Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the sun sets and the hustle of the day begins to fade, I crave meals that wrap me in comfort—like this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies. With tender chicken thighs bathing in a sweet and savory glaze, this dish continues to elevate my weeknight dinners. It’s a charming one-pot meal that not only satisfies my hunger but also takes less than ten minutes to throw together, making it perfect for busy evenings. Plus, the healthy balance of vibrant veggies means I can indulge without the guilt. The enticing aroma wafting through my kitchen hints at the delightful flavors waiting to dance on my plate. Are you ready to discover how this simple recipe can transform your dinner routine? Why is Honey Garlic Chicken a Must-Try? Simplicity: Just throw everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic, requiring minimal prep time. Nutritious: Packed with colorful vegetables and protein, this dish offers a healthy balance for your family table. Crowd-Pleasing: The sweet and savory flavors are a hit with both kids and adults, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied. Versatile: Feel free to swap in seasonal veggies or serve it over rice, quinoa, or even in lettuce wraps for a fun twist. Time-Saving: With an effortless cooking method, you have more time to relax while dinner cooks itself. Indulge in these flavors with our delicious and easy Bbq Chicken Sandwiches or enjoy a refreshing twist with a Hawaiian Chicken Salad. Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies Ingredients Discover the delightful elements that make this Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies so irresistible! For the Chicken • Chicken Thighs – The star of the dish, providing tenderness and flavor; feel free to substitute with chicken breasts but monitor time carefully to avoid dryness. For the Vegetables • Carrots – Add sweetness and color to your dish; swap with parsnips or sweet potatoes for a different flair. • Broccoli Florets – Offer crunch and nutrition; green beans or snap peas can be used instead if that’s what you have on hand. • Red Bell Peppers – Provide vibrant color and sweetness; consider yellow or orange bell peppers for a fun twist. For the Sauce • Honey – Infuses sweetness into the dish; adjust to preference, or use maple syrup for a vegan-friendly option. • Soy Sauce – Adds umami depth; coconut aminos are an excellent gluten-free alternative. • Minced Garlic – Essential for that aromatic flavor; fresh garlic works best, but garlic powder is a quick substitute. • Chicken Broth – Enhances the sauce’s depth; switch to vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. • Cornstarch – Acts as a thickener for the marvelous sauce; arrowroot powder can replace it for a gluten-free option. • Cold Water – Used to create a slurry with cornstarch, ensuring smooth thickening. For Garnishing • Green Onions – Sprinkled on top for a burst of freshness; optional but recommended for that extra crunch. • Toasted Sesame Seeds – Adds a nutty flavor and delightful texture; feel free to omit if nut-free. With these ingredients at your fingertips, you’re one step closer to enjoying a deliciously wholesome bowl of Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies Step 1: Whisk the Sauce In a small mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 4 cloves of minced garlic, and 1/2 cup of chicken broth. Whisk until smooth, ensuring no lumps remain. This sweet and savory sauce is essential for coating your Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies, enhancing their flavors as they cook together. Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker Place 2 pounds of chicken thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker. Layer chopped carrots, broccoli florets, and red bell pepper strips on top. Aim for an even spread; this layering technique allows the veggies to absorb the delicious sauce while keeping the chicken moist during the slow-cooking process. Step 3: Combine Ingredients Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken and vegetables. Ensure everything is well coated for maximum flavor. As the mixture seeps through, it will create a beautiful glaze, enhancing the overall taste of the Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies while they slow-cook to perfection. Step 4: Set to Cook Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. Keep an eye on the chicken; it should become tender and easy to shred. The vibrant colors of the veggies will soften but remain bright, indicating they’ve absorbed the sweet-savory essence of the sauce. Step 5: Thicken the Sauce About 30 minutes before serving, make a slurry by mixing 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl. Stir until smooth, then add this mixture to the slow cooker. This step will enhance the sauce’s thickness, creating a luscious glaze that clings to the Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies. Step 6: Garnish and Serve Once the cooking time is complete, check the chicken for tenderness. Serve the dish warm, garnished with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for added texture. This final touch elevates your Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies, making it not only delicious but visually appealing as well. Make Ahead Options These Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies are a fantastic choice for meal prep! You can chop the vegetables and marinate the chicken in the honey garlic sauce up to 24 hours in advance, storing them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully while maintaining quality. On the day of serving, simply layer the chicken and veggies in your slow cooker, pour the pre-prepared sauce over them, and set your slow cooker on low for 4 to 6 hours. This meal is not only quick to prepare; it allows you to enjoy a comforting dinner with minimal effort after a busy day! Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies Variations Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste buds and dietary needs! Dairy-Free: No need for dairy here; this recipe is already vegan-friendly without any cheese or cream. Veggie Swap: Use seasonal veggies like zucchini and mushrooms for a fresh twist. They’ll soak up that delicious sauce beautifully! Low-Carb: Substitute cauliflower rice for a healthier base. It adds a delightful texture while keeping the dish light and satisfying. Spicy Kick: Add a tablespoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick that elevates the sweet glaze. The heat will balance the honey perfectly! Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil or cilantro right before serving. This adds aromatic notes that elevate your meal into a fragrant delight. BBQ Flavor: Swap honey with your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky variation that is sure to please the crowd. Explore this flavor journey for an exciting dinner twist! Crispy Finish: Before serving, broil the cooked chicken for a few minutes to achieve a crispy finish. The contrast with tender veggies creates a delightful texture. Protein Variety: Try using beef or plant-based protein blends. Experiment with flavors and cooking times to find the perfect combination for your family! Explore more delicious recipes, like a comforting bowl of Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas or juicy Huli Huli Chicken to mix up your weekday menu! Storage Tips for Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies Fridge: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor. Freezer: Freeze in suitable containers for up to 2 months. Ensure the dish is cooled completely before freezing to prevent ice crystals. Reheating: When reheating, do so gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the sauce moist and prevent drying out. Thawing: Always thaw frozen Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for even warmth. What to Serve with Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies Transform dinner into a culinary experience with delightful sides that perfectly complement your one-pot meal. Jasmine Rice: Fluffy and fragrant, jasmine rice soaks up the luscious honey garlic sauce, adding a comforting touch to your dish. Steamed Broccoli: This fresh and vibrant side mirrors the veggies in the stew, enhancing those healthful choices on your plate. Quinoa Salad: Light and nutty, a quinoa salad paired with cherry tomatoes and cucumber brings a refreshing crunch. The nutty flavor elevates the entire meal experience, creating a delightful contrast. Cauliflower Rice: For a lighter, low-carb alternative, cauliflower rice provides a similar texture to traditional rice without the calories. It absorbs sauce beautifully! Garlic Breadsticks: Warm, buttery breadsticks are perfect for soaking up the sweet-savory glaze from your Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies, making every bite satisfying. Fruit Salad: A chilled fruit salad offers a sweet and refreshing balance, cleansing the palate between bites and adding a burst of color to your table. Sparkling Water with Lemon: Add a touch of fizz with sparkling water garnished with fresh lemon. It cleanses the palate while complementing the dish’s vibrant flavors perfectly. Chocolate Mousse: Indulge your sweet tooth with a rich chocolate mousse for dessert; it’s a heavenly finish to a delightful dinner that everyone will love. Honey-Glazed Carrots: Hugely complementary, honey-glazed carrots add an extra layer of sweetness, tying in beautifully with your main dish while still being light and seasonal. Expert Tips for Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies Use Thighs for Juiciness: Chicken thighs are more forgiving than breasts and stay tender during slow cooking. If using breasts, check for dryness. Layer Wisely: Always place chicken at the bottom and veggies on top to prevent overcooking. This technique helps retain chicken moisture while vegetables absorb flavor. Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your preference, modify the amount of honey in the sauce. Taste before adding more, as it intensifies during cooking. Veggie Flexibility: Feel free to interchange vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have at home. This keeps the dish vibrant and fresh each time! Monitor Cooking Time: Slow cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, but every slow cooker may vary. Check tenderness to ensure perfectly cooked Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies. Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies Recipe FAQs How do I select ripe vegetables for this recipe? Absolutely! When choosing vegetables, look for vibrant colors and firmness. Carrots should be crisp and bright orange, while broccoli should be deep green with tight florets. Avoid any veggies with dark spots or wilting, as this indicates they may not be fresh. How should I store leftovers from Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies? Storing leftovers is super easy! Place them in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This helps retain the flavors and keeps the dish ready for a quick meal. Make sure to cool the dish before sealing it up to maximize freshness. Can I freeze Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies? Yes, you can! For freezer storage, transfer the cooled Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies to airtight containers or freezer bags. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. For best results, label the containers with the date. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. What should I do if my sauce isn’t thickening properly? Very good question! If your sauce isn’t thickening, make sure to mix the cornstarch with cold water thoroughly to create a smooth slurry. Stir in the mixture about 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, as it needs some time to activate. If it still seems thin, you can mix in a little more cornstarch dissolved in cold water until you reach your desired thickness. Are there any dietary considerations for the Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies? Certainly! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, especially if you use gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos. It’s also a family-friendly dish. If you have allergies, simply substitute the ingredients where necessary—like using a sweetener like maple syrup if you want to avoid honey. For those cooking for pets, always keep the meal separate, as ingredients like garlic can be harmful to dogs and cats. Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies for a Flavorful Family Feast This Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies recipe is a quick, nutritious one-pot meal that perfectly balances sweetness and savory flavors. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 6 hours hrsTotal Time 6 hours hrs 10 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: ChickenCuisine: AmericanCalories: 320 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken2 pounds chicken thighs or chicken breasts, monitor time carefullyFor the Vegetables1 cup carrots chopped1 cup broccoli florets1 cup red bell peppers slicedFor the Sauce1/2 cup honey adjust to preference1/4 cup soy sauce or coconut aminos for gluten-free4 cloves minced garlic fresh preferred1/2 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth for vegetarian2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder for gluten-free2 tablespoons cold waterFor Garnishing1 cup green onions chopped2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds optional Equipment Slow Cooker Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a small mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 4 cloves of minced garlic, and 1/2 cup of chicken broth. Whisk until smooth.Place 2 pounds of chicken thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker. Layer chopped carrots, broccoli florets, and red bell pepper strips on top.Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken and vegetables.Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4 to 6 hours.About 30 minutes before serving, make a slurry by mixing 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir until smooth, then add this mixture to the slow cooker.Once the cooking time is complete, check the chicken for tenderness. Serve the dish warm, garnished with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 28gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 70mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg NotesThis recipe is perfect for busy evenings as it requires minimal prep time and is nutritious due to the inclusion of colorful vegetables. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
