Easy Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies

This Easy Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies is a tasty and simple dish. Juicy chicken falls apart while sweet honey and garlic create a yummy sauce, making every bite delicious.

The best part? You can just toss everything in and let the slow cooker do the work while you relax! I love serving this with rice—it’s like a warm hug for your tummy! 😊

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs work great for this recipe, giving it rich flavor. If you prefer, you can use boneless thighs or even breasts, but they might dry out a bit faster.

Vegetables: Baby potatoes and carrots add heartiness, but feel free to swap in other veggies like sweet potatoes, bell peppers, or green beans based on what you have on hand.

Honey: Honey is key for sweetness, but if you’re out, maple syrup or agave nectar can work as a great substitute.

Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce can reduce saltiness. If you need a gluten-free option, try tamari or coconut aminos instead.

How Do I Get the Best Flavor from the Honey Garlic Sauce?

Getting the honey garlic sauce just right makes this dish truly flavorful. Here’s how you can enhance it:

• Mix the sauce ingredients well until they’re fully blended—this ensures every piece of chicken gets that tasty coating.
• Make sure to cover the slow cooker completely; this helps lock in moisture and flavors.
• If you broil the chicken afterward, keep a close eye on it. Just a few minutes can transform the flavor and add a nice texture.

Let the sauce simmer with the chicken so it can soak into the meat and veggies, making everything deliciously tender.

Easy Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Main Dish:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
• 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

For the Sauce:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

For Garnishing:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe is super easy! You’ll need about 15 minutes for prep, and then just let your slow cooker work its magic for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Total time to enjoy this delicious meal is about 6-7 hours or 3-4 hours, depending on your cooking method.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables:

Start by placing the halved baby potatoes and carrot chunks right at the bottom of your slow cooker. This forms a lovely base for all that yummy flavor!

2. Add the Chicken:

Now, it’s time to season those chicken thighs! Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides and place them on top of the veggies. This way, they’ll soak up all that good juiciness as they cook.

3. Mix the Sauce:

In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, ketchup, olive oil, dried basil, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of heat). Make sure everything is well combined!

4. Pour and Cook:

Pour that delicious honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken and veggies in your slow cooker. Cover it with the lid and set it to cook—go for low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is fully cooked and the veggies are tender.

5. Optional Broiling Step:

If you want a slightly thicker sauce and some nice caramelization on the chicken skin, you can transfer everything to a baking dish and broil it in the oven for 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!

6. Garnish and Serve:

Once it’s done cooking, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color. Serve warm, and don’t forget the rice or crusty bread to soak up all that amazing sauce!

Enjoy this easy and delightful meal with family and friends! 🍽️

FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies

Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?

Yes! You can use frozen chicken thighs, but you’ll need to add extra cooking time—about 1-2 hours longer on low or 30-60 minutes on high. Just ensure the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F) before serving.

What If I Don’t Have Honey?

No problem! If you’re out of honey, you can substitute it with maple syrup, agave nectar, or even brown sugar mixed with a bit of water. These alternatives will still give your sauce that sweet flavor we’re aiming for!

How Can I Store Leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.

What Vegetables Can I Use Instead of Potatoes and Carrots?

You can absolutely mix it up! Try using sweet potatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans. Just be mindful of cooking times, as softer veggies like zucchini will cook faster than harder ones like carrots.