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Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken and Rice

crockpot honey garlic chicken and rice - featured image

This Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken and Rice is a set-it-and-forget-it meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken thighs and fluffy rice are cooked in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, creating a kid-approved dinner the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup (200g) long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 1.5 cups (355ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/3 cup (113g) honey
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) low-sodium soy sauce
  • 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons (16g) cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons (30ml) cold water
  • Sliced green onions, for garnish (optional)
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
  • Red pepper flakes, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Lightly spray the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Rinse the rice under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear.
  3. Spread the rinsed rice evenly in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth over the rice.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, tomato paste, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until smooth.
  5. Nestle the chicken thighs on top of the rice in a single layer. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken.
  6. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  7. Carefully remove the chicken to a cutting board and let rest for a few minutes. Shred the chicken with two forks.
  8. While the chicken rests, turn the slow cooker to HIGH. Whisk the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) into the sauce and rice. Cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
  9. Stir the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker. Let sit for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
  10. Serve hot, garnished with green onions, sesame seeds, or red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

Rinsing the rice is essential for fluffy, not gummy, rice. Don’t lift the lid during cooking to ensure even cooking. For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. For a less sweet version, reduce honey to 1/4 cup. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot honey garlic chicken and rice, slow cooker chicken and rice, honey garlic chicken, easy chicken dinner, kid-friendly chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, set it and forget it