Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies is the ultimate slow cooker comfort meal that’s sweet, savory, and incredibly easy. Juicy chicken, tender potatoes, and crisp veggies cook in a rich honey garlic sauce for a cozy, no fuss dinner.
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Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies
Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies makes weeknight dinner feel simple and satisfying. First, you toss everything into one slow cooker, then you let it simmer into tender, flavorful perfection. Meanwhile, your kitchen fills with the most mouthwatering sweet and savory aroma.
Because this recipe uses hearty chicken thighs, you get juicy meat every time. At the same time, baby red potatoes and carrots soak up that glossy honey garlic sauce. As a result, every bite tastes balanced and comforting.
In fact, this meal gives you protein and vegetables in one pot, so you skip extra side dishes. Also, prep takes about 10 minutes, which makes it perfect for busy days. Whether you cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours, Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies turns out tender and rich.
If you love cozy slow cooker dinners like Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice or hearty Slow Cooker Beef Stew, you’ll adore this one too.
A True One-Pot Slow Cooker Meal
Because everything cooks together, Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies saves time and dishes. The chicken, potatoes, carrots, and green beans all simmer in the same sauce. As a result, flavors blend beautifully while cleanup stays easy.
Sweet, Savory, and Family-Friendly Flavor
The honey garlic sauce tastes sweet, savory, and slightly tangy. Meanwhile, a touch of garlic and herbs adds depth without overpowering the dish. Even picky eaters usually ask for seconds.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers
Since Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies makes about four hearty servings, you can enjoy leftovers the next day. In fact, the flavors deepen overnight, so lunch tastes even better.
Ingredients for Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies
Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies uses simple pantry staples and fresh vegetables. Because the ingredient list stays short, you can prep quickly and start cooking right away.
For the Chicken and Vegetables
You need 8 bone in, skin on chicken thighs for the best flavor and texture. Because the bones add richness, the meat stays juicy during long cooking. However, you can substitute boneless, skinless thighs or chicken breasts if you prefer, and they may cook slightly faster.
Next, add 16 ounces of baby red potatoes, halved for even cooking. Then include 16 ounces of baby carrots for natural sweetness. You will also need 16 ounces of green beans, trimmed, but add them near the end so they stay tender crisp.
Finally, chop fresh parsley for garnish. It adds color and brightness to Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies. If you like variety, you can swap in broccoli or snap peas during the last 30 minutes.
For the Honey Garlic Sauce
The sauce gives Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies its bold flavor. First, combine ½ cup reduced sodium soy sauce with ½ cup honey. Then stir in ¼ cup ketchup for a subtle tang.
Add 2 cloves of minced garlic for punch. Meanwhile, dried basil and oregano bring warmth and depth. A small amount of crushed red pepper flakes adds mild heat, and ground black pepper rounds it out.
Because honey brings sweetness and soy sauce adds saltiness, the balance tastes rich yet comforting.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies in the Slow Cooker
Making Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies feels almost effortless. First you mix the sauce, then you layer the ingredients, and finally you let the slow cooker work its magic.
Mix the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, ketchup, minced garlic, dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Stir until fully combined and glossy. As soon as you mix it, you will smell the sweet garlic aroma.
: Layer Chicken and Vegetables
Place the chicken thighs in a 6 quart slow cooker. Next, add halved potatoes and baby carrots around the chicken. Then pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over everything. Spoon some sauce on top so all pieces coat well.
Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Cover and cook Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. If you are home, occasionally spoon sauce over the chicken for extra flavor.
During the final 30 minutes, add the green beans. This step keeps them bright and tender instead of overly soft. As a result, the dish keeps its texture.
Optional Broil for Crispy Skin
If you love crispy skin, transfer the cooked chicken to a baking sheet. Then broil for 3 to 4 minutes until the skin turns golden and slightly crisp.
Garnish and Serve
Serve Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies hot with plenty of sauce spooned on top. Finally, sprinkle chopped parsley for freshness and color.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
A few small tips make Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies even better. Because slow cooking builds flavor over time, details matter.
Choosing the Right Cut of Chicken
Bone in, skin on thighs give the richest flavor and tender texture. However, boneless thighs or breasts work well too. Just remember that lean cuts may cook a bit faster, so check for doneness earlier.
When to Add Green Vegetables
Always add green beans near the end. If you add them too early, they soften too much. Therefore, stir them in during the final 30 minutes for the best texture.
How to Thicken the Sauce
If you want a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 20 to 30 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, transfer the sauce to a saucepan and simmer briefly until slightly reduced.
How to Reduce Sodium or Sugar
Use low sodium soy sauce to lower salt levels. Also, you can reduce the honey slightly if you prefer less sweetness.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies adapts easily to your taste. Because the base sauce works with many ingredients, you can switch things up.
Different Vegetables to Try
You can add broccoli florets, snap peas, bell peppers, or zucchini. However, add softer vegetables near the end of cooking so they keep structure and color.
Make It Spicy or Extra Garlicky
If you enjoy heat, increase the red pepper flakes. Meanwhile, adding extra minced garlic makes the sauce bolder and more aromatic.
Can You Use Frozen Chicken?
For food safety, thaw chicken before placing it in the slow cooker. While frozen chicken may cook unevenly, thawed chicken cooks more consistently and safely.
Serving Suggestions
Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies works beautifully as a complete meal on its own. Because it already includes protein and vegetables, you can serve it straight from the slow cooker.
However, if you want extra comfort, spoon it over fluffy rice or quinoa. The grains soak up the glossy honey garlic sauce. Meanwhile, crusty bread makes a great option for dipping.
If you enjoy creamy dishes, you might also like The BEST Chicken Alfredo Slow Cooker Recipe or cozy Slow Cooker Crack Potato Soup.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftover Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several days. In fact, the flavors deepen overnight, so leftovers taste even richer.
To reheat, warm portions in the microwave until heated through. Alternatively, heat gently on the stovetop over medium low heat, stirring occasionally.
You can also freeze portions for longer storage. Just cool completely before freezing, then thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What veggies go with honey garlic chicken?
Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies pairs well with potatoes, carrots, and green beans. However, you can also add broccoli, snap peas, zucchini, or bell peppers near the end of cooking.
What are some common honey chicken mistakes?
Common mistakes include adding green vegetables too early or using too much soy sauce. Also, skipping occasional basting can reduce flavor on the chicken surface.
How to prepare honey garlic chicken?
First, whisk together the honey garlic sauce. Then place chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker and pour sauce over them. Finally, cook until tender and add green beans during the last 30 minutes.
How long can honey garlic chicken last in the fridge?
Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies lasts several days in the refrigerator when stored properly. Always keep it in a sealed container and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Other Recipes You May Enjoy
Conclusion
Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies gives you a comforting, flavorful dinner with almost no effort. Because everything cooks together in one pot, cleanup stays simple and stress free. Meanwhile, the sweet and savory sauce coats every bite of juicy chicken and tender vegetables.
Whether you need an easy weeknight meal or a dependable meal prep option, this slow cooker recipe delivers. Try Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies once, and it just might become your new family favorite.
Before you go, you can find more cozy slow cooker inspiration on my Pinterest at pinterest.
Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies
Equipment
- 6-quart slow cooker For cooking the chicken and vegetables evenly.
- Mixing bowl For whisking the sauce.
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 fresh parsley, chopped
- 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 bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, ketchup, minced garlic, dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, and black pepper until well combined.
- Place chicken thighs, halved potatoes, and carrots into a 6 quart slow cooker. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the top and coat evenly.
- Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Spoon sauce over the chicken occasionally if possible.
- Add green beans during the last 30 minutes of cooking so they stay tender. Once done, transfer chicken to a baking sheet and broil for 3 to 4 minutes if you want crispy skin.
- Serve the chicken with vegetables and spoon extra sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
