Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies Recipe

This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies recipe is an easy-to-make, hearty, and nutritious meal that the whole family will enjoy. The slow cooking method ensures the chicken is tender and the vegetables absorb all the delicious flavors of the honey garlic sauce. It’s a great way to get a balanced meal with protein, carbs, and vegetables in one dish.

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken and Vegetables

1. Prepare the Chicken Breasts: Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. You can also choose to sear the chicken breasts in a skillet to lock in flavor. To do this, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and sear each side for about 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown. This step is optional, but it adds extra flavor and texture. If you prefer, you can skip this step and place the raw chicken directly in the slow cooker.

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2. Chop the Vegetables: While the chicken is being prepared, wash and chop your vegetables. Peel and slice the carrots, chop the onion and bell pepper into large chunks, and halve or quarter the baby potatoes depending on their size. If you’re using broccoli, cut the florets into bite-sized pieces. This will ensure that everything cooks evenly in the slow cooker.

Step 2: Preparing the Honey Garlic Sauce

3. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary. You can add more honey for sweetness, more soy sauce for saltiness, or more garlic for a stronger flavor.

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4. Optional: Thicken the Sauce: If you want a thicker sauce, you can dissolve the cornstarch in a small amount of water (about 2 teaspoons of cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of water) and whisk it into the sauce mixture. This will help the sauce thicken during cooking and coat the chicken and vegetables better.

Step 3: Assembling the Slow Cooker

5. Layer the Vegetables: Start by layering the chopped vegetables at the bottom of the slow cooker. This includes the carrots, potatoes, onion, and bell pepper. The potatoes and carrots will take longer to cook, so they should be placed at the bottom of the slow cooker where they will be exposed to more heat.

6. Add the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker. If you seared the chicken earlier, simply place it on top of the veggies. The chicken will cook in its own juices, blending perfectly with the vegetables below.

7. Pour the Sauce: Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken and vegetables. Be sure to coat everything well. The sauce will slowly infuse the chicken and veggies with flavor as it cooks.

Step 4: Cooking in the Slow Cooker

8. Slow Cook the Dish: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked and tender by the time it’s done. If you’re adding broccoli, add it in the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy.

9. Check for Doneness: After the cooking time is up, check the chicken for doneness. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach at least 165°F (75°C). If it’s not quite there, you can cook it for a little longer.

Step 5: Serving

10. Shred the Chicken (Optional): If you prefer shredded chicken, you can remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker, shred them using two forks, and then return them to the pot, mixing them with the vegetables and sauce. The chicken will absorb more of the sauce this way.

11. Serve and Garnish: Serve the honey garlic chicken and vegetables on a platter or individual plates. You can garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an added touch. This dish goes wonderfully with steamed rice or quinoa if you want a complete meal.

Tips and Variations

• Make it Spicy: If you prefer a spicier version of this dish, you can add more red pepper flakes or even a dash of sriracha or chili paste to the sauce.

• Different Vegetables: Feel free to swap out or add other vegetables according to your preferences. For instance, you could use sweet potatoes, zucchini, or green beans.

• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian alternative, you can substitute the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh. Just make sure to press the tofu to remove excess moisture before cooking.

• Freezing Option: This dish freezes well. After it has cooled, you can transfer leftovers to an airtight container and freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat it thoroughly in the microwave or on the stove.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

While the nutritional information will vary based on portion sizes and the specific ingredients used, here’s an estimate for one serving of Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies (assuming 4 servings total):

• Calories: ~400-500 kcal

• Protein: ~40-45g

• Carbohydrates: ~40-50g

• Fat: ~10-15g

• Fiber: ~5-7g

• Sugar: ~15g (from honey)

Keep in mind that these values can vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion sizes you use, but this is a relatively healthy, balanced meal option.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless: The slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing you to set it and forget it. Perfect for busy days.

• Flavorful: The honey garlic sauce is both sweet and savory, creating a deliciously rich flavor that’s comforting and satisfying.

• Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness, saltiness, and spice level to your preference. Plus, you can use any vegetables you have on hand.

• Healthy: With lean chicken breasts, fresh vegetables, and a simple homemade sauce, this dish provides a wholesome, balanced meal.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a delicious and satisfying meal. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, meal prep for the week, or just looking for an easy dinner option, this dish is sure to become a favorite. The slow cooker makes everything so easy and convenient, and the result is tender, juicy chicken with flavorful vegetables, all bathed in a mouthwatering honey garlic sauce. Give it a try, and enjoy a hassle-free, delicious meal!