Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies is a delightful dish that combines the sweet and savory flavors of honey and garlic with tender chicken and vibrant vegetables. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, providing a wholesome meal with minimal effort. Just set it in the morning, and by dinner, you’ll have a deliciously satisfying dish that the whole family will love.
Why We Love This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies Recipe
There’s something incredibly comforting about a meal that comes together effortlessly in a slow cooker. This recipe stands out because it offers the perfect balance of flavor, nutrition, and convenience. The honey garlic sauce is a crowd-pleaser, adding a sticky sweetness that pairs beautifully with chicken. Plus, the addition of colorful vegetables like broccoli and carrots not only makes the dish visually appealing, but it also packs it with essential nutrients. Whether you’re serving it on a busy weeknight or for a special family gathering, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients about Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: sesame seeds for garnish
These ingredients are simple yet essential, ensuring you achieve that delightful honey garlic flavor. Each element works in harmony, allowing you to enjoy both the tender chicken and the vibrant veggies.
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies Directions
To start your culinary journey, first, gather all your ingredients. It’s best to have everything ready so you can enjoy the cooking process.
- Layer the Chicken: Begin by placing the four boneless skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Spread them out evenly to ensure they cook uniformly.
- Whisk the Sauce: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the honey and soy sauce. Adding the minced garlic next will introduce that aromatic essence essential for flavor. Don’t forget to season your mixture with salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste.
- Coat the Chicken: Pour this lovely honey garlic mixture over the chicken breasts, making sure they get completely coated. This ensures that each bite will be bursting with flavor.
- Add the Vegetables: Gently place the broccoli florets and diced carrots over the chicken. The vibrant colors of the veggies not only make the dish appealing but also add a fresh crunch.
- Set It and Forget It: Cover the slow cooker with a lid. Set your cooker on high for about 3-4 hours, or if you have more time, cook it on low for 6-7 hours. Either way, you do not need to stir; just allow the slow cooker to work its magic.
- Shred for Easy Serving: If you prefer shredded chicken, simply take two forks and shred the chicken right in the slow cooker before serving. This step is optional but makes it easier to mix everything together.
- Serve and Enjoy: Scoop out your delicious honey garlic chicken and veggies, and serve warm. If you like, you can sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
This step-by-step approach ensures that you don’t miss a thing while preparing this tasty dish. Each step builds that mouth-watering aroma that fills your kitchen, making it hard to wait for dinner time!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies
When it comes to serving this dish, simplicity is key. You want to allow the flavors to shine without overshadowing them with elaborate sides.
Serve the Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies directly from the cooker. This keeps everything warm and makes for a comforting, relaxed dining experience. Pair it with a side of steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce. You can also add a fresh garden salad on the side to introduce some extra crunch and freshness to your meal.
For a delightful presentation, consider garnishing each plate with sesame seeds. This not only enhances the look but adds a slight nutty flavor. You could also offer some hot sauce for those who enjoy a bit of heat. This simple addition allows everyone at the table to customize their meal to their taste.
Expert Tips: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies
While the recipe is straightforward, a few expert tips can elevate your dish even further:
- Choose Quality Chicken: Opt for fresh, high-quality chicken breasts for the best flavor. Frozen chicken can also work, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.
- Don’t Skip the Garlic: The garlic is a key player in this recipe. Ensure you use fresh garlic for maximum flavor. Minced garlic can be stored in the fridge for convenience if you plan on using it frequently.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, you can reduce the amount of honey used or balance it with a touch more soy sauce. Experiment to find your sweet spot.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to get creative with your vegetables. You can include bell peppers, snap peas, or zucchini. Just make sure they fit well within the cooking time.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: If you’re unsure if the chicken is cooked through, a meat thermometer can be helpful. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Sauce Consistency: After cooking, if you find the sauce too thin, you can transfer it to a saucepan and simmer on medium heat to thicken it up.
- Final Touch: For added freshness, consider squeezing a bit of lime juice over the finished dish just before serving. It can brighten the flavors beautifully!
By following these tips, you’ll ensure your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies turns out perfect every time.
How to Store Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies
Storing any leftovers is easy and keeps your meal ready for another day. Just allow the leftover chicken and veggies to cool down before transferring them to an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to store your dish for an extended period, you can freeze it. Just place it in a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Frozen portions can last for about 2-3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the microwave or on the stove. If reheating on the stove, add a splash of water or broth to help keep everything moist.
Variation of Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies
One of the best parts of cooking is experimenting with variations. Here are a few ways you can adjust this recipe to suit your tastes or to keep things interesting:
- Add Spices: If you want to spice things up, consider adding some red pepper flakes to the honey garlic sauce for a little kick. This adds layers of flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Use Different Proteins: While the recipe calls for chicken, you can easily substitute it with turkey or tofu for a vegetarian option. Just remember to adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Make it Saucy: If you love a good sauce, doubling the honey and soy sauce mixture can create a richer coating over the chicken and vegetables.
- Choose Seasonal Vegetables: Depending on what you have on hand or what’s in season, switch up the veggies. Sweet potatoes, cauliflower, or green beans can all make excellent additions.
- Try More Sauces: Swap out the soy sauce for a teriyaki sauce for a different flavor profile, or even a sweet chili sauce for a more fiery kick.
- Herbs and Seasonings: Fresh herbs such as cilantro or basil can be added near the end of the cooking time for a fresh, herby taste.
These variations keep the recipe fresh and exciting, allowing you to enjoy it in new and creative ways!
FAQ
What is Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies?
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies is a simple dish made with chicken breasts, colorful vegetables, and a sweet-savory honey garlic sauce. It’s cooked in a slow cooker for a tender and flavorful meal.
How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies?
You can cook it on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-7 hours, depending on your schedule.
What can I serve with Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies?
This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. Feel free to customize sides based on what you enjoy.
Can I freeze the leftovers of Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers. Allow the dish to cool and then store it in an airtight container for 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
How can I add more flavor to Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies?
Experiment with adding spices like red pepper flakes, or try using different sauces such as teriyaki for a unique taste boost. Don’t forget fresh herbs towards the end for a fresh flavor kick!
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts Opt for high-quality chicken for the best flavor.
- 1 cup broccoli florets Fresh or frozen both work.
- 1 cup diced carrots Can substitute with other vegetables.
- 1/2 cup honey Adjust sweetness as desired.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce Consider using low-sodium version.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Use fresh garlic for maximum flavor.
- Salt To taste.
- Pepper To taste.
- Optional: sesame seeds for garnish Adds flavor and enhances visual appeal.
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all ingredients to enjoy the cooking process.
- Layer the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together honey and soy sauce, then add minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the honey garlic mixture over the chicken, ensuring it is well-coated.
- Add broccoli florets and diced carrots over the chicken.
- Cover the slow cooker and set on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-7 hours.
- For shredded chicken, shred it with two forks in the slow cooker before serving.
- Serve warm and garnish with sesame seeds if desired.
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