This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a flavorful, hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Packed with tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, and a sticky honey garlic glaze, it’s the ultimate one-pot dish that satisfies the whole family.
Why This Recipe Works
Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work, ensuring the chicken and vegetables are cooked to perfection with minimal effort.
Balanced Flavors: The honey garlic sauce combines sweet, savory, and tangy notes for a flavor-packed meal.
Wholesome Ingredients: This recipe uses fresh vegetables and bone-in chicken thighs, making it both nutritious and delicious.
Customizable: You can easily swap out vegetables or adjust the sweetness and saltiness of the sauce to your liking.
Ingredients
Honey Garlic Sauce
1/3 cup honey
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Crockpot Chicken and Vegetables
2 pounds chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
1 pound baby red potatoes
1 pound carrots, peeled
1 cup onions, chopped
1 pound green beans, trimmed
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Cornstarch Slurry (Optional)
2 teaspoons cornstarch
3 teaspoons water
Instructions
Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, oregano, and ketchup. This flavorful sauce will serve as the marinade and cooking liquid for the dish.
Assemble Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Place the chicken thighs at the bottom of a 4-6 quart slow cooker. Season them with salt and pepper. Add the baby red potatoes, peeled carrots, and chopped onions on top of the chicken.
Add the Sauce
Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken and vegetables. Ensure that everything is well-coated with the sauce for maximum flavor.
Cook in the Slow Cooker
Cover the slow cooker and seal the lid. Cook on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours or on the HIGH setting for 3-3 1/2 hours, depending on your schedule and preference.
Add the Green Beans
About 20 minutes before serving, add the trimmed green beans to the slow cooker. If you prefer a thicker sauce, prepare a cornstarch slurry by mixing 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with 3 teaspoons of water, and stir it into the sauce at this time.
Finish Cooking
Re-seal the lid and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until the green beans are tender and the sauce has slightly thickened.
Optional Broiling for Crisp Skin
For crispy chicken skin, transfer the chicken thighs to a baking sheet and broil them in the oven for 2-3 minutes until the skin is browned and crisp.
Serve and Garnish
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the chicken and vegetables to serving plates. Drizzle the remaining sauce over the top and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish over steamed white or brown rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Pair it with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.
Add a simple green salad to balance out the richness of the dish.
Tips for Recipe Success
Choose the Right Chicken: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe as they stay moist and flavorful during slow cooking. However, you can use boneless thighs or chicken breasts if preferred.
Cut Vegetables Evenly: To ensure even cooking, cut the potatoes and carrots into similar-sized pieces.
Don’t Overcook Green Beans: Add green beans towards the end to retain their vibrant color and crisp texture.
Adjust Seasonings: Taste the sauce before cooking and adjust the sweetness or saltiness to suit your preference.
Thicken the Sauce: Use the optional cornstarch slurry to create a thicker, glossy sauce.
Why Use a Slow Cooker?
The slow cooker allows flavors to meld together over time, resulting in tender, juicy chicken and perfectly cooked vegetables. It’s also a convenient cooking method that requires minimal hands-on time, making it perfect for busy schedules.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
Calories: 350
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 5g
Variations and Substitutions
Vegetables: Swap out the potatoes and carrots for sweet potatoes, parsnips, or butternut squash.
Protein: Use pork chops or turkey thighs instead of chicken.
Sauce: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Herbs: Experiment with thyme, rosemary, or basil for different flavor profiles.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze the chicken and vegetables in individual portions for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that’s loved by both kids and adults.
Versatile: Easily customizable to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Minimal Cleanup: A one-pot dish that reduces kitchen mess.
With its rich, savory-sweet sauce and tender ingredients, this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation. It’s a stress-free recipe that delivers restaurant-quality results, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the flavors and simplicity of this delicious dish!