Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies Recipe Easy Slow Cooker Dinner

The aroma of honey garlic chicken simmering away in your slow cooker is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked veggies, and a sweet-savory sauce that clings to every bite—this recipe is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Trust me, this Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies recipe is about to become your go-to for effortless weeknight dinners!

I first stumbled upon a version of this recipe years ago when I was looking for a way to use up a few pantry staples and some veggies that were on their last legs. What started as an experiment quickly turned into a family favorite, and now it’s a recipe I make at least once a month. It’s comforting, full of flavor, and ridiculously easy to throw together. Plus, who doesn’t love a slow cooker meal that does all the hard work for you?

Whether you need a simple dinner idea for busy weekdays or something hands-off that still impresses, this Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies recipe checks all the boxes. Let’s dive in and make dinner magic happen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: Toss everything in a slow cooker, set it, and forget it. Dinner practically makes itself!
• Simple Ingredients: Made with staples you probably already have, like honey, garlic, soy sauce, and chicken.
• Perfectly Balanced Flavor: The sweet notes of honey pair beautifully with the savory garlic and soy sauce.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters love this meal. The sauce has a universal appeal that works for kids and adults alike.
• Versatile: Swap out the veggies or adjust the seasoning to suit your preferences.
• Healthy Comfort Food: Packed with lean protein and nutrient-rich vegetables, it’s satisfying without being heavy.
• Meal Prep Winner: Leftovers taste just as good, making this recipe ideal for lunches the next day.

This Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies recipe isn’t just another slow cooker meal—it’s the kind that becomes part of your regular rotation. The sauce is perfectly sticky and flavorful, the chicken is melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the veggies soak up all that deliciousness. Honestly, it feels like a small culinary victory every time I serve it.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to deliver bold flavor and a satisfying texture. You won’t need anything fancy—just a handful of staples and a few fresh veggies.

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts if preferred). Thighs stay extra juicy!
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
• Soy Sauce: Regular or low-sodium soy sauce works perfectly here.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is key for bold flavor.
• Ketchup: Adds a tangy depth to the sauce.
• Rice Vinegar: Brings a subtle acidity to brighten the dish.
• Vegetables: Carrots, broccoli, and bell peppers (or any favorites you have on hand).
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to a luscious consistency.
• Water: Needed to mix with the cornstarch for thickening.
• Optional Garnishes: Green onions and sesame seeds for a final touch.

If you’re missing an ingredient, don’t worry—this recipe is forgiving. You can swap soy sauce for tamari if gluten-free, use apple cider vinegar instead of rice vinegar, or even mix in frozen veggies for convenience.

Equipment Needed

• Slow Cooker: The star of this recipe! A 6-quart model works well.
• Mixing Bowls: For whisking the sauce and prepping the cornstarch slurry.
• Whisk: To ensure the sauce is smooth and evenly combined.
• Knife: For chopping veggies.
• Cutting Board: To prep your ingredients safely.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy matters when balancing flavors.

If you don’t own a slow cooker, you can use a Dutch oven or large pot with a tight-fitting lid to replicate the slow cooking process in your oven at 325°F.

Preparation Method

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, ketchup, and rice vinegar until smooth.
2. Layer the Ingredients: Place the chicken thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the chopped carrots, broccoli, and bell peppers on top.
3. Add Sauce: Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken and veggies.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
5. Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker and let it cook uncovered for 20-30 minutes to thicken.
6. Serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or enjoy as-is!

Pro Tip: If your veggies are too soft for your liking, try adding them halfway through the cooking time instead of at the beginning.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Don’t Skip the Slurry: The cornstarch thickens the sauce into a delicious glaze that clings to the chicken and veggies.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Pre-minced garlic loses some of its punch—fresh is worth the effort!
• Adjust Veggie Timing: Add sturdier vegetables (like carrots) at the beginning and softer ones (like broccoli) halfway through for optimal texture.
• Keep It Juicy: Chicken thighs are more forgiving than breasts when slow cooking—they stay moist even if cooked a little longer.
• Taste Test: Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. A drizzle of soy sauce or honey can balance flavors further.

Variations & Adaptations

• Low Carb: Swap honey for a sugar-free alternative and serve with cauliflower rice.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha for heat.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas and use veggie broth instead of the sauce base.
• Seasonal Veggies: Use zucchini and asparagus in summer or hearty root veggies in winter.
• Oven Method: Bake at 375°F in a covered casserole dish for 45-60 minutes instead of slow cooking.

I’ve tried swapping out the veggies for snap peas and mushrooms—delicious! Don’t be afraid to experiment with what you have on hand.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serving: Serve this dish hot with steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles. Pair it with a fresh side salad or roasted potatoes for a complete meal. The sticky sauce makes it perfect for spooning over grains to soak up every drop.

Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 3 months.

Reheating: Warm leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

Tip: The flavors deepen over time, so don’t be surprised if your leftovers taste even better the next day!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

This recipe is packed with lean protein from the chicken and plenty of vitamins from the veggies. Honey provides natural sweetness, and garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties.

Nutritional Estimates (Per Serving)
Calories: ~350
Protein: ~30g
Carbohydrates: ~25g
Fat: ~10g

Dietary Tip: For gluten-free diets, swap soy sauce for tamari. Always check ingredient labels for allergens.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a meal that’s easy, satisfying, and full of flavor, this Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies recipe is the answer. It’s perfect for busy nights, picky eaters, and anyone who loves a good slow cooker dinner.

What I love most about this recipe is its flexibility—you can make it your own by swapping veggies, adjusting the sauce, or even changing the cooking method. It’s the kind of recipe that grows with you, adapting to whatever you need.

Give it a try, and let me know how it turned out for you! Drop a comment below or share your own twist—I’d love to hear your thoughts. Happy cooking!

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well, but they may not be as juicy as thighs, so watch your cooking time closely.

What veggies can I substitute in this recipe?

Feel free to use snap peas, zucchini, mushrooms, or whatever you have available. Just adjust cooking times for softer veggies.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.

Do I need to brown the chicken before slow cooking?

No browning is necessary—just toss everything in the slow cooker. However, browning can add an extra layer of flavor if you have time.

How do I freeze leftovers?

Let the dish cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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