This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a flavorful, hearty meal made with tender chicken thighs and a medley of vegetables, all cooked in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. It’s an effortless one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy one-pot meal with minimal prep work.
- A perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
- Healthy and packed with nutritious vegetables.
- Family-friendly and great for meal prep.
- Naturally gluten-free with simple substitutions available.
Ingredients
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
For the Chicken and Vegetables:
- 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 pound baby red potatoes, halved if large
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 cup onions, chopped
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
For the Cornstarch Slurry (Optional):
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 3 teaspoons water
Directions
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, oregano, and ketchup until well combined.
- Place the chicken thighs, baby red potatoes, carrots, and chopped onions in a 4-6 quart slow cooker.
- Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken and vegetables.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-3½ hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- If using the cornstarch slurry, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken the sauce.
- Add the trimmed green beans in the last 30 minutes of cooking to retain their crisp texture.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (LOW) or 3-3½ hours (HIGH)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: Approximately 420 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
- Different Proteins: Substitute chicken thighs with drumsticks or boneless chicken breasts.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with tofu and use vegetable broth.
- Additional Vegetables: Try bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Sweet Twist: Add a splash of orange juice for a citrusy flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
FAQs
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Ensure there’s enough sauce and cook on low for the best texture.
Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs or breasts can be used, but reduce the cooking time slightly.
Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prep the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge until ready to cook.
What can I serve with this dish?
Serve it over rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms are great additions.
Does the sauce thicken naturally?
It thickens slightly, but using a cornstarch slurry helps achieve a richer consistency.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but ensure the cooking time is adjusted to allow thorough cooking.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer; chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, it’s a mild, flavorful dish that most kids enjoy.
Can I substitute soy sauce with something else?
Yes, coconut aminos or tamari work well as substitutes.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a satisfying, easy-to-make dish perfect for any occasion. With its delicious balance of sweet and savory flavors, it’s a great meal for the whole family to enjoy!
Explore More Delicious Recipes
If you enjoyed making Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken, you might also love these flavorful dishes:
- Crispy and Quick Alternative – Try Frozen Chicken Wings in Air Fryer for a crunchy bite with minimal effort.
- Rich and Creamy Comfort Food – Indulge in Delicious and Creamy Quick Boursin Chicken Pasta Recipe for a cheesy, flavorful meal.
- More Slow Cooker Goodness – Cozy up with Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup with Sausage, a perfect comfort meal.
- A Flavorful Twist – Spice things up with Zaatar Chicken Wings: A Flavorful Twist on Classic Wings featuring bold Middle Eastern flavors.
- Crowd-Pleasing Favorite – Planning a gathering? Don’t miss Easy and Unique Sloppy Joe Recipes for Family Meals, a guaranteed hit!
Happy cooking!
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Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious and tender Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken made with juicy chicken, sweet honey, garlic, and savory flavors for an easy meal.
Ingredients
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
For the Chicken and Vegetables:
- 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 pound baby red potatoes, halved if large
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 cup onions, chopped
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
For the Cornstarch Slurry (Optional):
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 3 teaspoons water
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, oregano, and ketchup until well combined.
- Place the chicken thighs, baby red potatoes, carrots, and chopped onions in a 4-6 quart slow cooker.
- Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken and vegetables.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-3½ hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- If using the cornstarch slurry, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken the sauce.
- Add the trimmed green beans in the last 30 minutes of cooking to retain their crisp texture.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- This dish is perfect for meal prep and can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer.
- Adding fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley enhances the dish’s flavor and presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Method: Asian-Inspired
- Cuisine: Slow Cooking