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Easy Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken with Sesame Rice

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A simple, flavorful slow cooker recipe featuring tender honey garlic chicken paired with nutty sesame rice, perfect for cozy dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts for leaner option)
  • 1/3 cup honey (preferably raw or local)
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice, rinsed
  • 1 1/4 cups water or chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and place them in the slow cooker in a single layer.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and black pepper until smooth. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until chicken is tender and easily shredded.
  4. About 30 minutes before the chicken is done, rinse the rice under cold water until water runs clear.
  5. In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed rice and water or broth with a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
  6. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 10 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork, then stir in toasted sesame oil and sesame seeds.
  7. Transfer chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm. Mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry, then stir into the sauce in the slow cooker. Turn heat to high and cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes until sauce thickens to a glaze.
  8. Slice or shred the chicken and serve over sesame rice. Garnish with sliced green onions.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the slow cooker for even cooking. Use boneless, skinless thighs for best texture. Mince garlic finely and add at the beginning to avoid bitterness. Thicken sauce at the end with cornstarch slurry for best consistency. Toast sesame seeds and oil for best flavor. Start slow cooker in the morning and prepare rice just before serving for freshness. Adjust cooking time if using chicken breasts or turkey thighs.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, honey garlic chicken, sesame rice, easy dinner, comfort food, gluten-free option, dairy-free, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://milacook.com/easy-slow-cooker-honey-garlic-chicken-with-sesame-rice-recipe-for-flavorful-dinners/