This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken And Veggies Recipe is a delightful dish that seamlessly blends tender chicken with vibrant vegetables in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, offering a hassle-free way to enjoy a nutritious meal that appeals to everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Simply toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
- Flavorful Sauce: The combination of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger creates an irresistible glaze that enhances the chicken and veggies.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables and lean protein, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it over rice, quinoa, or even on its own for a low-carb option.
- Great for Meal Prep: This recipe is perfect for making ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy delicious leftovers.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes cooking easier. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken And Veggies Recipe.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: This tool simplifies the cooking process by allowing you to set it and forget it while your meal cooks slowly to perfection.
- Mixing bowl: A good mixing bowl is essential for combining sauces evenly before pouring them over your ingredients.
- Measuring cups: Accurate measurements help ensure your sauce has the right balance of flavors.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
– 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (About 1.5 lbs.)
For the Sauce:
– 1 cup honey
– 1/3 cup soy sauce
– 4 cloves garlic (Minced.)
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
For the Vegetables:
– 1 piece bell pepper (Chopped.)
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 1 cup carrots (Sliced.)
– 1 cup snap peas
Seasoning:
– Salt and pepper (To taste.)
Optional for Thickening:
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons water
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken And Veggies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker.
Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Mix until well combined. Pour this mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Add in the chopped bell pepper, broccoli florets, sliced carrots, and snap peas. Stir gently to distribute the veggies throughout the sauce.
Step 4: Season Your Dish
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the slow cooker with the lid, set it to low heat, and cook for 6 hours.
Step 6: Thicken Your Sauce (Optional)
If you desire a thicker sauce, about 30 minutes before serving:
1. Mix cornstarch with water in a small bowl until smooth.
2. Add it to the slow cooker.
3. Stir to combine and allow it to cook for the remaining time.
Step 7: Shred and Serve
Once cooked, shred the chicken in the slow cooker using two forks. Mix everything together well before serving hot over rice or quinoa. Enjoy!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken And Veggies Recipe
Serving your slow cooker honey garlic chicken and veggies is all about complementing the rich flavors of the dish. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.
With Rice
- Using steamed white or brown rice captures the sauce perfectly and adds a hearty base to the dish.
Over Quinoa
- Quinoa adds a nutty flavor and extra protein, making it a nutritious alternative to rice.
In Lettuce Wraps
- For a fresh twist, serve the chicken and veggies wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves. This option is light and refreshing.
Alongside Noodles
- Serve with whole grain or rice noodles for a comforting noodle bowl that absorbs every drop of the delicious honey garlic sauce.
How to Perfect Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken And Veggies Recipe
To make your slow cooker honey garlic chicken and veggies even better, consider these helpful tips.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken can significantly enhance the flavor of your dish.
Adjust the Sweetness: Depending on your taste, you can adjust the amount of honey for a sweeter or less sweet sauce.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to include other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
Experiment with Spices: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes or sesame seeds can add an extra kick and visual appeal to your dish.
Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken And Veggies Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your slow cooker honey garlic chicken and veggies can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:
Steamed Broccoli
A simple side that complements the main dish’s flavors while adding more green goodness.Garlic Bread
Perfect for soaking up any remaining sauce, this classic choice adds a buttery crunch.Mixed Green Salad
A light salad with vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast to the rich honey garlic chicken.Couscous
Quick-cooking couscous adds a fluffy texture that pairs well with the chicken and veggies.Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Their natural sweetness enhances the overall flavor profile of the meal while providing additional nutrients.Cauliflower Rice
A low-carb option that serves as a great base while absorbing all those delicious flavors from the sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making the Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken And Veggies Recipe, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping the Marinade: Not allowing the chicken to marinate in the honey garlic sauce can result in less flavor. Always ensure the chicken is well-coated and let it soak in the sauce for a bit before cooking.
- Overcrowding the Slow Cooker: Adding too many ingredients may prevent even cooking. Stick to the recommended amounts for best results.
- Not Using Fresh Ingredients: Using old or wilted vegetables can compromise taste and texture. Always opt for fresh produce for optimal flavor.
- Ignoring Cooking Times: Cooking on high heat for too long can dry out the chicken. Always follow recommended cooking times closely.
- Neglecting Thickeners: If you prefer a thicker sauce, don’t forget to add cornstarch or another thickening agent towards the end of cooking time.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- The dish will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken And Veggies Recipe
- Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags; it can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken And Veggies Recipe
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil, reheating until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container, cover loosely, and heat on medium power until hot, stirring halfway.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a skillet, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to avoid sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken And Veggies Recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:
Can I use other vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to substitute with your favorite veggies like zucchini or asparagus for variety.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when fully cooked.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure your slow cooker has enough space and adjust cooking times as needed.
What can I serve with this recipe?
Serve over rice, quinoa, or even noodles for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken And Veggies Recipe is not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor and nutrition. You can customize it by adding different vegetables or adjusting sweetness levels according to your preference. Try it out and enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort!
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken And Veggies
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies is a delightful dish that offers an effortless way to prepare a wholesome meal packed with flavor. Tender chicken breasts are cooked to perfection in a luscious honey garlic sauce, complemented by colorful vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas. This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it work its magic while you attend to other tasks. With its savory-sweet glaze and nutritious components, this dish will become a family favorite in no time.
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs.)
- 1 cup honey
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 bell pepper (chopped)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup snap peas
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)
- 2 tablespoons water (optional)
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- In a mixing bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Pour over chicken.
- Add chopped bell pepper, broccoli florets, sliced carrots, and snap peas. Stir gently.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
- If desired, mix cornstarch with water about 30 minutes before serving to thicken the sauce.
- Shred the chicken using two forks before serving hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg