Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
A tender, juicy chicken dish slow-cooked to perfection with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, paired with potatoes, carrots, and green beans. This meal is a comfort food dream that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious, making it the perfect choice for busy weeknights or weekend dinners.
Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 lb baby potatoes, quartered
- 1 lb green beans, trimmed
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening sauce)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Slow Cooker
Lightly grease your slow cooker with oil. Place the quartered baby potatoes at the bottom to create a base for the chicken.
2️⃣ Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, olive oil, vinegar, paprika, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using). This combination of ingredients creates a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy.
3️⃣ Assemble & Cook
Place the chicken breasts on top of the potatoes in the slow cooker. Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
4️⃣ Add Vegetables
One hour before serving, add the trimmed green beans and cut carrots to the slow cooker. Cover and continue cooking until the vegetables are tender and cooked through.
5️⃣ Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove about 1 cup of sauce from the slow cooker. Stir in the cornstarch and water mixture, then return the mixture back to the slow cooker. Stir well and allow the sauce to thicken.
6️⃣ Garnish & Serve
Once everything is done, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or any side of your choice for a complete meal.
Tips & Variations
- Make it Spicier: Add extra chili flakes or a dash of sriracha for a spicy kick.
- More Protein? Swap chicken with salmon, tofu, or any other protein of your choice.
- Extra Crunch: Add toasted sesame seeds or cashews for a delightful crunch.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Leftovers store well in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 320-350
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Fat: 7g
Health Benefits
- Honey: Naturally sweet and full of antioxidants, it helps boost immunity.
- Carrots & Green Beans: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals to promote health.
- High Protein & Low Fat: Ideal for those looking to maintain or lose weight.
- Garlic & Ginger: Both have anti-inflammatory properties and help with digestion.
Q&A Section
❓ Can I use bone-in chicken?
✅ Yes! If you prefer bone-in chicken, you can definitely use it. Just be sure to increase the cook time by about 30 minutes.
❓ Can I make it in an Instant Pot?
✅ Yes, absolutely! You can pressure cook the chicken and vegetables on HIGH for 10 minutes, then allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure.
❓ What can I serve with it?
✅ This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, quinoa, or roasted sweet potatoes. You can also serve it with a simple salad or crusty bread to round out the meal.
❓ Can I freeze this dish?
✅ Yes! After cooking, allow it to cool, then store in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Enjoy your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken!
This easy, fuss-free recipe will soon become a family favorite, offering a delicious, hearty meal with minimal effort. Let me know if you need any modifications or have more questions! 😊