Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons water
• Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the slow cooker by lightly greasing the insert with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper to taste, then place them in the bottom of the slow cooker.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk until well combined.
4. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are evenly coated.
5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4-5 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
6. Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a serving platter. Tent with foil to keep warm.
7. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the sauce remaining in the slow cooker and stir well to combine.
8. Cover the slow cooker again and cook on high heat for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
9. Pour the thickened sauce over the chicken breasts, garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired, and serve hot.