Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken And Veggies Recipe

Simple Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken And Veggies Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this slow cooker honey garlic chicken and veggies recipe delivers pure comfort.

The magic happens when tender chicken meets a glossy, sweet-savory sauce that clings perfectly to each morsel.

honey and garlic create a mouthwatering flavor profile that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Minimal prep work means you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying delicious food.

Colorful vegetables roast alongside the chicken, soaking up all the delectable pan juices.

The slow cooker works its magic, transforming simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish you can easily make at home.

Each bite promises a harmony of sweet, tangy, and savory notes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies Delight

Why Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies Delight
  • Dump all ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic, making meal preparation incredibly simple and stress-free.
  • Enjoy a balanced dinner with protein, potatoes, and vegetables all cooked together, eliminating the need for multiple cooking dishes and saving cleanup time.
  • Savor the rich combination of honey, garlic, and herbs that create a mouthwatering sauce coating tender chicken and perfectly cooked vegetables.
  • Flexibility to choose between low and high heat settings, accommodating different schedules and ensuring delicious results every single time.

Ingredients for Honey Garlic Chicken

Protein:
  • Chicken Thighs: Tender meat that becomes succulent and flavorful when slow-cooked with honey garlic sauce.
Vegetables:
  • Baby Potatoes, Carrots, Green Beans: Hearty vegetables that absorb the delicious sauce and provide a nutritious accompaniment to the chicken.
Sauce and Seasonings:
  • Soy Sauce, Honey: Creates a sweet and savory base for the dish that coats and enhances the chicken and vegetables.
  • Ketchup: Adds depth and slight tanginess to the sauce.
  • Minced Garlic: Provides a robust and aromatic flavor to the entire dish.
  • Dried Basil, Oregano: Herbs that contribute an herbal and Mediterranean-inspired taste profile.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a subtle heat and mild spiciness.
  • Black Pepper: Adds a classic seasoning that complements the other flavors.
  • Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that brings a fresh and bright element to the finished dish.

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies

Step 1: Whip Up The Flavor Sauce

Create a delicious sauce by mixing together soy sauce, honey, ketchup, minced garlic, dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, and black pepper in a large bowl.

Whisk everything until well combined.

Pro tip: Warm honey in the microwave for a few seconds to help it blend smoothly.

Step 2: Arrange Chicken And Vegetables

  • Chicken thighs
  • Baby potatoes
  • Carrots

Place chicken thighs skin-side up in the slow cooker.

Surround the chicken with halved baby potatoes and carrots.

Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce over everything, ensuring a complete coating.

Step 3: Slow Cook To Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

If possible, baste the chicken every hour to maintain moisture.

Add green beans on top during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.

Step 4: Create Crispy Golden Finish

Transfer chicken to a baking sheet and broil for 3-4 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy skin.

Watch carefully to prevent burning the honey glaze.

Preheat the oven to broil before placing the chicken under the broiler.

Step 5: Serve And Enjoy

Plate the crispy chicken alongside tender potatoes, carrots, and green beans.

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for an extra touch of flavor and color.

Serve hot and savor the delicious meal you’ve created.

Tips for Tender Chicken and Veggies

Tips for Tender Chicken and Veggies
  • Warm honey slightly in the microwave to make blending with other ingredients seamless and smooth.
  • Periodically baste chicken during slow cooking to ensure maximum moisture and flavor penetration throughout the dish.
  • Add green beans only during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent mushy texture and maintain their crisp, fresh quality.
  • Broil chicken thighs for 3-4 minutes after slow cooking to achieve a golden, crispy exterior that elevates the entire dish.
  • Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to create a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that coat chicken and vegetables evenly.

How to Keep Chicken and Veggies Fresh

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Separate chicken and vegetables to maintain best texture.
  • Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Stays good for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
  • Place chicken and vegetables on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken and vegetables in oven-safe dish. Add splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly. Uncover last 5 minutes to crisp chicken skin.

Pairings for Honey Garlic Chicken

  • Flavor Fusion: Pair the sweet and savory honey garlic chicken with a crisp Riesling that balances the dish's rich flavors and cuts through the sweetness.
  • Wine Harmony: Choose a light-bodied Pinot Noir that complements the chicken's tender texture and doesn't overpower the delicate herb notes.
  • Citrus Splash: Serve with a refreshing lemonade or sparkling water infused with fresh herbs like basil or mint to cleanse the palate between bites.
  • Bread Companion: Add a crusty sourdough or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a satisfying textural contrast to the tender chicken and vegetables.

Switches for Honey Garlic Chicken Combo

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to create a gluten-free alternative that maintains the rich flavor profile while accommodating dietary restrictions.
  • Spicy Lover's Adaptation: Double the red pepper flakes and add a dash of sriracha sauce for an extra kick of heat that transforms the mild dish into a zesty meal.
  • Low-Carb Option: Swap baby potatoes with cauliflower florets and reduce honey quantity, substituting with a low-carb sweetener like erythritol to minimize carbohydrate intake while preserving the dish's essential taste.
  • Mediterranean Remix: Incorporate Greek-inspired herbs like rosemary and thyme, then add kalamata olives and swap chicken thighs with bone-in chicken breasts for a lighter Mediterranean-style preparation.

FAQs

  • Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but they tend to dry out faster. Chicken thighs are more forgiving in the slow cooker and stay juicier due to their higher fat content.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not completely. The soy sauce contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative instead of regular soy sauce.

  • How spicy is this dish with red pepper flakes?

The recipe has a very mild heat level. If you want more kick, increase the red pepper flakes. If you prefer no spice, you can completely omit them without affecting the overall flavor.

  • Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can mix the sauce and prep the vegetables the night before. Store everything in the refrigerator and start cooking in the morning for an easy dinner.

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Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken And Veggies Recipe

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken And Veggies Recipe


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4.8 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Savory slow cooker honey garlic chicken and veggies deliver comfort straight from your kitchen to the dinner table. Tender chicken mingles with colorful vegetables, creating a simple yet delicious meal packed with sweet and tangy flavors you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 8 bone-in (skin-on) chicken thighs

Vegetables:

  • 16 ounces (454 grams) baby red potatoes (halved)
  • 16 ounces (454 grams) baby carrots
  • 16 ounces (454 grams) green beans (trimmed)
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) chopped fresh parsley leaves

Sauce and Seasonings:

  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) reduced sodium soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup (170 grams) honey
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) ketchup
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Whisk together a vibrant marinade combining soy sauce, honey, ketchup, minced garlic, dried herbs, red pepper flakes, and black pepper until thoroughly blended. Warm honey briefly if too thick for easier mixing.
  2. Arrange chicken thighs skin-side up in slow cooker, surrounding them with halved baby potatoes and carrots. Generously drench everything with prepared honey garlic sauce, ensuring complete coverage.
  3. Slow cook on low setting for 7-8 hours or high setting for 3-4 hours. Periodically baste chicken to maintain moisture and enhance flavor profile. Thirty minutes before completion, strategically layer green beans atop the dish.
  4. For crispy finale, transfer chicken to baking sheet and broil at high temperature for 3-4 minutes. Monitor closely to achieve golden, caramelized skin without burning the delicate honey glaze.
  5. Plate chicken alongside tender vegetables, creating an appetizing arrangement. Optional: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant garnish and added aromatic dimension.

Notes

  • Customize sauce sweetness by adjusting honey quantity based on personal preference or dietary needs.
  • Swap chicken thighs with chicken breasts for a leaner protein option, but reduce cooking time to prevent drying out.
  • Use low-sodium soy sauce for a heart-healthy version or coconut aminos for a gluten-free alternative.
  • Elevate vegetable variety by experimenting with seasonal produce like zucchini, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts to keep the dish exciting and nutritionally diverse.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours (on low) or 4 hours (on high)
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 397
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 522 mg
  • Fat: 21 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 109 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Showcasing ingredients in plant-forward vegetarian dishes.
  • Creating adaptable weeklong menu templates centered on seasonal produce.

Education

Schoolcraft College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Associate Degree
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, menu planning, and food safety.

With an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Schoolcraft College and a natural knack for teaching, Olivia Bennett’s all about making home cooking feel possible, even on your busiest day.
Her thing? Recipes that are budget-friendly, season-forward, and full of Southern warmth. Whether it’s a roasted veggie bowl or a five-ingredient skillet bake, Olivia makes sure it’s simple, satisfying, and something you’ll want to make again tomorrow.
When she’s not shooting step-by-step videos or testing spice blends, she’s out foraging, flipping through old cookbooks, or throwing laid-back dinner parties with a BYO-mason-jar theme.

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