Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this Slow Cooker Honey Sriracha Chicken! The moment you walk into your kitchen and catch that incredible aroma wafting through the air, you’ll be hooked. Imagine tender chicken thighs coated in a sticky-sweet sauce that balances the heat of sriracha with the richness of honey. It’s pure magic! What I absolutely love about this recipe is how effortlessly it comes together. Just toss everything into the slow cooker, and you can go about your day! I remember the first time I made it; I was scrambling to find something quick for dinner, and this dish saved the day! Trust me, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights or when you just want something delicious without spending all day in the kitchen. You’ll want to make this again and again!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup sriracha sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Make sure to have these ingredients prepped and ready to go! The chicken thighs are the star of the show, soaking up all that amazing flavor from the honey and sriracha sauce. Don’t forget to mince the garlic and grate the ginger; they really bring the dish to life. And for a pop of color and freshness, those chopped green onions are a must at the end!
How to Prepare Slow Cooker Honey Sriracha Chicken
Preparing this Slow Cooker Honey Sriracha Chicken is a breeze! First, grab your trusty slow cooker – it’s about to become your best friend. You’ll want to place the chicken thighs right at the bottom. Trust me, they need that perfect base to soak in all the flavors. In a separate bowl, mix together the honey, sriracha sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Give it a good whisk until it’s all combined and smooth. This sauce is where the magic happens!
Now, pour that beautiful sauce over the chicken, covering it entirely. If you want to get every last drop of flavor, use a spatula to scrape the sides of the bowl! Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. If you’re in a hurry, the high setting works just fine! Just remember, the longer, the better for that tender, juicy chicken!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker, making sure they’re spread out evenly.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, sriracha sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and rice vinegar until well combined.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken thighs, ensuring they’re fully coated. It’s okay to get a little messy here!
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. If you’re home, give it a peek halfway through to enjoy that amazing smell!
- When cooking time is up, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker, mixing it with the sauce to get every bite coated.
- Serve it hot, garnished with the chopped green onions for a fresh crunch. You’ll want to scoop it over a bed of rice or noodles to soak up all that flavorful sauce!
And there you have it! An effortless, delectable meal that’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Enjoy every sticky, spicy bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless preparation with just a few simple ingredients
- Deliciously balanced flavors of sweet honey and spicy sriracha
- Perfect for busy weeknights—set it and forget it!
- Healthy and gluten-free, packed with protein from the chicken
- Versatile—serve it over rice, noodles, or in wraps
- Leftovers are just as tasty, making it a great meal prep option
Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll become a staple in your dinner rotation!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Slow Cooker Honey Sriracha Chicken turns out perfectly, here are some pro tips! First, don’t hesitate to adjust the amount of sriracha depending on your spice tolerance. If you prefer a milder dish, start with a little less and add more later if you want that extra kick!
Also, remember that cooking times can vary based on your slow cooker model. If you’re home, check on it a bit earlier to avoid overcooking. The chicken should be tender and easily shred with a fork. For added depth of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the sauce for a couple of hours before cooking—this really takes it to the next level!
Lastly, don’t forget to serve it with something that soaks up that delicious sauce, like fluffy rice or noodles. You’ll be licking your plate clean!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of Slow Cooker Honey Sriracha Chicken. Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, 10g of fat, and 25g of protein. You’ll also get about 40g of carbohydrates, including 20g of sugar. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. This dish is not only delicious but also packs a nutritious punch, making it a great choice for a balanced meal!
FAQ Section
If you’re curious about Slow Cooker Honey Sriracha Chicken, you’re not alone! Here are some common questions I get, along with my answers to help you out.
Common Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just fine, but keep an eye on the cooking time as they tend to cook faster than thighs.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you love heat, consider adding a splash of chili flakes or extra sriracha to the sauce. You can also serve it with additional hot sauce on the side!
Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes! You can mix the sauce and marinate the chicken the night before. Just pop it in the slow cooker in the morning for an easy dinner.
What should I serve it with?
This chicken pairs perfectly with rice, noodles, or even in tacos! Just make sure to have something to soak up that delicious sauce.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Definitely! Store leftovers in an airtight container and freeze for up to two months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Slow Cooker Honey Sriracha Chicken properly is key to enjoying those delicious leftovers! Once the chicken has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to save it for later, you can freeze it! Just make sure to portion it out in freezer-safe containers or bags, and it should last for about 2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, the best way to reheat them is gently. If you’re using the microwave, place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until warmed through. For a stovetop option, simply heat it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. This way, you’ll savor every bit of that sticky, spicy goodness just like the first time!
Print
Slow Cooker Honey Sriracha Chicken: 7 Ways to Love It
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious and easy slow cooker dish featuring chicken coated in honey and sriracha sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup sriracha sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix honey, sriracha, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Shred the chicken and mix it with the sauce before serving.
- Garnish with chopped green onions.
Notes
- Serve with rice or noodles.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha for desired heat level.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Slow Cooker Honey Sriracha Chicken, Chicken Recipes, Easy Dinner