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slow cooker honey garlic chicken and rice - featured image

Easy Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Rice (20 Min Prep)


  • Author: Sarah Wasserman
  • Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes to 5 hours 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This Easy Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Rice is the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight, but the flavor is impressive enough to serve to guests.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup (170g) honey
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 1/2 cups (300g) long-grain white rice (basmati or jasmine)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water
  • Green onions, for garnish
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, chicken broth, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Set aside.
  2. In a small skillet over medium heat, add a tiny splash of oil. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Do not let it brown.
  3. Place the chicken thighs in an even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the sautéed garlic over the top.
  4. Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring all thighs are mostly submerged.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours.
  6. Carefully remove the chicken thighs to a plate. Use two forks to shred them into bite-sized pieces.
  7. While the chicken is resting, rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water until the water runs clear.
  8. Pour the rinsed rice into the slow cooker with the sauce. Stir gently. Add the shredded chicken back in and stir to combine.
  9. Cover and cook on LOW for another 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  10. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Pour the slurry into the slow cooker and stir gently. Let it cook, uncovered, for another 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  11. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

Don’t overcook the chicken; thighs only need 3-4 hours on LOW. Rinse the rice to prevent gumminess. Toast the garlic briefly to mellow its flavor. The cornstarch slurry is essential for a thick, glossy sauce. Avoid lifting the lid during the rice cooking phase.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours 45 minutes to 5 hours 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (approxima
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 18
  • Fat: 14
  • Carbohydrates: 55
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 32

Keywords: slow cooker, honey garlic chicken, chicken and rice, easy dinner, weeknight meal, set it and forget it