Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken And Veggies Recipe

If you’re looking for a meal that is both comforting and easy to prepare, look no further than this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies recipe. With tender chicken thighs and a medley of vegetables, all cooked to perfection in a rich honey garlic sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or planning a weekend feast, this slow cooker recipe offers a delicious, no-fuss solution that everyone will love.

Fresh and Simple Ingredients

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The ingredients are fresh, flavorful, and easy to find, making this dish accessible to everyone. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken and Vegetables:

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: These provide a juicy, flavorful base for the dish.
• 16 ounces baby red potatoes, halved: These add heartiness and soak up the sauce beautifully.
• 16 ounces baby carrots: Sweet and tender, carrots complement the savory elements.
• 16 ounces green beans, trimmed: These are added towards the end for a perfect crisp-tender texture.
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves: A fresh garnish that adds color and brightness.

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

• ½ cup reduced sodium soy sauce: Provides a salty, umami base.
• ½ cup honey: Balances the saltiness with a touch of sweetness.
• ¼ cup ketchup: Adds a tangy, rich flavor to the sauce.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for that classic garlic flavor.
• 1 teaspoon dried basil: Brings an herbaceous note to the sauce.
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Adds depth and complements the basil.
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: For a subtle hint of heat.
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Enhances all the other flavors.

this RECIPE

Tools You’ll Need

Before diving into the preparation, make sure you have the following kitchen tools ready:

• 6-quart slow cooker: The heart of this recipe, ensuring everything cooks evenly and becomes tender.
• Large mixing bowl: For combining the sauce ingredients.
• Basting brush: To baste the chicken during cooking for maximum flavor absorption.
• Baking sheet: Needed if you opt to broil the chicken at the end.
• Sharp knife and cutting board: For prepping the vegetables and garlic.

Crafting the Perfect Honey Garlic Sauce

The sauce is what makes this dish truly shine. It’s a perfect blend of sweet, salty, and savory flavors, with just a hint of spice. Here’s how to make it:

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, ketchup, minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and ground black pepper until well combined. This mixture will serve as both a marinade and a cooking sauce for the chicken and vegetables.
2. Adjust to Taste: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can add a bit more honey. For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preparing Your Ingredients

Begin by prepping your chicken and vegetables. Halve the baby red potatoes, trim the green beans, and set aside the baby carrots. These vegetables are the perfect complement to the chicken, each offering a unique texture and flavor.

2. Combining and Cooking in the Slow Cooker

Place the chicken thighs, potatoes, and carrots in the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the top, making sure everything is well-coated. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The long, slow cooking process ensures that the chicken becomes incredibly tender, and the flavors meld together beautifully.

3. Adding Green Beans

About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, add the green beans to the slow cooker. This ensures they retain a slight crunch and don’t become overly soft.

4. Optional Broiling for Extra Crispiness

For those who love crispy chicken skin, this optional step is worth the extra effort. Preheat your oven to broil, then transfer the chicken thighs to a baking sheet, skin side up. Broil for 3-4 minutes, or until the skin is golden and crisp. This step adds a delightful texture contrast to the tender meat.

How to Plate and Serve for Best Presentation

To make your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies look as good as it tastes, follow these serving tips:

• Arrange the Vegetables First: Start by placing the potatoes, carrots, and green beans on each plate. This creates a colorful base for the chicken.
• Top with Chicken Thighs: Place a chicken thigh on top of the vegetables. If you’ve broiled the chicken, ensure the crispy skin is visible.
• Drizzle with Sauce: Spoon some of the sauce from the slow cooker over the chicken and vegetables to keep everything moist and flavorful.
• Garnish with Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness that enhances the dish’s presentation.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

• Baste Regularly: Basting the chicken every hour helps it absorb the sauce’s flavors more deeply, resulting in a richer taste.
• Don’t Skip the Green Beans: Adding the green beans in the last 30 minutes of cooking ensures they stay vibrant and slightly crisp, providing a nice contrast to the other, softer vegetables.
• Use Bone-In, Skin-On Thighs: These are more flavorful and juicier than boneless, skinless options. The bone helps keep the meat tender, while the skin adds richness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Green Beans: Adding the green beans too early can result in them becoming mushy. Always add them in the last 30 minutes.
• Skipping the Broiling Step: If you love crispy skin, don’t skip broiling. It adds a fantastic texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken.
• Using Too Much Salt: Be mindful of the soy sauce’s salt content. Using reduced sodium soy sauce is recommended to avoid an overly salty dish.

Customizing Your Dish

• Swap Chicken Thighs for Breasts: If you prefer white meat, you can use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts instead of thighs. Just be aware that chicken breasts can dry out more easily, so monitor the cooking time closely.
• Add Other Vegetables: Feel free to add other root vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Leftovers can be a lifesaver on busy days. Here’s how to store and reheat your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies:

• Refrigerate: Store the chicken and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: If you want to keep it longer, freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: To reheat, simply place the leftovers in a microwave-safe dish and microwave until heated through, or reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?
A: Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs, but they may cook faster, so reduce the cooking time accordingly to prevent drying out.

Q: Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot by using the “Slow Cook” function, or by pressure cooking on high for about 15-20 minutes, followed by a natural release.

Q: What can I serve with this dish?
A: This dish is quite filling on its own, but you can serve it with a side of steamed rice or a fresh salad for added variety.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious, easy-to-make meal that the whole family will enjoy. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and a rich honey garlic sauce makes it a standout dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share the recipe with your friends and subscribe to our blog for more amazing recipes!

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