Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies is such a simple, delicious meal that fills your kitchen with the most inviting smells. Tender chicken thighs soaked in a sweet and garlicky sauce mingle with colorful vegetables like carrots and potatoes, all cooked low and slow until everything is perfectly soft and flavorful.
I love this recipe because it’s almost hands-off—once you add everything to the slow cooker, you can go about your day and come back to a warm, comforting dinner. The honey and garlic combo makes the sauce sticky and just a little bit sweet, which my family can’t get enough of. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a big comforting hug on a busy day.
When I serve this, I usually spoon extra sauce from the pot over the chicken and veggies for an extra burst of flavor. Sometimes I like to add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a touch of green and freshness. It’s a great meal to enjoy with some crusty bread or just on its own for an easy, satisfying dinner that hits all the right notes.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: This cut stays juicy and tender in the slow cooker. If you prefer white meat, chicken breasts work too but can dry out if overcooked. I like thighs for their rich flavor.
Baby Potatoes and Carrots: These veggies hold up well during slow cooking. You can swap potatoes for sweet potatoes or parsnips if you want a sweeter twist.
Broccoli Florets: Added last so they don’t overcook and turn mushy. Feel free to use green beans or snap peas as a crunchy alternative.
Honey and Garlic: The flavor stars here. If you don’t have honey, maple syrup or brown sugar make good substitutes. Fresh garlic gives the best taste, but garlic powder can work in a pinch.
Soy Sauce: Provides saltiness and umami. For gluten-free needs, tamari is a great swap. I always use low-sodium to control salt levels.
How Do You Keep Veggies From Getting Mushy in the Slow Cooker?
Slow cooking is great for tender meals, but some vegetables like broccoli can turn soggy if cooked too long. Here’s how I avoid that:
- Add hard vegetables like potatoes and carrots at the start since they take longer to cook.
- Add delicate veggies like broccoli in the last 10-15 minutes just to steam gently.
- If your slow cooker has a manual release, you can open it and add veggies a bit earlier, then close and cook until done.
- This method keeps the broccoli bright, slightly crisp, and fresh-tasting, balancing the soft potatoes and chicken.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Slow cooker – it gently cooks chicken and veggies over hours for tender, flavorful results without babysitting.
- Mixing bowl – perfect for whisking together the honey garlic sauce easily and evenly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get the sauce ingredients just right for balance.
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula – for stirring and serving without scratching your slow cooker.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – to chop veggies and slice lemon safely and quickly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken thighs for boneless pork chops – they soak up the honey garlic sauce well and cook nicely in the slow cooker.
- Add bell peppers or snap peas with the broccoli for more crunch and color near the end of cooking.
- Try a splash of orange juice in the sauce for a citrusy twist that pairs beautifully with honey and garlic.
- Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the dish a gentle kick if you like things spicy.
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Vegetables:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
- 3 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 lemon, sliced
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and assemble. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours in your slow cooker. Add the broccoli last 15 minutes before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Vegetables and Chicken:
Place the halved baby potatoes and chopped carrots evenly at the bottom of the slow cooker. Season your chicken thighs lightly with salt and pepper, then arrange them on top of the veggies.
2. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, dried basil, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes if you want some heat.
3. Cook Together:
Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker. Place lemon slices evenly on top for a fresh citrus note. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is fully cooked and veggies are soft.
4. Add the Broccoli:
About 15 minutes before serving, add the broccoli florets on top of the chicken and veggies. Cover and let steam gently to keep a bit of crunch and vibrant color.
5. Serve and Garnish:
When done, scoop out the chicken and vegetables, spoon some sauce over the top for extra flavor, and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a nice touch of color and freshness.
Enjoy your warm, comforting Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Thighs in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs, but make sure to thaw them completely in the fridge overnight before adding to the slow cooker. This helps ensure even cooking and food safety.
Can I Prepare This Meal Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble all the ingredients in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just add about an extra 30 minutes to the cooking time if cooking straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.
What Can I Serve with This Dish?
This honey garlic chicken and veggies meal is great on its own, but you can also serve it with steamed rice, crusty bread, or a simple side salad for a more complete meal.