Slow cooker honey garlic chicken served with assorted vegetables

Why Make This Recipe

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies is a great dish for many reasons. First, it's simple to prepare, making it perfect for beginners. You just need to toss the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the work. The result is a tasty meal that combines sweet and savory flavors. Plus, you get protein, veggies, and carbs all in one pot, which makes it easy to serve. This dish is also healthy, and the slow cooking ensures that the chicken stays tender and juicy. It's a fantastic way to feed your family without spending all day in the kitchen.

How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies

Making this dish is easy! Here's a step-by-step guide to help you create this delicious meal.

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

Mix the Sauce: Start by taking a large bowl. Whisk together the soy sauce, honey, ketchup, minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and black pepper. This sauce gives your dish its amazing flavor.
Prepare the Slow Cooker: In your 6-quart slow cooker, place the chicken thighs at the bottom. Next, add the halved baby red potatoes and baby carrots.
Combine Everything: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables. Gently toss everything together so that the sauce evenly coats the chicken and veggies.
Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on Low for 7-8 hours or on High for 3-4 hours. If you can, baste the chicken with the sauce every hour.
Add Green Beans: About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, add the trimmed green beans. They will become tender without becoming mushy.
Optional Crisp: If you like crispy chicken skin, you can broil the chicken. Preheat your oven to broil. Take the chicken thighs out of the slow cooker and place them, skin side up, on a baking sheet. Broil for about 3-4 minutes until the skin is golden and crunchy.
Serve: Once everything is cooked, serve the chicken with the vegetables. Spoon some of the sauce over the top and garnish with fresh parsley for a nice touch.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies

Serve this meal right from the slow cooker to keep everything warm. Use a large serving spoon to place chicken thighs on plates along with the potatoes, carrots, and green beans. Drizzle some sauce over the top for extra flavor. You can pair this dish with rice or a simple salad if you want something extra.

How to Store Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies

If you have leftovers, that's great! Let the chicken and veggies cool down at room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or warm it on the stove. Just make sure it heats all the way through.

Tips to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies

Prep Ahead: You can prepare the sauce the night before and store it in the fridge. This saves you time in the morning.
Cut Veggies Evenly: Make sure to cut the potatoes and carrots into similar sizes. This ensures they cook evenly.
Adjust Flavors: If you like it sweeter, add more honey. If you want extra heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes.
Don't Overcrowd: Make sure there's enough space in the slow cooker. If it's too full, it might not cook evenly.

Variation

You can switch up the vegetables based on what you have at home. Broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas can all work well in this dish. You could also use boneless chicken thighs if you prefer less fat.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken thighs?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but the cooking time will be longer. Make sure to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Can I make this in the oven instead of a slow cooker?

Absolutely! You can bake it in a covered dish at 350°F for about 1.5 hours. Make sure to check that the chicken is cooked through.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce. There are several brands available that taste great.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies is a fantastic dish for any home cook, especially beginners. It's easy to make and full of flavor. With minimal effort, you can create a nutritious meal that the whole family will love. Enjoy your cooking journey as you make this delightful recipe!