Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken & Vegetables

🐔 Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken & Vegetables

Description

This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken & Vegetables is a wholesome, family-friendly meal packed with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a rich honey-garlic sauce. The slow cooker does all the work, producing perfectly juicy chicken infused with sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors. It’s a comforting, one-pot dinner perfect for busy weekdays or cozy weekends.

🍽️ Servings

Serves: 4–6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6–7 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
Total Time: 6.5 hours

🧂 Ingredients

For the Chicken & Vegetables

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra tenderness)

• 3 large carrots, peeled and cut into thick chunks

• 4–5 small potatoes, halved (baby potatoes or Yukon gold work great)

• 1 cup green beans (fresh or frozen)

• 1 small onion, sliced (optional)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Honey Garlic Sauce

• ½ cup honey

• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce

• ¼ cup ketchup

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)

• ½ tsp dried thyme (optional)

• ½ tsp red chili flakes (optional, for mild heat)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables:
   Place carrots, potatoes, and onion at the bottom of the slow cooker.

2. Add the chicken:
   Season chicken with salt and pepper, then place it on top of the vegetables.

3. Make the sauce:
   In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, thyme, and chili flakes until smooth.

4. Pour over the chicken:
   Evenly drizzle the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables.

5. Cook:

   • On Low for 6–7 hours, or

   • On High for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and vegetables are cooked through.

6. Add green beans:
   In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the green beans on top so they remain crisp-tender.

7. Serve:
   Plate chicken and vegetables. Spoon the sauce from the slow cooker over the top before serving.

📝 Notes & Tips

• Chicken Choice: Thighs stay more tender in the slow cooker than breasts.

• Vegetable Options: Substitute sweet potatoes, bell peppers, or broccoli for variety.

• Thicker Sauce: If you like a thicker glaze, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water, stir it in during the last 20 minutes of cooking.

• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

• Serving Suggestion: Serve with steamed rice, quinoa, or over mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce.

⚖️ Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

(Based on 4 servings)

(Values may vary depending on ingredients and portion size.)

🌿 Health Benefits

• High Protein: Supports muscle repair and fullness.

• Vegetable-Rich: Provides essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

• Lower in Fat: When made with chicken breast and minimal oil.

• Heart-Healthy: Uses olive oil and natural honey instead of processed sugars.

• Balanced Meal: Includes protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats in one pot.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I use frozen chicken?
A: It’s best to thaw chicken before cooking for food safety and even cooking.

Q2. Can I cook this overnight?
A: Yes! Use the low setting and start before bed. Set a timer or use a smart slow cooker for automatic shutoff.

Q3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Absolutely. Just use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

Q4. How can I make it spicy?
A: Add 1 tsp sriracha or ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Q5. Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, but make sure your slow cooker is large enough (6–8 quart). Increase sauce by 50%, not double, to avoid too much liquid.