Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies
Cooking is a wonderful way to bring people together. One recipe that does just that is Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies. This dish is comforting, easy to prepare, and packed with flavor. The combination of juicy chicken thighs, vibrant vegetables, and a tasty honey garlic sauce creates a meal that everyone will love. Whether you are preparing dinner for your family or hosting friends, this recipe will surely impress. Get ready to enjoy a delightful dish that requires minimal effort but yields delicious results.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, ketchup, minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and ground black pepper until well combined.
- Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker and add the halved baby red potatoes and baby carrots.
- Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the chicken and veggies, gently tossing to coat them evenly.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on Low for 7-8 hours or on High for 3-4 hours. Baste the chicken every hour if possible.
- About 30 minutes before cooking time ends, add the trimmed green beans to the slow cooker.
- For crispy chicken skin, preheat the oven to broil, transfer the chicken to a baking sheet, skin side up, and broil for 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Serve the chicken with the vegetables, spooning some of the sauce over the top and garnishing with fresh parsley.
Nutrition
Notes
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Let us know how it was!Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies. First, it is incredibly easy to prepare. Just mix your sauce, add the ingredients to a slow cooker, and let it do the work. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a tasty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Second, the flavors are outstanding. The sweet and savory honey garlic sauce pairs wonderfully with tender chicken and fresh vegetables. The soy sauce adds a nice umami touch, and the herbs bring a fragrant aroma to the dish. Each bite is a celebration of flavors that will leave everyone asking for more.
Third, this recipe is flexible. You can customize it according to what you have on hand. Use different vegetables or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. This allows you to enjoy this dish any time of year, no matter the season’s ingredients.
Finally, cooking with a slow cooker is great for meal prep. You can prepare this dish in the morning and have it ready by dinner. This not only saves you time but also lets the flavors develop beautifully as they cook together.
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies
Creating this delightful dish is straightforward and fun. Follow the steps below for a meal that will surely please your taste buds.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies:
- 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
Directions
Begin by preparing your sauce. Take a large bowl and whisk together soy sauce, honey, ketchup, minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and ground black pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.
Next, take the slow cooker and place the chicken thighs in it. Add the halved baby red potatoes and baby carrots.
Once the chicken and veggies are in the slow cooker, pour the prepared sauce mixture over everything. Gently toss the ingredients to coat them evenly with the sauce.
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook. You can choose to cook on Low for 7-8 hours or on High for 3-4 hours. If you can, try to baste the chicken every hour to keep it moist and flavorful.
About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, add the trimmed green beans to the slow cooker. This will give them just enough time to cook without becoming mushy.
Optional: If you want crispy chicken skin, preheat your oven to broil. Carefully transfer the chicken thighs to a baking sheet, skin side up, and broil them for 3-4 minutes until the skin turns golden and crispy.
When done, serve the chicken with the vegetables. Spoon some of the delicious sauce over the top and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies
Serving Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies is simple and enjoyable. Start by placing a generous portion of chicken thighs on each plate. Add a mix of the baby red potatoes, baby carrots, and green beans beside the chicken. Drizzle some of the sauce from the slow cooker over the chicken and vegetables for added flavor and moisture.
You can pair this dish with fluffy rice or crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce. A fresh green salad or steamed rice goes well as a side dish to balance the meal. Remember to sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top for a beautiful presentation.
How to Store Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies
If you have leftovers (which is unlikely because it’s so tasty!), storing them is easy. Allow the dish to cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to keep it for a longer period, consider freezing it. Place the cooled chicken and veggies in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Label it with the date and freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies
Quality Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken for the best taste. Fresh ingredients will enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.
Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to modify the seasonings based on your preferences. If you like more heat, add extra crushed red pepper flakes. For a sweeter sauce, increase the amount of honey.
Proteins: You can also substitute chicken thighs with other cuts of chicken, such as chicken breasts, or even pork or tofu for a different flavor profile.
Vegetable Variations: If you want to change up the vegetables, consider adding bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli. Just make sure to adjust cooking times if using more delicate vegetables.
Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Variation
If you’re looking to mix things up a bit, you can experiment with different flavor profiles. For example, try adding a tablespoon of sriracha for a spicy kick. You can also use different herbs. Fresh thyme or rosemary could give a new taste twist.
Another variation is to create a citrusy twist. Add the juice of one orange or lemon to the sauce to brighten the flavors. It complements the sweetness of the honey and adds a refreshing touch.
FAQs
1. Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well in this recipe. They will cook faster than bone-in thighs, so reduce the cooking time by about an hour.
2. Can I cook this recipe on the stovetop?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can make this on the stovetop. Simply brown the chicken thighs in a large pot, then add the sauce and vegetables. Cover and simmer on low for 45 minutes to 1 hour until the chicken is cooked and the vegetables are tender.
3. What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or a simple green salad. You can even serve it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
4. Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Just keep in mind that different vegetables have varying cooking times.
5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Now you’re ready to create your own Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies! It’s truly a simple and satisfying meal that will make your dining experience enjoyable. Happy cooking!