Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken thighs, vibrant veggies, and a sweet-savory sauce in one easy-to-make meal. This recipe shines during busy weeknights or when you’re hosting friends on the weekend. With minimal prep and clean-up, it’s perfect for any occasion, making it a go-to recipe for families seeking comfort food with a twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: Simply toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of honey, garlic, and spices creates a deliciously rich sauce that elevates the whole dish.
• Family-Friendly: With tender chicken and colorful vegetables, this meal appeals to both kids and adults alike.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.
• Minimal Clean-Up: One pot means fewer dishes, so you can spend more time enjoying your meal.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this tasty recipe, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 6-quart slow cooker
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow Cooker: This is the star of the show! It cooks your meal slowly to ensure tender meat and infused flavors.
• Mixing Bowl: A large bowl allows you to easily combine ingredients without making a mess.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending sauces smoothly, ensuring each ingredient is well incorporated.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

For the Veggies

• 16 ounces baby red potatoes, halved
• 16 ounces baby carrots
• 16 ounces green beans, trimmed

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

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

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How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a large bowl, whisk together:
1. Soy sauce
2. Honey
3. Ketchup
4. Minced garlic
5. Dried basil
6. Dried oregano
7. Crushed red pepper flakes
8. Ground black pepper

This mixture will serve as your flavorful sauce.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Place the following into your 6-quart slow cooker:
1. Chicken thighs
2. Halved baby red potatoes
3. Baby carrots

Pour the prepared sauce over these ingredients, gently tossing to ensure everything is coated evenly.

Step 3: Cook the Dish

Cover your slow cooker and choose your cooking time:
– Cook on Low for 7-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours.
– If possible, baste the chicken every hour for enhanced flavor.

Step 4: Add Green Beans

About 30 minutes before serving, add trimmed green beans to the slow cooker. This will keep them crisp while allowing them to absorb some of that delicious sauce.

Step 5: Optional Crisping Method

For those who enjoy crispy chicken skin:
1. Preheat your oven to broil.
2. Transfer chicken thighs (skin side up) onto a baking sheet.
3. Broil for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Serve Your Dish

Serve your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies hot from the pot! Spoon extra sauce over everything and garnish with fresh parsley for an added touch of color and freshness. Enjoy!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies

Serving Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies is all about enhancing the meal’s comforting flavors while making it visually appealing. This dish is versatile; you can pair it with various sides or toppings for a complete dining experience.

With Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley – Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.
• Green Onions – Add sliced green onions for a mild onion flavor that complements the dish.

Accompanied by Rice

• Steamed White Rice – Serve the chicken and veggies over fluffy steamed white rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Brown Rice – For a healthier option, brown rice adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber.

On a Bed of Greens

• Mixed Greens Salad – Pair with a simple mixed greens salad drizzled with vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
• Spinach or Arugula – Lay the chicken and veggies atop fresh spinach or arugula for added nutrients.

With Crusty Bread

• French Bread – Offer slices of crusty French bread to mop up the sweet and savory sauce.
• Garlic Bread – Serve with garlic bread for an extra layer of flavor that pairs wonderfully with this dish.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies

To achieve the best results with your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies, follow these helpful tips. They will help you enhance flavor, texture, and overall presentation.

• Marinating – Allow the chicken to marinate in the honey garlic sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This enhances flavor.
• Layering Ingredients – Place denser vegetables like potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker to ensure even cooking.
• Adjust Cooking Time – Monitor cooking times based on your slow cooker model; some may cook faster than others.
• Skip Overcooking – Avoid overcooking the chicken by sticking closely to suggested cooking times. Tender chicken is key!
• Add Vegetables Later – For crispier green beans, add them in during the last 30 minutes of cooking time.
• Broil for Crispiness – If you prefer crispy skin, broil the chicken for a few minutes after slow cooking to achieve that perfect golden finish.

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Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies can elevate your meal further. Here are some excellent options that complement this delightful dish well.

1. Quinoa Pilaf – A nutty quinoa pilaf adds texture and health benefits; simply sauté onions before adding quinoa for more flavor.
2. Roasted Asparagus – Lightly seasoned roasted asparagus brings crunch and freshness to balance out heartiness.
3. Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting base that pairs beautifully with the savory sauce from the chicken.
4. Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw offers refreshing crunch; consider using cabbage, carrots, and a light vinaigrette dressing.
5. Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn on the cob can be grilled or boiled as an easy side that adds sweetness to your plate.
6. Baked Sweet Potatoes – These add natural sweetness and are packed with nutrients; they can be topped with butter or cinnamon for extra flair.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.

• Skipping the Marinade: Not allowing the chicken to marinate in the sauce can lead to bland flavor. Always take the time to coat your chicken and let it soak up those delicious flavors.
• Overcrowding the Slow Cooker: Packing too much into the slow cooker can prevent even cooking. Ensure there is enough space for steam to circulate around the ingredients.
• Ignoring Cooking Times: Cooking on high for too long or low for too short a time can result in undercooked or overcooked chicken. Stick closely to the recommended cooking times for best results.
• Not Adding Vegetables at the Right Time: Adding delicate veggies like green beans too early can lead to mushiness. Add them about 30 minutes before cooking is complete for optimal texture.
• Using Regular Soy Sauce: Using regular soy sauce instead of reduced sodium versions can make your dish too salty. Always opt for reduced sodium soy sauce to balance flavors better.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies

• Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the dish in a covered baking dish for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Transfer a serving to a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium-low in a skillet, stirring occasionally, until warmed throughout.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies gluten-free?

You can use gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce. This simple swap will keep your dish gluten-free while maintaining flavor.

Can I use boneless chicken thighs?

Yes! Boneless chicken thighs will work well in this recipe. Just adjust your cooking time slightly since they may cook faster than bone-in thighs.

What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to customize with vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or zucchini. Just remember to add them according to their cooking times for best results.

How spicy is this recipe?

With just a dash of crushed red pepper flakes, this recipe is mild but flavorful. You can adjust or omit it based on your spice preference.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! If you have a larger slow cooker, you can double the ingredients while keeping cooking times similar. Just ensure everything fits comfortably without overcrowding.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices. Perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends, give this hearty dish a try—you won’t regret it!