Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Vegetables
There’s something magical about a slow cooker meal that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas while you go about your day. This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Vegetables is one of those recipes that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Tender chicken thighs, baby red potatoes, sweet carrots, and fresh green beans are coated in a rich honey garlic sauce that’s savory, slightly sweet, and incredibly comforting.
If you’re looking for a true “set it and forget it” dinner that still feels homemade and special, this is the recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Why I Love This Recipe
As a busy home cook, I appreciate meals that are both simple and satisfying. This honey garlic chicken hits every mark:
- ✅ One-pot meal with protein and vegetables
- ✅ Perfect balance of sweet and savory
- ✅ Family-friendly and kid-approved
- ✅ Great for meal prep
- ✅ Minimal prep time
The sauce alone is worth making on repeat. It’s rich from the soy sauce, slightly tangy from the ketchup, fragrant with garlic and oregano, and naturally sweetened with honey. After slow cooking for hours, everything becomes tender and deeply flavorful.
Ingredients
Honey Garlic Sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Chicken and Vegetables
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 pound baby red potatoes
- 1 pound carrots, peeled
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Cornstarch Slurry
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 3 teaspoons water
Ingredient Swaps and Notes
- Chicken breasts can replace thighs, but thighs stay juicier in the slow cooker.
- If you only have regular soy sauce, reduce added salt to avoid over-seasoning.
- Yukon Gold potatoes work well if you don’t have red potatoes.
- Add red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
- The cornstarch slurry is optional but recommended if you like a thicker sauce.
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Step 1: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, low-sodium soy sauce, ketchup, and dried oregano until fully combined.
Step 2: Assemble the Slow Cooker
Add chicken thighs, baby red potatoes, carrots, and chopped onions into a 4–6 quart slow cooker.
Step 3: Pour the Sauce
Evenly pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
Step 4: Cook
Cover and cook on:
- LOW for 6–8 hours, or
- HIGH for 3–3½ hours
The chicken should be tender and cooked through.
Step 5: Add Green Beans
About 20 minutes before serving, add the green beans to the slow cooker.
If using the cornstarch slurry, mix cornstarch and water, then stir it into the sauce at this stage.
Re-cover and cook an additional 15–20 minutes, until green beans are tender and the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 6: Optional Broil
For a little extra color, remove the chicken and broil for 2–3 minutes until lightly browned.
Step 7: Serve
Plate the chicken and vegetables using a slotted spoon. Drizzle with sauce and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook on HIGH if using chicken breasts—they can dry out.
- Cut carrots evenly so they cook at the same rate.
- Avoid lifting the lid frequently—it releases heat and extends cooking time.
- For extra flavor, sear the chicken briefly before adding to the slow cooker (optional but delicious).
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This meal is complete on its own, but here are a few ways to round it out:
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Pair with a bright drink like This Blueberry Lemonade Is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days.
- Add a simple side salad for extra freshness.
- For dessert, try These No-Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars Are My Favorite Snack to Keep on Hand.
If you love comforting chicken dinners, you’ll also enjoy These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners or hearty favorites like This Instant Pot Lasagna Is My Favorite Way to Make Comfort Food Fast.
For another bold and savory dinner idea, check out This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 620mg (using low-sodium soy sauce)
Values will vary depending on specific brands and substitutions used.
Storage and Leftover Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Freeze for up to 2 months (freeze without green beans for best texture).
- Shred leftover chicken and use it in wraps, rice bowls, or lettuce cups.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If this recipe becomes a regular in your rotation, here are more comfort-forward meals and treats to explore:
- These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners
- This Instant Pot Lasagna Is My Favorite Way to Make Comfort Food Fast
- This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor
- These No-Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars Are My Favorite Snack to Keep on Hand
- This Blueberry Lemonade Is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Vegetables is the kind of dependable, flavor-packed dinner every home cook needs in their back pocket. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights but comforting enough for Sunday family dinners.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Leave a comment, share your tweaks, and follow along for more easy, crave-worthy recipes from my kitchen to yours.
— Jason Griffith
ChefManiac.com
