Looking for a meal that’s both simple and packed with protein? This Easy High-Protein Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe ticks all the boxes. Perfect for busy days, it requires minimal prep and delivers tender, flavorful chicken every time. Just set it, forget it, and come back to a delicious dinner that fuels your body and satisfies your taste buds.
Steps
- Place the chicken at the bottom of a slow cooker. In a separate bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, tomato paste, chili paste, garlic, and rice vinegar. Pour this mixture over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. If possible, flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even coating.
- Once cooked, take the chicken out and let it cool slightly. Stir cornstarch into the slow cooker liquid, cover, and cook on HIGH for about 15 minutes until the sauce thickens, stirring occasionally.
- Shred the cooled chicken with forks and return it to the slow cooker. Stir to coat the chicken with the thickened sauce.
- Serve the chicken over rice, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
- Honey
- Garlic
- Soy sauce
- Tomato paste
- Chili paste (or sambal oelek; can substitute with red pepper flakes)
- Rice vinegar
- Cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
- Optional toppings: green onions, sesame seeds
- Optional for serving: rice
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1316kcal | Carbohydrates: 128g | Protein: 140g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 648mg | Potassium: 2288mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 100g | Vitamin A: 652IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 108mg | Iron: 8mg
FAQ
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs in this slow cooker honey garlic chicken recipe. Remember to check the chicken early to prevent overcooking, as chicken breasts tend to dry out faster than thighs.
- Is it necessary to use tomato paste in the sauce?
- Tomato paste is recommended because it adds richness and a slight acidity to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor. However, if you’re not a fan, you can experiment with leaving it out, though the taste may vary slightly.
- Can I use frozen chicken directly in the slow cooker?
- It’s not safe to cook frozen chicken in a slow cooker because it may not reach a safe temperature quickly enough. Instead, thaw the chicken thoroughly before cooking, or use an Instant Pot for cooking with frozen chicken.
- How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- To make this recipe gluten-free, replace the soy sauce with gluten-free tamari and use apple cider vinegar instead of rice vinegar.
- How should I store and reheat leftovers?
- Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a bit of broth or water to prevent drying, or use the microwave until warmed through.
- What can I serve with slow cooker honey garlic chicken?
- This dish pairs well with rice or cauliflower fried rice and can be complemented by sautéed or steamed vegetables like broccoli. An Asian-inspired salad, such as a cabbage or cucumber salad, also makes a great side.
Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs as they tend to stay juicy and flavorful in the slow cooker. However, if you prefer chicken breasts, be mindful to check for doneness early to avoid overcooking.
- Thickening the Sauce: For a thicker sauce, whisk cornstarch directly into the cooking liquid in the slow cooker after removing the chicken. Alternatively, you can transfer the sauce to a saucepan and reduce it on the stove.
- Safety with Frozen Chicken: Always use thawed chicken in the slow cooker to ensure it cooks evenly and safely. If you’re in a pinch and need to use frozen chicken, consider using an Instant Pot instead.
- Serving Suggestions: Enhance the meal by serving the honey garlic chicken over cooked rice or with sautéed vegetables. Adding a sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds can also elevate the presentation and flavor.
Equipment
- Programmable Slow Cooker: Especially one that switches to “keep warm” after cooking.
- Instant Read Thermometer: To accurately check the internal temperature of the chicken.
- Small Whisk: Useful for mixing the sauce and cornstarch slurry.
