Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies: A Simple, Flavorful Meal for Busy Days

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If you’re looking for an easy yet delicious dinner that requires minimal effort, look no further than Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies. This recipe combines tender chicken thighs, hearty vegetables, and a sweet-savory garlic sauce that’s bound to become a family favorite. With just a few ingredients and your trusty slow cooker, you can set it and forget it, while enjoying a comforting meal after a busy day. Let’s dive into how to make this simple, satisfying dish!

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. Here are some reasons why you’ll love it:

Effortless Cooking: Toss everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you take care of other tasks. The result? A fuss-free, flavorful dinner.
Family-Friendly: The combination of honey, garlic, and tender chicken is irresistible to kids and adults alike. Even picky eaters will love this meal.
One-Pot Meal: Save time on clean-up with this all-in-one recipe. No need to dirty multiple pans.

Packed with Flavor and Nutrition: Enjoy a healthy, well-balanced meal with protein-rich chicken and colorful vegetables like baby potatoes, carrots, and green beans.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies

Gather the following ingredients to make this comforting dish:

Chicken Thighs (Bone-In, Skin-On): These add richness and flavor, ensuring the chicken stays juicy during slow cooking.
Baby Red Potatoes: Halved for even cooking, they absorb the garlic sauce and add heartiness to the meal.

Baby Carrots: Tender and naturally sweet, carrots complement the savory sauce.
Green Beans: Fresh green beans offer a pop of color and a slightly crisp texture to balance the softness of the other veggies.

For the Sauce:

Soy Sauce (Reduced Sodium): Adds umami flavor to the dish without overpowering the other ingredients.

Honey: Sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory garlic sauce.
Ketchup: A touch of tanginess to round out the flavor.
Garlic (Minced): A must for that irresistible garlic kick.
Dried Basil and Oregano: Herbaceous notes that complement the richness of the chicken.

Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: A hint of heat to balance the sweetness of the honey.
Ground Black Pepper: Adds a touch of spice and depth to the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies

Making Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps:

Prepare the Sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, ketchup, garlic, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, and black pepper until well combined.
Layer the Ingredients: Place the chicken thighs, halved baby red potatoes, and baby carrots in your 6-quart slow cooker. Pour the sauce mixture over the top and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
Slow Cook: Cover and cook the ingredients on low for 7-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. If possible, baste the chicken with the sauce every hour to ensure maximum flavor.

Add Green Beans: About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, add the green beans. This keeps them vibrant and slightly crisp.
Serve and Garnish: Plate the chicken and vegetables, spoon some sauce over the top, and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a colorful finishing touch.

Optional Step: For Extra Crispy Skin

If you prefer crispy chicken skin, preheat your oven to broil. Transfer the cooked chicken thighs to a baking sheet, skin side up, and broil for 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy. This step adds a delightful texture contrast to the dish.

Tips for Making the Best Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies

Use Skin-On Chicken: The skin helps keep the chicken moist during slow cooking, and you can crisp it up under the broiler for an extra treat.
Adjust the Heat: Feel free to tweak the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
Potato Substitution: If baby red potatoes aren’t available, Yukon Gold potatoes work wonderfully as a substitute—they’ll hold up just as well in the slow cooker.

Watch the Broil: If you broil the chicken, keep an eye on it! Broiling can go from perfectly golden to burnt in just a minute.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

While Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies is a satisfying meal on its own, here are some ideas to make it even better:

Side Dishes: Pair this dish with a light salad or steamed rice to balance the richness of the chicken and sauce.

Sauces: For added flavor, drizzle some extra honey garlic sauce over your chicken or veggies.
Spicy Version: Add more crushed red pepper flakes for a spicier kick or swap the green beans for a hot pepper variety for an added burst of heat.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Health Benefits of Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies

This dish is not just tasty—it’s also a healthy option. The combination of chicken thighs and vegetables provides a well-rounded, nutritious meal with high protein content and essential vitamins. Additionally, the slow cooking method preserves the nutrients in the vegetables, ensuring a meal that’s both flavorful and beneficial for your health.

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies is perfect for busy families looking to enjoy a comforting meal without the hassle of complicated preparation. By following the simple steps and incorporating a few personal touches, you can make a dish that’s not only delicious but also tailored to your family’s tastes. Whether you’re cooking on a busy weeknight or preparing a leisurely weekend dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to please.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies is the ultimate one-pot meal for busy families and home cooks alike. With minimal prep time and the magic of your slow cooker, this dish delivers tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a sticky-sweet garlic sauce that everyone will love. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or simply looking for a comforting meal to unwind after a hectic day, this recipe makes dinnertime stress-free and satisfying. Serve it up with a side of rice or a fresh salad, and enjoy the rich flavors of this effortless dish. It’s a keeper for any occasion!

FAQ About Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the thighs. However, chicken breasts cook faster than thighs, so be sure to check them earlier to avoid drying out. Thighs are perfect for slow cooking because they stay moist and tender, even with extended cooking times.

Can I substitute other vegetables in this recipe?

Absolutely! While baby red potatoes, carrots, and green beans are a classic combo, you can easily swap them out for other vegetables. Sweet potatoes, parsnips, or even bell peppers would work well in this recipe. Just keep in mind that denser vegetables like sweet potatoes may require slightly longer cooking times.

How do I store leftovers of Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm on the stovetop until heated through. You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months. Be sure to let the dish cool completely before freezing and store it in portions for easy reheating.

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Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies

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Author: Anna
Total Time: 7-8 hours
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies is a one-pot meal made with tender chicken thighs, baby red potatoes, carrots, green beans, and a sweet-savory garlic sauce. This recipe is effortless, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights, making it an easy family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
16 ounces baby red potatoes, halved
16 ounces baby carrots
16 ounces green beans, trimmed
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves (for garnish)
For the Sauce:
½ cup reduced sodium soy sauce
½ cup honey
¼ cup ketchup
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

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Instructions

Whisk together soy sauce, honey, ketchup, garlic, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, and black pepper in a large bowl.
Place chicken thighs, halved baby red potatoes, and baby carrots in a 6-quart slow cooker. Pour the sauce mixture over the top and toss to coat.

Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, basting the chicken every hour if possible.
About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, add the green beans to the slow cooker.
Serve the chicken and vegetables, spoon sauce over the top, and garnish with fresh parsley. Optionally, broil the chicken for a few minutes for crispy skin.

Notes

Use skin-on chicken for more flavor and moisture.
If using boneless skinless chicken breasts, reduce the cooking time to avoid dryness.
Feel free to swap the potatoes with Yukon Golds if you prefer.
Watch the broiler carefully, as the line between golden and burnt is very fine.