SLOW COOKER HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN AND VEGGIES Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that’s as comforting as a warm hug and as vibrant as a fresh garden, you’re in for a treat with this SLOW COOKER HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN AND VEGGIES. Imagine tender, juicy chicken thighs slow-cooked to perfection in a luscious honey-garlic sauce, mingled with colorful, crisp veggies that soak up all those delicious flavors. This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something incredibly satisfying and easy to make, perfect for busy days or relaxed weekends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the SLOW COOKER HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN AND VEGGIES lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the rich, savory chicken thighs to the sweet and aromatic honey garlic marinade, while the fresh veggies add texture, color, and a natural sweetness that brightens the whole dish.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These provide juicy, flavorful meat that stays tender during slow cooking.
- 1/4 cup honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create that signature sticky glaze.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Brings a deep umami flavor and balances the sweetness with saltiness.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with warm, pungent garlic aroma and flavor.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated: Offers a zestful kick and freshness that lifts the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Adds a subtle nuttiness for depth and complexity.
- 1 cup carrots, sliced: Brightens the dish with sweetness and tender crunch.
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped: Delivers vibrant color and a mild peppery bite.
- 1 cup broccoli florets: Brings earthiness and a lovely green hue to balance the plate.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and subtle earthiness.
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish: Provides fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of green.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish): Offers a crunchy, toasty finish that’s as pretty as it is tasty.
How to Make SLOW COOKER HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN AND VEGGIES
Step 1: Whip Up the Flavorful Marinade
Start by combining the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, sesame oil, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. This vibrant marinade is the heartbeat of the dish, blending sweetness, saltiness, and aromatic punch to infuse every bite with unforgettable flavor.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Place your chicken thighs in the slow cooker and pour that delectable marinade over them, making sure each piece is luxuriously coated. This step sets the stage for melt-in-your-mouth chicken that’s bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Add the Veggies
Nestle the sliced carrots, chopped bell peppers, and broccoli florets around and on top of the chicken. These veggies will simmer gently, absorbing the honey garlic goodness while maintaining a lovely tender-crisp texture.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and let everything cook on low for about 6 hours. This slow and steady method ensures the chicken turns tender and juicy, the vegetables soften just right, and the flavors meld beautifully. Be sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe, perfect cooking.
Step 5: Shred and Stir
Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker with two forks, then stir it together with the vegetables and sauce. This makes the dish even more wholesome and ready to serve in all its saucy, comforting glory.
How to Serve SLOW COOKER HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN AND VEGGIES
Garnishes
A sprinkle of sliced green onions adds a fresh, mild crunch and a burst of color. Toasted sesame seeds bring an irresistible toasty crunch and nutty aroma that perfectly complements the sticky sauce.
Side Dishes
For a complete meal, serve this dish over fluffy white rice, nutty quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. These bases soak up extra sauce and create a hearty, satisfying plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving your SLOW COOKER HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN AND VEGGIES over a bed of rice noodles for an Asian-inspired twist, or even stuffed inside warm pita pockets with crisp lettuce for a fun handheld version. No matter how you plate it, this dish shines every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, perfect for quick lunches or dinner the following day.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Just portion into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for easy meal prep magic.
Reheating
Reheat gently either in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. This will maintain the tender texture and saucy goodness you love.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely, though chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful during slow cooking. If you use chicken breasts, watch the cooking time to avoid drying them out.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can adapt this recipe for the oven or stovetop by simmering the chicken and veggies in a covered dish at low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! This recipe is flexible. Zucchini, snap peas, or mushrooms make fantastic additions or swaps depending on what you have on hand.
Is the dish spicy?
No, the SLOW COOKER HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN AND VEGGIES is mild and sweet with savory notes. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a little heat.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
If you’d like a thicker sauce, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking, or thicken after cooking on the stove for a few minutes.
Final Thoughts
The SLOW COOKER HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN AND VEGGIES is genuinely one of those dishes that feels like a cozy celebration every time you make it. It’s simple, packed with layers of flavor, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re feeding a family or just treating yourself to something delicious, I promise this recipe will become one of your go-tos. So grab your slow cooker, gather those wholesome ingredients, and get ready to savor the magic that happens when honey, garlic, and tender chicken come together in perfect harmony.
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SLOW COOKER HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN AND VEGGIES Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies recipe offers a delicious, hands-off way to enjoy tender chicken thighs cooked in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce with fresh vegetables. Packed with vibrant carrots, bell peppers, and broccoli, this comforting dish is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or meal prep, providing balanced flavors and wholesome nutrition.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1 cup broccoli florets
Garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a flavorful marinade base.
- Coat the chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into the slow cooker and pour the prepared marinade over them, making sure each piece is well-coated for maximum flavor absorption.
- Add the vegetables: Distribute the sliced carrots, chopped bell peppers, and broccoli florets around and on top of the chicken in the slow cooker, layering the veggies evenly.
- Cook on low: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Shred and mix: Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, then stir together the shredded chicken and cooked vegetables to combine flavors.
- Serve and garnish: Plate the warm chicken and veggies, topping with sliced green onions and optional sesame seeds for added texture and a nutty finish.
- Customize your veggies: Feel free to swap or add vegetables like zucchini or snap peas according to your preference to vary textures and flavors.
- Optional serving suggestion: For a more substantial meal, serve the honey garlic chicken and vegetables over cooked rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Storage: Store leftover portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating before serving to enjoy again.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if preferred, but cooking time may vary slightly.
- Adjust the sweetness and saltiness by modifying the honey and soy sauce quantities to taste.
- Ensure the internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- For a low sodium version, use low sodium soy sauce and reduce added salt.
- Adding additional vegetables like snap peas or zucchini can enhance the nutritional profile and flavor variety.
- Leftovers can also be used as filling for wraps or added to salads for a quick meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/5th of recipe)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: slow cooker chicken, honey garlic chicken, chicken and veggies, easy dinner, healthy chicken recipe, crockpot chicken, slow cooker meals
