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Honey Garlic Chicken with Rice slow cooker recipe

Classic Honey Garlic Chicken and Rice (Slow Cooker)

This classic slow cooker recipe features tender chicken thighs coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, cooked with fluffy rice for a complete and comforting meal. It's an easy one-pot dish perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 520 kcal

Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Medium bowl
  • Whisk
  • Cutting board
  • Small bowl

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1.5 cups long-grain white rice (like jasmine)
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water
  • Chopped green onions (for garnish, optional)
  • Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt and pepper. Optionally, sear the chicken in a hot pan for added flavor and color.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and optional ginger and red pepper flakes to create the honey garlic sauce.
  • Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker.
  • Pour the whisked honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken.
  • Add the long-grain white rice to the slow cooker, spreading it evenly around and over the chicken.
  • Carefully pour the chicken broth over the rice, ensuring it is fully submerged without disturbing the chicken.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or on HIGH for 1.5-2.5 hours, until chicken is tender and rice is fluffy, avoiding opening the lid.
  • Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and transfer it to a cutting board.
  • If the sauce is too thin, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the slow cooker liquid.
  • Cover and cook on HIGH for an additional 15-20 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken to your preferred consistency.
  • While the sauce thickens, shred or chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  • Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and gently toss with the rice and thickened sauce to coat everything.
  • Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds, if desired. It pairs well with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.

Notes

This dish is a comforting and easy one-pot meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner. Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level. For an extra layer of flavor, consider searing the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker. Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.