Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies is a comforting, easy meal that brings together juicy chicken thighs, sweet honey, and lots of tender vegetables all cooked low and slow until everything melts in your mouth. The garlic adds just the right kick, and the honey gives the whole dish a gentle touch of sweetness that everyone loves. It’s one of those recipes that fills the whole house with a cozy, inviting smell while it cooks.
I love making this dish because it’s so simple to prepare—just toss everything in the slow cooker in the morning, and by dinner time, you have a warm, hearty meal ready to go. It’s perfect for busy days when I don’t have much time to stand over the stove. Plus, I like to use whatever veggies I have on hand, which makes it perfect for cleaning out the fridge with style.
My favorite way to serve this honey garlic chicken is over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside some buttery mashed potatoes, so it soaks up all that delicious sauce. It’s a meal that always feels like a little treat, even on weeknights. If you’re a fan of simple, cozy dinners with big flavors, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-tos.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I prefer thighs for their juiciness and flavor, but chicken breasts work too if you want leaner meat. Bone-in adds extra flavor, but boneless is faster to eat.
Honey: This sweetens and balances the garlic. If you’re low on honey, maple syrup or agave syrup make great swaps.
Soy Sauce: Brings salty umami depth. Use low sodium to control saltiness or tamari for a gluten-free option.
Vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, and green beans are perfect here because they cook well together. Feel free to use whatever you have, like bell peppers, zucchini, or peas.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is best for that punchy flavor. Garlic powder could work, but fresh is more vibrant.
How Can I Make Sure the Chicken Stays Juicy and Not Dry?
Since this dish cooks for hours, keeping chicken moist is key:
- Use thighs: Dark meat stays tender even with long cooking.
- Optional browning: Searing chicken first adds flavor and seals juices.
- Don’t overcook: Stick to the time, slow cooker temperatures can vary.
- Keep the lid on: Opening releases heat and dries food.
- Add sauce well: The honey garlic sauce helps keep chicken juicy and tender.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Slow cooker – this is the star for easy, hands-off cooking and slow flavor melding.
- Skillet – handy if you want to brown the chicken first for extra taste.
- Cutting board and sharp knife – essential for chopping veggies quickly and safely.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get your sauce ingredients just right every time.
- Mixing bowl – for whisking together the honey garlic sauce smoothly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken thighs for drumsticks or breasts depending on your preference for texture and cooking time.
- Add bell peppers or mushrooms for more color and earthy flavor that soak up the sauce nicely.
- Stir in red pepper flakes or cayenne for a spicy kick that balances the sweetness.
- Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary instead of dried for a brighter, fresher taste.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or bone-in if preferred)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking oil (for browning chicken, optional)
For the Veggies:
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 20 green beans, trimmed
- 8 small baby potatoes, quartered
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, especially if you brown the chicken. Cooking time is 6 to 7 hours on low, or 3 to 4 hours on high in the slow cooker. You can also spend an extra 10-15 minutes at the end to thicken the sauce if you like.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, oregano, and basil. Set this flavorful sauce aside while you prepare the rest.
2. Brown the Chicken (Optional):
Season your chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet on medium-high heat and brown the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden. This step adds more flavor but isn’t required.
3. Layer the Veggies:
Place the quartered baby potatoes evenly at the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the chunked carrots and trimmed green beans on top of the potatoes.
4. Add the Chicken and Sauce:
Arrange the chicken thighs over the vegetables. Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken and veggies to coat everything with that sweet and savory flavor.
5. Slow Cook:
Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Your chicken should be cooked through and the vegetables tender by the end.
6. Optional Sauce Thickening and Serve:
Carefully remove the chicken and vegetables to a plate. If you want a thicker sauce, set the slow cooker to high and cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions before serving.
Serve your delicious slow cooker honey garlic chicken and veggies warm, ideally over rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread to soak up every bit of that tasty honey garlic sauce. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken thighs in the fridge overnight before cooking to ensure even cooking and food safety.
Can I Substitute Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap or add veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms depending on what you have. Just keep in mind that softer veggies may cook faster and could be added later in the cooking time.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave to keep the chicken moist.
Is Browning the Chicken Necessary?
Not necessary, but browning adds extra flavor and a nicer color. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and place the chicken directly in the slow cooker.
