! So easy, no stress, and everyone at the table wanted seconds. I’m hooked.”
Tips for Cooking Chicken in the Slow Cooker
Ok, hands up if you’ve ever dried out chicken in the slow cooker. (Guilty! Multiple times.) Quick PSA: boneless, skinless chicken breasts need a bit less time than you’d think. For healthy crock pot chicken, stick to four hours on high or six-ish on low. Seriously, set a timer. Overcooking is the enemy.
Don’t skip the sauce at the bottom! It keeps the chicken from drying out and makes everything moist—yeah, not a pretty word, but it’s the truth. Also, don’t be tempted to peek. Every time you lift that lid, heat escapes and cooking gets weird.
Want it shredded? Let it cool a few, then just use two forks. That’s all! No gadgets, no fuss. Makes great sandwiches or wraps, too.
How to Store, Reheat, and Freeze
Leftovers? You’ll rarely have ‘em, but if you do, here’s the scoop. Store your healthy crock pot chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll be good for up to four days. I find the flavor gets even better overnight—almost like magic.
Reheating? A minute or two in the microwave works, but a skillet keeps the sauce nice and thick if you’ve got a couple extra minutes. Want to freeze it? Totally can. Cool completely, pack into a freezer bag, and freeze for up to three months. Defrost in the fridge overnight—just don’t try to nuke it from frozen or it gets weirdly rubbery.
More Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes
If you’re loving this healthy crock pot chicken, well, you’re in luck. There are so many good slow-cooker chicken recipes floating around my kitchen, and honestly, my slow cooker kinda never gets put away. Craving a different vibe? My baked teriyaki chicken is a solid swap—same effort, totally new flavor.
Then there’s the world of chicken enchiladas and even a killer parmesan chicken that’ll blow your mind. People go nuts for these recipes at potlucks and family dinners.
So, keep that crockpot handy—you’ll use it more than you think.
Common Questions
Can I prep the ingredients the night before?
Yep! Toss it all in the crock, cover, and pop it in the fridge overnight. Just let it warm up a bit while your slow cooker heats.
Should I sear the chicken first?
Totally not needed for healthy crock pot chicken. But if you want deeper flavor, it’s not a bad idea. Just more dishes, so…your call.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! As long as it fits in your slow cooker, go big. Add 30 minutes to the cook time, just to be safe.
Is it ok to use frozen chicken?
I’d avoid it. Thaw first if you can. Frozen chicken messes with the cooking time and texture.
What veggies work best?
Whatever’s in your fridge, honestly. Broccoli, carrots, bell peppers—hard to mess it up.
Why This Chicken Recipe is My Weeknight Lifesaver
So, here’s my take: healthy crock pot chicken is the kind of weeknight magic everyone should have up their sleeve. You get something that feels five-star—even though your slow cooker did all the work. No fuss, less mess, and the leftovers (swear) only get tastier. So, try it! If you want more variations, these other recipes for 5 Ingredient Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken and Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken are also worth a peek for fresh ideas you can bring to your table tonight.
Crock-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
A healthy and easy slow cooker recipe for honey garlic chicken that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. Serve it over rice or with your favorite vegetables.
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (Can substitute with thighs if preferred.)
- 1/2 cup honey (Maple syrup can be used as a substitute.)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (Use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option.)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (Fresh garlic is preferred for best flavor.)
- 1 tsp ginger, minced (Add more for a spicier kick.)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (To thicken the sauce if desired.)
Serving Suggestions
- White or brown rice (Serve over for a classic dish.)
- Steamed broccoli or green beans (A quick side that pairs well.)
- Crusty bread (To mop up the sauce.)
- Mashed sweet potatoes (For a fancier option.)
Preparation
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker.
Cooking
- Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours.
- Check for doneness; the chicken should be fully cooked and tender.
- Shred the chicken using two forks if desired.
Finishing Touches
- If desired, mix cornstarch with a bit of water to create a slurry and add it to the sauce to thicken.
- Serve with your preferred sides.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on a skillet.
