This Crockpot Asian Chicken (Honey Garlic Chicken) is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a low-carb or keto-friendly dinner. The recipe features tender chicken slow-cooked in a savory honey garlic sauce, making it a versatile option that can be served over cauliflower rice, in lettuce wraps, or with your favorite low-carb sides.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Skinless chicken breasts (or boneless chicken thighs)
Coconut aminos (or soy sauce/tamari)
Monk fruit sweetener (or honey/maple syrup)
Tomato paste
Unseasoned rice vinegar
Toasted sesame oil
Paleo sriracha sauce (or red pepper flakes)
Fresh garlic
Fresh ginger (or ginger powder)
Sea salt

Directions

In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients until well combined.
Place the chicken in a crockpot and pour the sauce over it.
Cook on low for 4 hours.
Shred the chicken using two forks directly in the crockpot, mixing it with the sauce.
Garnish with green onions or cilantro and toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Nutrients

Category: Dinner
Serving Size: Not specified
Calories: Not specified
Net Carbs: 4g per serving
Protein: Not specified
Fat: Not specified

The Origins of Honey Garlic Chicken

Honey garlic chicken is a popular dish that can be found in many cuisines around the world. The combination of honey and garlic creates a sweet and savory balance that enhances the flavors of chicken, making it a beloved meal for many. The roots of honey garlic chicken can be traced to both Asian and Western influences, particularly in Chinese and other East Asian cuisines where the pairing of sweet and savory ingredients is common.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. By using a slow cooker (crockpot), the ingredients meld together, creating a rich, flavorful sauce that infuses the chicken with deep, aromatic flavors. Over time, this recipe has been adapted to suit various dietary preferences, including low-carb and keto diets, making it a versatile option for a wide range of diets and meal plans.

Why Choose Crockpot Asian Honey Garlic Chicken?

There are many reasons why Crockpot Asian Honey Garlic Chicken is a great option for your next meal. Here are some of the benefits:

Time-Saving: The crockpot allows you to prepare the ingredients, set it, and forget it. This makes it ideal for busy people who want a home-cooked meal but don’t have time to stand over the stove. You can let the crockpot do the work while you focus on other tasks, whether it’s preparing a side dish, spending time with family, or getting through a busy workday.
Minimal Prep: The recipe requires just a few ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. No need for complicated prep or specialized techniques – just toss the ingredients in the crockpot, set the timer, and wait for the magic to happen.
Deliciously Tender Chicken: Slow cooking allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and juicy. This results in a dish that practically melts in your mouth, with the sauce soaking into every bite.
Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly: If you’re following a low-carb, keto, or paleo diet, this recipe is a perfect fit. By using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and a low-carb sweetener instead of regular honey or sugar, this recipe remains delicious while being diet-friendly.

How to Customize the Recipe

While the original Crockpot Asian Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is already bursting with flavor, you can easily make modifications to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few ways to personalize this dish:

Protein Variations: Though chicken is the traditional choice for this recipe, you can also use other proteins like pork, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. If you’re using beef or pork, be sure to adjust the cooking time, as these proteins may require different cooking durations to achieve optimal tenderness.
Spicy Kick: If you prefer a spicier dish, consider adding extra sriracha sauce, red pepper flakes, or even chili paste. This will balance out the sweetness of the honey and add a fiery kick to the meal.
Vegetable Add-ins: To make the dish even heartier, consider adding some low-carb vegetables to the crockpot. Sliced bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms all pair wonderfully with this dish. These veggies will soak up the sauce and add extra flavor and texture to the meal.
Serve It with Sides: While this recipe is delicious on its own, you can elevate it by serving it with a variety of low-carb sides. Cauliflower rice is an excellent choice for a keto or paleo diet. Alternatively, you can use zucchini noodles, a fresh green salad, or sautéed leafy greens like spinach and kale for a complete meal.

Health Benefits of Crockpot Asian Honey Garlic Chicken

In addition to being tasty, Crockpot Asian Honey Garlic Chicken offers a number of health benefits, especially when made with the right ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at some of the health aspects:

High in Protein: Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. Protein also helps keep you full longer, making it an ideal choice for those looking to maintain or lose weight.
Low-Carb: By substituting traditional soy sauce with coconut aminos and using a low-carb sweetener like monk fruit, the dish becomes a fantastic option for those following low-carb, keto, or paleo diets. It provides all the delicious flavors of the original honey garlic chicken without the added sugar and carbs.
Rich in Nutrients: Garlic and ginger are both packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Garlic has been shown to support heart health, boost the immune system, and fight off harmful bacteria. Ginger, on the other hand, is great for digestion and can help alleviate nausea and inflammation.
Healthy Fats: The recipe uses toasted sesame oil, which adds flavor while also providing a source of healthy fats. Sesame oil is high in antioxidants and omega-6 fatty acids, which are important for heart health when consumed in moderation.

Tips for Perfect Crockpot Asian Honey Garlic Chicken

To ensure that your Crockpot Asian Honey Garlic Chicken turns out perfectly every time, here are a few expert tips:

Use the Right Cut of Chicken: While chicken breasts are the leanest option, chicken thighs will yield a juicier and more flavorful result. The additional fat in thighs helps to keep the chicken tender during the slow-cooking process.
Don’t Overcook: Slow cookers vary in heat intensity, so it’s important to keep an eye on the cooking time. If you overcook the chicken, it can become dry and stringy. Be sure to follow the recommended cooking times and check the chicken’s doneness with a meat thermometer (165°F or 74°C is the safe internal temperature for cooked chicken).
Layering for Flavor: When placing the chicken in the crockpot, make sure to coat it evenly with the sauce. If you’re adding vegetables, layer them around the chicken so that they also soak up the delicious sauce. This helps infuse all the ingredients with flavor.
Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the chicken once it’s cooked and set the sauce on the stovetop to simmer for a few minutes until it thickens. You can also add a small amount of xanthan gum or arrowroot powder for a quicker thickening option.

Conclusion

Crockpot Asian Honey Garlic Chicken is a flavorful, simple, and nutritious meal that’s perfect for anyone looking for a delicious low-carb dish. Its easy preparation and ability to cook while you go about your day make it an ideal choice for busy families, meal preppers, and those new to slow-cooking. With its savory, slightly sweet sauce and tender chicken, it’s a dish that will satisfy your taste buds without the guilt.

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