Zesty Sweet & Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken
This Zesty Sweet & Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken is a mouthwatering crock pot dish that brings together a harmonious blend of sweetness from brown sugar and honey, a kick of heat from cayenne, and the aromatic goodness of garlic. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The chicken turns succulent and tender, soaking up all the tangy sauce, making it perfect over rice or on its own. Adjust the cayenne level to suit your taste for heat, and watch it disappear from the table!
6
Servings
333
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cooking Oil
1 tablespoon (for browning chicken)
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Halves
6 (trimmed and ready to cook)
Garlic Cloves
4 (minced)
Brown Sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
Low Sodium Soy Sauce
1 cup (regular or low sodium)
Low Sodium Chicken Broth
1 cup (or homemade broth)
Fresh Lemon Juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Cayenne Pepper
1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Black Pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Cornstarch
1/4 cup (for thickening sauce)
Water
1/4 cup (for mixing with cornstarch)
Instructions
1
In a skillet, heat the cooking oil over medium heat.
2
Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and brown them on all sides until golden, about 4-5 minutes per side.
3
While the chicken is browning, prepare the sauce by mixing the minced garlic, brown sugar, soy sauce, chicken broth, lemon juice, and cayenne pepper in a mixing bowl until well combined.
4
Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the skillet and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5
Transfer the chicken to the crock pot and pour the sauce mixture over the top, ensuring the chicken is well coated.
6
Cover and cook on low for 4 to 8 hours, depending on your crock pot model, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
7
Once the chicken is done, carefully remove it from the crock pot and switch the crock pot setting to high.
8
In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch with water until smooth and then stir into the sauce in the crock pot.
9
Place the lid on the crock pot slightly ajar to allow steam to escape, and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
10
Return the chicken to the crock pot to coat it with the thickened sauce before serving.
11
Serve the chicken alone or over a bed of rice, topping generously with the sweet and spicy sauce.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
25g
Carbs
25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Sweet & Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken?
It is a mouthwatering crock pot dish featuring chicken in a tangy sauce made from brown sugar, honey, cayenne, and garlic.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can substitute boneless skinless chicken thighs for the breast halves if preferred.
How long should I brown the chicken?
Brown the chicken in a skillet for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden.
What ingredients are in the sauce?
The sauce contains minced garlic, brown sugar, soy sauce, chicken broth, lemon juice, and cayenne pepper.
How long does the chicken cook in the crock pot?
Cook on low for 4 to 8 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Can I adjust the spiciness?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your preference for heat.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Mix 1/4 cup cornstarch with 1/4 cup water and stir it into the crock pot sauce on the high setting.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 333 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 25g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 10g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 25g of carbohydrates per serving.
How many garlic cloves do I need?
You will need 4 minced garlic cloves.
What type of soy sauce should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of low sodium soy sauce.
Can I use homemade chicken broth?
Yes, homemade or store-bought low sodium chicken broth works well.
What should I serve with this chicken?
It is perfect served over a bed of rice to soak up the sweet and spicy sauce.
How much brown sugar is required?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar.
Is fresh lemon juice necessary?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice adds the zesty flavor profile.
What is the purpose of the cornstarch?
The cornstarch is used to create a slurry that thickens the sauce at the end of cooking.
How long should the sauce simmer after adding cornstarch?
Let it cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes with the lid slightly ajar.
Do I need to season the chicken?
Yes, season the chicken with salt and pepper after browning but before placing it in the crock pot.
Can I cook this on high instead of low?
While low is recommended for tenderness, you can adjust the time shorter if using the high setting.
Is this dish suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, it is designed for busy weeknights and family gatherings due to its minimal prep time.
What kind of oil should I use for browning?
You can use one tablespoon of any standard cooking oil.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, ensure you use a certified gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
Should the chicken be trimmed?
Yes, the recipe specifies using chicken breasts that are trimmed and ready to cook.
What if my crock pot cooks very fast?
Check the chicken at the 4-hour mark to ensure it does not overcook.
Can I add vegetables to the crock pot?
While not in the original recipe, you can add vegetables like bell peppers or onions for more texture.
Is there any fiber in this recipe?
The provided nutritional data indicates there is no significant fiber content.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Freshly squeezed is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.