For those seeking a meal that’s both comforting and easy to make, Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is the perfect solution. This recipe offers a delicious combination of sweet honey and savory garlic, paired with tender chicken and hearty vegetables. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is a surefire way to satisfy your taste buds. Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions to make this delightful recipe.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Here’s everything you’ll need to prepare this flavorful honey garlic chicken:

Honey Garlic Sauce:

• 1/3 cup honey
• 1 tbsp garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium is recommended)
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tsp dried oregano

Crockpot Chicken and Vegetables:

• 2 pounds chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
• 1 pound baby red potatoes
• 1 pound carrots, peeled
• 1 cup onions, chopped
• 1 pound green beans, trimmed
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cornstarch Slurry (Optional):

• 2 tsp cornstarch
• 3 tsp water

This simple yet flavorful list of ingredients ensures a well-rounded meal with a perfect balance of protein and vegetables, making it a wholesome and hearty dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

1. Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together:

• 1/3 cup honey
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tsp dried oregano

This sauce will coat the chicken and vegetables, infusing them with sweet and savory flavors as they slow cook. The garlic adds a punch, while the honey and soy sauce balance out with a delicious blend of sweetness and umami.

2. Assemble the Chicken and Vegetables

In your 4-6 quart slow cooker, layer the following:

• 2 pounds of chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
• 1 pound baby red potatoes
• 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks
• 1 cup chopped onions

Season everything with salt and pepper to taste. Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring each piece is coated with the flavorful sauce.

3. Cook in the Slow Cooker

Once everything is assembled in the slow cooker, it’s time to cook:

• Low Setting: Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
• High Setting: Alternatively, cook on high for 3-3½ hours.

As the chicken and vegetables slow-cook, the honey garlic sauce will seep into the meat and vegetables, creating a rich and savory flavor profile.

4. Add Green Beans and Optional Cornstarch Slurry

About 20 minutes before serving, add the 1 pound of trimmed green beans to the slow cooker. This ensures the beans remain tender and crisp without becoming mushy.

If you prefer a thicker sauce, now is the time to add the optional cornstarch slurry. Simply mix 2 tsp cornstarch with 3 tsp water and stir it into the sauce in the slow cooker. This will help the sauce thicken slightly as it finishes cooking.

Re-seal the lid and let the dish cook for another 15-20 minutes, until the green beans are tender and the sauce begins to thicken.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Once the dish is done cooking, use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and vegetables from the slow cooker and transfer them to serving plates.

For a finishing touch, you can broil the chicken thighs in the oven for 2-3 minutes to crisp up the skin. This optional step gives the chicken a golden-brown finish that enhances both the flavor and texture.

Drizzle the honey garlic sauce over the chicken and vegetables for an extra burst of flavor. Finally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a pop of color and freshness.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

1. Easy and Hands-Off Cooking

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a few minutes of prep, your slow cooker will do all the hard work for you. Simply set it and forget it, then come back hours later to a complete, flavorful meal.

2. Perfectly Balanced Flavors

The combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates a delightful balance of sweet and savory. The chicken thighs absorb the rich flavors, becoming tender and juicy. The sauce, infused with oregano and ketchup, gives the dish a comforting yet unique twist.

3. A Wholesome, One-Pot Meal

This recipe includes everything you need for a balanced meal. The chicken thighs provide a hearty source of protein, while the potatoes, carrots, and green beans offer a mix of textures and flavors that complement the sauce perfectly.

4. Ideal for Meal Prep

Slow cooker recipes are fantastic for meal prep, and this honey garlic chicken is no exception. You can easily double the recipe and portion it out for lunches or dinners throughout the week. It reheats well, making it a convenient option for busy days.

5. Customizable to Your Preferences

This recipe is highly customizable. You can swap out the vegetables for your favorites—broccoli, sweet potatoes, or even zucchini would work well. If you like a little more heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.

Serving Suggestions for Honey Garlic Chicken

While this dish is perfect on its own, you can pair it with a few side options for an even more satisfying meal:

• Steamed rice: Soak up the flavorful sauce with a side of jasmine or basmati rice.
• Crusty bread: Serve with warm bread to dip into the honey garlic sauce.
• Salad: A light, refreshing green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the chicken.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a must-try for anyone looking for a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prepping. With its combination of sweet honey, savory garlic, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked vegetables, this recipe offers a wholesome, satisfying meal that you’ll want to make again and again.