Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies is a simple and tasty meal that combines tender chicken with sweet honey and garlicky goodness. Alongside a mix of cooked vegetables, it all simmers together in the slow cooker, making the kitchen smell amazing as the flavors blend slowly during the day.
I love how easy this recipe is—just toss everything in the slow cooker in the morning and come back to a warm, ready-to-eat dinner. It’s hands-off cooking at its best, and the honey garlic sauce gives the chicken a delightful balance of sweetness and a little tang. Plus, the veggies soak up the sauce too, making every bite satisfying.
My favorite way to serve this is right over a scoop of fluffy rice or some buttered noodles, so the sauce can soak in nicely. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want good food without a lot of fuss. Trust me, this dish often gets a thumbs-up from everyone around the table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juiciness, but breasts work too if you want leaner meat. Thighs stay tender longer in the slow cooker.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness and balances the garlic and soy sauce. If you don’t have honey, maple syrup or agave nectar are good substitutes.
Soy Sauce: Look for low sodium to keep salt levels in check. Tamari or coconut aminos are great gluten-free options.
Vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms add great texture and color. Feel free to swap in green beans, snap peas, or broccoli depending on what you have.
Ketchup: Adds tang and a bit of thickness to the sauce. If you prefer, tomato paste with a pinch of sugar can work too.
How Can I Make Sure the Chicken Stays Tender and the Veggies Don’t Get Mushy?
Timing and layering are key. Here’s how I manage it:
- Put the chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker so it cooks evenly and stays moist.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken to infuse flavor.
- Layer the vegetables on top without stirring—this keeps them from getting too soggy and mushy.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, checking tenderness near the lower end of cooking time.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken inside the pot to mix flavors without losing moisture.
- If the sauce seems thin, mix cornstarch with cold water and stir it in, then cook on high for 10-15 more minutes to thicken.
By following these steps, you get tender chicken with veggies that still have a little bite, all coated in a perfectly thick sauce.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Slow cooker – This is the star of the show; it cooks the chicken and veggies slowly for tender results with no fuss.
- Mixing bowl – Great for whisking together the honey garlic sauce before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Help you get the sauce ingredients just right every time.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – For chopping veggies quickly and safely.
- Forks or tongs – Useful for shredding the chicken once it’s cooked.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for pork tenderloin or beef strips for a different protein that also works well in slow cooking.
- Add chopped pineapple or mandarin oranges near the end of cooking for a fresh, sweet twist.
- Stir in some red pepper flakes or sriracha if you like your sauce with a little heat.
- Mix in broccoli or green beans for extra crunch and green color after the slow cooking is done.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Veggies:
- 1 medium zucchini, chopped into half-moons
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 cup baby carrots or chopped carrots
For Thickening and Garnish:
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
- Sesame seeds and chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
- Cooked white rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
Overall, this recipe takes about 10-15 minutes to prep your ingredients and get everything ready in your slow cooker. Cooking time is 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. If you want to thicken the sauce at the end, add another 10-15 minutes. It’s super convenient for busy days since the slow cooker does the rest!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Honey Garlic Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat), and oregano. This mixture will give your chicken a delicious sweet and savory flavor.
2. Layer the Chicken and Veggies:
Place the chicken pieces in the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken. Season with salt and pepper. Next, add the chopped zucchini, red bell pepper, mushrooms, onion, and carrots on top. Avoid stirring to keep the vegetables from becoming mushy.
3. Cook Low and Slow:
Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
4. Shred and Combine:
When cooking is finished, carefully shred the chicken using two forks right in the slow cooker or transfer it to a plate to shred and return to the pot. Gently stir to mix the chicken and veggies with the sauce.
5. Optional Sauce Thickening:
If you prefer a thicker sauce, combine cornstarch with cold water until smooth, then stir this into the slow cooker. Cook on high for an extra 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Spoon the honey garlic chicken and veggies over cooked white rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh parsley or cilantro for a little extra color and flavor. Now, dig in and enjoy your tasty slow cooker meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker. Cooking frozen chicken can increase the cooking time and may result in uneven cooking.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap or add vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or snap peas. Just keep in mind that softer veggies cook faster, so add them later in the cooking time if possible to avoid mushiness.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to reheat evenly.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble all the ingredients in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. When ready, just start the slow cooker and adjust cooking time as needed.
