This Easy Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a winner! Juicy chicken simmered with sweet honey and tasty garlic, mixed with colorful veggies. What’s not to love?
I often set it up in the morning, and by dinner, my house smells amazing! Serve it with rice or noodles for a cozy meal that everyone enjoys. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs work best for this dish because they stay moist during cooking. If you’re looking for a leaner option, boneless skinless thighs can be substituted, but they may cook faster, so check them sooner.
Honey: This gives the dish its sweetness. If you don’t have honey, maple syrup or agave nectar can be good alternatives. Just adjust the amount slightly to taste!
Vegetables: Baby red potatoes and baby carrots add great texture. If you can’t find yellow wax beans, green beans are a perfect substitute. You can also mix in any other veggies you love, like bell peppers or broccoli.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds incredible flavor. You might consider using garlic powder in a pinch, but fresh really makes a difference here.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Cooked Chicken in a Slow Cooker?
Cooking chicken in a slow cooker can be easy, but you want to make sure it doesn’t turn out dry! Here’s how:
- Start by searing the chicken thighs in a skillet—this locks in flavor and moisture.
- Layer veggies in the slow cooker first. This keeps them from getting mushy and allows the chicken juices to drip down, enhancing their flavor.
- Monitor the cooking time. For tender chicken, cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Using a meat thermometer can help; chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) internally.
Following these steps will ensure your chicken stays juicy and delicious, while the veggies cook perfectly alongside!
Easy Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken with Veggies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken & Veggies:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 lb baby red potatoes, halved
- 2 cups baby carrots
- 1 cup yellow wax beans (or green beans as substitute)
For the Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 6-7 hours of cooking on low (or 3-4 hours on high) in the slow cooker. It’s perfect for setting up in the morning and coming home to a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sear the Chicken:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and oregano. Sear the chicken thighs skin side down until they’re golden brown—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes on each side. Once done, remove them from the heat and set aside.
2. Layer the Vegetables:
In your slow cooker, place the halved baby red potatoes at the bottom. Next, arrange the baby carrots and yellow wax beans (or green beans) on top of the potatoes to ensure they cook evenly.
3. Add the Chicken:
Now, lay the seared chicken thighs on top of the veggies in the slow cooker. This allows the juices from the chicken to drip down, enhancing the flavor of the vegetables.
4. Prepare the Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, and ketchup until well combined. Pour this sweet and savory sauce evenly over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker.
5. Cooking Time:
Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Cook until the chicken is cooked through (165°F or 75°C) and the veggies are tender.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Once done, garnish your delicious creation with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot, ideally with a side of steamed rice or noodles to soak up that mouthwatering honey garlic sauce.
This recipe gives you tender, juicy chicken thighs with a delightful honey garlic glaze, accompanied by perfectly cooked veggies, all made conveniently in your slow cooker!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken with Veggies
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, you can! Boneless skinless chicken thighs will work, but they may cook faster. Start checking for doneness around the 3-hour mark on high or 5-hour mark on low to avoid overcooking.
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you’re out of honey, maple syrup or agave nectar are great alternatives! Just use the same amount, but feel free to adjust it according to your preferred sweetness level.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli. Just keep in mind that denser vegetables may take slightly longer to cook, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.
