Name: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 485 min
Total time: 495 min
Ingredients: 8 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; 16 ounces baby red potatoes, halved; 16 ounces baby carrots; 16 ounces green beans, trimmed; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves; 0.5 cup reduced sodium soy sauce; 0.5 cup honey; 0.25 cup ketchup; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano; 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper

Introduction to Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

If you’re looking for a hands-off dinner option that still packs in the flavor, slow cooker honey garlic chicken is your go-to dish! Slow cookers offer a unique ability to tenderize meat while allowing flavors to meld beautifully over time. This means less fuss and more delicious meals with minimal effort. Who wouldn’t want to come home to the enticing aroma of cooked chicken and veggies wafting through the house?

Why choose a slow cooker meal?

Convenience: Just toss in your ingredients and let the slow cooker work its magic throughout the day. You can start your meal before you head out, and it’s waiting for you when you get back.
Flavor Boost: Extended cooking times allow complex flavors to develop deeply, giving your slow cooker honey garlic chicken a rich taste that’s hard to replicate with other cooking methods.
Nutrient Retention: Slow cooking can help preserve nutrients, making your dish not only delicious but also healthy.

For quick meal prepping, this recipe for slow cooker honey garlic chicken and veggies delivers on ease and taste. Whether you’re a busy professional or just looking for a stress-free dinner, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Plus, it pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or a warm baguette. Discover more about the benefits of slow cooking at Healthline.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

When it comes to creating a delicious slow cooker honey garlic chicken, having the right ingredients is essential for that mouthwatering flavor. Here's what you'll need to bring this easy and satisfying dish to life.

Chicken Thighs: Start with 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for rich flavor and tenderness.
Veggies Galore: You’ll need 16 ounces of baby red potatoes (halved), 16 ounces of baby carrots, and 16 ounces of trimmed green beans. These colorful vegetables not only add nutrition but also make the dish visually appealing.
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley at the end adds a burst of freshness.

For the honey garlic sauce, gather these:

Reduced Sodium Soy Sauce: ½ cup for a savory base.
Honey: Also ½ cup to achieve that delightful sweetness.
Ketchup: ¼ cup for tanginess.
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced, for that aromatic touch.
Herbs & Spices: Include 1 teaspoon dried basil, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper for an extra kick.

Cooking doesn’t get much simpler than this—just toss everything in your slow cooker, and you’re set for a delectable meal! For more tips on flavoring dishes, check out The Flavor Bible.

Step-by-step Preparation for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Getting ready to dive into this delicious slow cooker honey garlic chicken recipe? Great choice! This dish is perfect for busy professionals looking for a hassle-free meal. Let’s walk through the steps together, ensuring you enjoy every bite.

Gather your ingredients

Before you start cooking, it’s essential to have everything at your fingertips. Here’s what you’ll need:

Chicken: 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (for juicy, flavorful meat)
Veggies: 16 ounces of baby red potatoes (halved), 16 ounces of baby carrots, and 16 ounces of green beans (trimmed)
Sauce Components:
½ cup reduced sodium soy sauce
½ cup honey
¼ cup ketchup
2 cloves of garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Don’t forget to have your slow cooker and a baking sheet for finishing touches!

Prepare the honey garlic sauce

Now that you have everything ready, let's create that mouthwatering sauce. In a large bowl, mix together:

Soy sauce
Honey
Ketchup
Minced garlic
Dried basil
Dried oregano
Crushed red pepper flakes
Ground black pepper

This sauce will make your chicken luscious and your veggies super flavorful. Feel free to adjust the spice level based on your taste preferences. For more tips on making your sauce pop, check out resources like Serious Eats or Bon Appétit for inspiration.

Load the slow cooker

It’s time to get everything into the slow cooker! Place the chicken thighs at the bottom, followed by the halved potatoes and baby carrots. Pour that delicious honey garlic sauce over the top, ensuring everything is well-coated.

Finally, place the green beans on top but don’t mix them in just yet. These will join the party later on to keep them vibrant and crisp.

Cook the chicken and veggies

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat for 7-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours. If you can, basting the chicken every hour will help keep the meat moist and flavorful. Just a gentle reminder to add the green beans in the last 30 minutes of cooking to preserve their texture.

Optional broiling for crispiness

Want to elevate your slow cooker honey garlic chicken experience? After cooking, you can take the chicken thighs out and pop them under the broiler for a quick 3-4 minutes until the skin turns golden and crispy. This final step brings an extra layer of deliciousness that makes the dish truly spectacular.

Serve your chicken hot with all those beautifully cooked veggies, and optionally garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a splash of color. Enjoy your meal with family or friends—it’s the comfort food we all need!

Variations on Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Swap Chicken Thighs for Drumsticks

Looking to mix things up? Try swapping out chicken thighs for drumsticks in your slow cooker honey garlic chicken. Drumsticks are not only cost-effective but also pack in lots of flavor! Just keep an eye on the cooking time; they might take a bit longer to reach that tender perfection. Plus, there’s something inherently fun about eating food off the bone, wouldn’t you agree?

Add Seasonal Vegetables

Don’t shy away from adding seasonal veggies to the mix! This recipe is incredibly versatile, so toss in what’s fresh at your local market. Think zucchini in summer, or hearty sweet potatoes in fall. Root vegetables work well too—think parsnips or even butternut squash. These additions not only enhance the flavor but also boost nutrition. Who says you can’t enjoy a delicious meal packed with vitamins?

By embracing these variations, you’ll keep your slow cooker honey garlic chicken recipe exciting and tailored to your taste! Want some recipe inspiration? Check out seasonal vegetable guides for new ideas!

Cooking Tips and Notes for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Choosing the Right Chicken Cuts

For the slow cooker honey garlic chicken, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are your best bet. They stay juicy and tender throughout the long cooking process. If you prefer boneless cuts, seasoned chicken breasts can work too, but keep in mind they may dry out slightly. A great option for flavor and texture balance!

Using Fresh vs. Dried Herbs

When it comes to herbs, fresh parsley brings a vibrant touch to your dish, but don't underestimate the convenience of dried herbs, like basil and oregano. If you have fresh on hand, definitely use them—just double the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. For helpful herb insights, check out this Herb Substitution Guide. Happy cooking!

Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Pair with rice or pasta

One of the simplest ways to elevate your slow cooker honey garlic chicken is by serving it over a bed of fluffy rice or al dente pasta. Both options absorb that delicious honey garlic sauce, making each bite an explosion of flavor. For a healthier twist, consider brown rice or whole wheat pasta; they add a nutty flavor and extra fiber to your meal, keeping you full longer.

Ideal side dishes and garnishes

Don't forget the sides! Roasted broccoli or a fresh garden salad complements the dish beautifully, providing a nice crunch. You can also sprinkle some sesame seeds or extra chopped parsley on top for added color and texture. Feeling adventurous? Add a side of homemade garlic bread for dipping in that savory sauce. The balance of flavors will leave everyone asking for seconds!

For more ideas on sides, check out EatingWell for inspiration!

Time Breakdown for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Preparation Time

Getting your ingredients ready for this slow cooker honey garlic chicken is a breeze! It only takes about 10 minutes to combine everything and set it up in your slow cooker. Quick, right?

Cooking Time

Now the magic happens! Your meal cooks for 8 hours on low or about 4 hours on high. Don't forget to add the green beans in the last 30 minutes for that perfect crunch.

Total Time

All in all, you’ll invest about 8 hours and 15 minutes in this delicious, family-friendly dish. Once you taste it, you’ll agree—it’s worth every second of waiting!

For even more tips on slow cooking, check out this article on cooking times and techniques over at The Spruce Eats. Happy cooking!

Nutritional Facts for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

When it comes to delicious meals, Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is not only flavorful but also quite nutritious! Let’s break down the essentials:

Calories

Each serving contains approximately 400 calories, making it a satisfying choice without overindulging.

Protein

Packed with about 30 grams of protein, this dish is ideal for muscle repair and keeping you full throughout your busy day.

Sodium

With around 600 milligrams of sodium, this recipe allows you to enjoy the richness of flavor while keeping your diet in check. To cut sodium further, opt for low-sodium soy sauce!

Feel free to explore more nutrition facts and meal options at reliable health resources such as MyFitnessPal for more tailored dietary insights.

FAQs about Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Can I use other meats for this recipe?
Absolutely! While slow cooker honey garlic chicken is designed for chicken thighs, you can experiment with other meats. Turkey thighs or beef brisket would work great due to their rich flavors that absorb the honey garlic sauce beautifully. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary; be sure to check for doneness to ensure your meal turns out perfectly.

How can I make it a low-carb option?
Want to enjoy this dish while keeping it low-carb? Easy! Simply omit the baby red potatoes and substitute them with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. These options add fiber and nutrients while keeping the carb count low. Toss in some extra leafy greens or mushrooms for added volume and a nutritious boost.

What kitchen tools do I need for this recipe?
For this slow cooker honey garlic chicken, you’ll need a reliable slow cooker to ensure even cooking. A basic baking sheet is handy if you choose to broil the chicken for a crispy finish. Having measuring spoons and a big mixing bowl will also make your prep quicker and easier.

For more tips on slow cooking and recipe variations, check out Taste of Home's Slow Cooker Resources for expert advice!

Conclusion on Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Incorporating this slow cooker honey garlic chicken recipe into your meal rotation simplifies weeknight dinners with ease and flavor. The tender chicken, combined with vibrant veggies, creates a delicious, wholesome meal. Embrace the simplicity and sweetness, and get ready to impress your family with minimal effort!