Why Make This Recipe
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies is a fantastic dish that is perfect for busy people and families. The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You prepare everything in one slow cooker, which saves you time and makes cleanup easy. The combination of chicken, vegetables, and a delicious sauce creates a meal that is full of flavor and nutrition.
This recipe is great for any meal of the day. You can serve it for a cozy family dinner or for guests coming over. The sweet and savory taste of honey and garlic pairs well with the tender chicken and fresh veggies. Plus, cooking in a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it while you go about your day.
Using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs adds moisture and flavor to the dish. The baby red potatoes, carrots, and green beans provide color and a variety of textures. Together, they make a beautiful and comforting plate of food that everyone will enjoy.
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies
Making Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies is quite straightforward. With a few simple steps, you will have a delightful meal ready to enjoy. Follow the directions below to create your own delicious dish.
Ingredients
- 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)
- 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
Directions
Prepare the Sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, ketchup, minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Make sure all ingredients are mixed well to create a smooth sauce.
Layer the Ingredients: Take your 6-quart slow cooker and place the chicken thighs at the bottom. Add the halved baby red potatoes and baby carrots on top of the chicken.
Add the Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables. Gently toss everything to ensure the chicken and veggies are coated well in the sauce.
Cooking Time: Cover the slow cooker and cook on Low for 7-8 hours, or on High for 3-4 hours. If you can, baste the chicken every hour to keep it moist and flavorful.
Adding Green Beans: About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, add the trimmed green beans to the slow cooker. This will help them stay bright and crunchy.
Optional Crispy Skin: If you prefer crispy chicken skin, preheat your oven to broil. Transfer the cooked chicken thighs, skin side up, to a baking sheet. Broil for 3-4 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Serve Your Dish: Once everything is done cooking, serve the chicken and veggies on plates. Spoon the delicious sauce over the top and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies
When serving Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies, it is best to keep it simple. You can plate the chicken thighs along with the colorful vegetables and use a ladle to add extra sauce over the top. This will enhance the flavor and make the dish look appealing.
You might want to serve it with a side of rice or crusty bread. These options can help soak up the savory sauce, making your meal even more enjoyable. A light salad on the side can also complement this dish. Fresh greens add a nice contrast to the hearty chicken and vegetables.
Don’t forget to sprinkle extra parsley on top for a touch of freshness. This not only looks good but adds a burst of flavor as well.
How to Store Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies
If you have leftovers of Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies, you can store them easily. Let the dish cool down to room temperature first. Then, transfer the chicken and veggies into an airtight container.
You can keep the leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving again. You can use the microwave or heat it in a pot on the stove. Adding a splash of water or broth can help keep the dish moist while reheating.
If you want to store it for a longer time, you can freeze the leftovers. Place the chicken and veggies in a freezer-safe container. They will last for about 3 months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies
Quality Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables and good-quality chicken thighs for the best flavor. Organic options can make a difference in taste and nutrition.
Sauce Adjustments: If you like things spicy, feel free to add more crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also substitute agave syrup for honey if you want a different sweetness level.
Cooking Time: Depending on your slow cooker, cooking times can vary. Make sure to check the chicken’s internal temperature; it should reach at least 165°F (75°C) to be safe to eat.
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to change the vegetables based on what you have. Bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli can be great additions to this dish.
Basting Importance: Basting the chicken helps keep it moist and ensures the flavors penetrate the meat well. It is worth the effort if you can do it.
Variation
There are several ways to tweak this recipe to fit your tastes.
Add Different Vegetables: Try using sweet potatoes instead of red potatoes. You can also use peas or corn for a different texture.
Citrus Twist: Add the juice of one lemon or lime to the sauce for a refreshing citrus flavor. It spices things up and adds a bright taste.
Teriyaki Version: You can replace the soy sauce with teriyaki sauce for a different flavor profile. This will give a sweeter, more tropical taste to the dish.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs if you prefer. Just keep in mind that they might cook a bit faster, so check them about 30 minutes before the end time.
Is it necessary to brown the chicken before cooking?
No, it is not necessary. The slow cooker will cook the chicken thoroughly, and you will still get great flavor from the marinade. However, browning the chicken first can add extra flavor and a nice color.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
While the main ingredient is chicken, you could substitute the chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Use vegetable broth instead of soy sauce for a tasty sauce.
Making Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies is a simple way to enjoy a flavorful and hearty meal. It is the perfect dish for busy nights or any family gathering. With just a few ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a comforting meal that everyone will love.
Print
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and flavorful dish of chicken thighs and vegetables cooked in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, perfect for busy families.
Ingredients
- 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)
- 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
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, ketchup, minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and black pepper until smooth.
- In a 6-quart slow cooker, place the chicken thighs at the bottom, then add the halved baby red potatoes and baby carrots on top.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables, gently tossing to coat.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on Low for 7-8 hours, or on High for 3-4 hours, basting the chicken every hour if possible.
- About 30 minutes before cooking is done, add the trimmed green beans to keep them bright and crunchy.
- For crispy skin, preheat the oven to broil, transfer the cooked chicken thighs to a baking sheet, and broil for 3-4 minutes until crispy.
- Serve the chicken and veggies on plates with extra sauce spooned on top and garnish with parsley.
Notes
Quality ingredients lead to better flavor. Adjust spices to your taste. Basting the chicken helps maintain moisture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 660mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: slow cooker, chicken, honey garlic, easy dinner, family meal
