Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken And Veggies Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious and effortless meal that combines tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and a mouth-watering sauce, this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies Recipe is perfect for you. This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want a hearty, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of sweet honey, savory garlic, and tangy soy sauce makes this dish a family favorite. Plus, the slow cooker does all the work, so you can enjoy more time doing what you love!

Ingredients Overview

To make this delightful Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies Recipe, you’ll need some simple, fresh ingredients:

• Chicken: 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs.
• Vegetables: 16 ounces of baby red potatoes (halved), 16 ounces of baby carrots, and 16 ounces of green beans (trimmed).
• Garnish: 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley leaves.

For the Sauce:

• ½ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
• ½ cup honey
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

this RECIPE

Equipment Needed

To make this dish, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:

• A 6-quart slow cooker
• A large mixing bowl
• A baking sheet (if you choose the optional broiling step)
• A basting brush

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by halving the baby red potatoes and trimming the green beans. Set the vegetables aside. Mince the garlic cloves and chop the fresh parsley leaves.

2. Combine the Sauce Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the reduced-sodium soy sauce, honey, ketchup, minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and ground black pepper until well combined.

Making the Honey Garlic Sauce

The honey garlic sauce is the star of this recipe. Here’s how to make it perfect:

• Use fresh garlic for the best flavor; it brings out a stronger, more aromatic taste than pre-minced options.
• Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer more or less heat. A little goes a long way!
• Mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure all flavors are well-blended, creating a smooth, rich sauce that will coat the chicken and veggies evenly.

Cooking Instructions

1. Arrange in the Slow Cooker

Place the chicken thighs, potatoes, and carrots into the 6-quart slow cooker. Pour the honey garlic sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring they are well coated.

2. Cook Low and Slow

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 7-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. To maximize flavor, baste the chicken with the sauce every hour.

3. Add Green Beans Later

For perfectly cooked green beans, add them to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will keep them tender-crisp and vibrant.

Broiling Option for Extra Crisp

For a crispy finish on your chicken:

1. Preheat the Broiler: Set your oven to broil and preheat it.
2. Broil the Chicken: Carefully remove the chicken thighs from the slow cooker and place them on a baking sheet, skin side up. Broil for 3-4 minutes, or until the skin is golden and crispy. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the honey garlic chicken thighs hot with the potatoes, carrots, and green beans. Arrange them on a large serving platter and garnish with fresh parsley leaves for a pop of color and freshness. Pair this dish with a side salad or steamed rice to complete the meal.

Storage Tips

Leftover honey garlic chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place the chicken and veggies in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Recipe Variations

• Swap the Veggies: Use sweet potatoes instead of red potatoes, or add bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for more variety.
• Change the Protein: Substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts, drumsticks, or even boneless chicken thighs. Adjust cooking times as necessary.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep the dish gluten-free.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Chicken: Keep an eye on the slow cooker towards the end of the cooking time to prevent the chicken from becoming too dry.
• Adding All Vegetables at Once: Adding green beans later ensures they remain crisp and don’t turn mushy.
• Skipping the Basting: Basting the chicken periodically enhances the flavor and ensures the chicken stays moist.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the chicken thighs in the center of a large, round serving platter with the potatoes, carrots, and green beans artfully arranged around them. Garnish with fresh parsley leaves for a pop of green, and serve with a bowl of extra sauce on the side.

Recipe FAQs

• Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?
  Yes, boneless chicken thighs will work, but the cooking time may be slightly reduced, so keep an eye on them.
• What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
  You can make this recipe in a Dutch oven or an oven-safe pot. Cook at 300°F for about 2-3 hours or until the chicken is fully cooked.
• Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
  Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This can enhance the flavors even more.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies Recipe is a simple, delicious way to enjoy a wholesome meal that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner, this dish is sure to impress. Try it today and experience the perfect blend of savory, sweet, and spicy in every bite!

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