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- Chicken and Vegetable Components - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 cups broccoli florets - 1 bell pepper, sliced - 1 cup carrots, sliced - 1 yellow onion, diced - Sauce Ingredients - 1 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce (or gluten-free tamari) - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional Ingredients for Thickening - 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening) When I make this dish, I always start with fresh chicken and veggies. They add great flavor and texture. The honey gives the sauce a nice sweetness. The soy sauce adds depth. Garlic and ginger bring warmth and spice. I love using sesame oil; it gives a nutty aroma and taste. For the veggies, I like a mix of colors. Broccoli is crunchy and bright. Bell peppers add sweetness, and carrots bring a lovely orange hue. The onion adds a sweet base when cooked. If you want a thicker sauce, you can use cornstarch. Mix it with water to create a slurry. Stir it in during the last half hour of cooking. It makes the sauce richer and more satisfying. These ingredients come together to create a dish that is simple yet full of flavor. You can serve it over rice or quinoa for a wholesome meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} How to Whisk the Sauce In a medium bowl, add the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, and sesame oil. Use a whisk to blend everything until it is smooth. This sauce is sweet and savory, which makes your dish tasty. Preparing the Chicken and Vegetables Take four boneless, skinless chicken breasts and place them at the bottom of your slow cooker. Season them with salt and pepper for added flavor. Next, chop your vegetables: slice the bell pepper, dice the onion, and cut the carrots into thin pieces. Also, get your broccoli florets ready. Coating the Chicken Pour the honey garlic mixture over the chicken breasts. Make sure the chicken is fully coated in the sauce. This step is key for great flavor! Then, gently add the diced onion, sliced bell pepper, broccoli florets, and sliced carrots into the slow cooker. Stir everything lightly to spread the veggies evenly. Setting Up the Slow Cooker Cover your slow cooker with its lid. This keeps the heat in and helps cook everything evenly. Cooking Times and Temperature You can cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Check the chicken and veggies around the end of the cooking time. The chicken should be tender, and the veggies should be soft but not mushy. Thickening the Sauce (Optional) If you want a thicker sauce, mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water. Stir this mix into your slow cooker about 30 minutes before serving. Turn the heat to high to help it thicken. Shredding the Chicken Once the cooking is done, take two forks and shred the chicken. It should fall apart easily. This makes it mix well with the sauce and veggies. Combining Ingredients Finally, gently combine the shredded chicken with the veggies and sauce. This ensures every bite is full of flavor. Serve the dish over rice or quinoa. For extra flair, garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Enjoy your meal! Ensuring Tender Chicken To keep the chicken tender, use boneless, skinless breasts. They cook evenly and stay juicy. Always season with salt and pepper before cooking. This step enhances flavor. Vegetable Variations Feel free to mix different veggies. You can use green beans, snap peas, or zucchini. Just make sure to cut them into even pieces for even cooking. Add heartier veggies like carrots early on and softer ones later. Adjusting Sweetness of the Sauce If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the honey. Start with half a cup, then taste the sauce. You can also add a splash of vinegar for balance. This helps cut through the sweetness without overpowering the dish. Best Pairings (Rice or Quinoa) Serve this dish over fluffy rice or nutty quinoa. Both grains soak up the sauce well. They also add a nice texture. Quinoa offers more protein, which is a healthy choice. Garnishing Options Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Both add color and crunch. You can also sprinkle some chili flakes for a little heat. This adds a nice touch to the final dish. Recommended Slow Cooker Types Choose a slow cooker with a programmable timer. This feature ensures you can set it and forget it. Look for models with a locking lid for easy transport if needed. Useful Kitchen Tools A good set of measuring cups and spoons is essential. You’ll also need a whisk for mixing the sauce. Keep a pair of tongs handy for serving the chicken and veggies. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will enhance the flavor of your dish significantly, providing a more aromatic and vibrant taste. Marinate for More Flavor: If you have time, marinate the chicken in the honey garlic sauce for a few hours or overnight in the fridge for a deeper flavor. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute your favorite vegetables, such as snap peas or zucchini, to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Store Leftovers Properly: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave. {{image_2}} You can change the protein in this dish. Instead of chicken, try using tofu. Tofu absorbs flavors well and is a great option for a plant-based meal. You can also use beef or pork if you want something heartier. If you need to avoid honey, maple syrup works as a good substitute. It gives a similar sweetness. You can also use agave nectar or brown sugar in a pinch. For those needing gluten-free options, use tamari instead of soy sauce. It has a similar taste and works perfectly in this recipe. Adding spices can boost the flavor of your honey garlic chicken. Try adding red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can also add freshness. Feel free to mix in other vegetables. Sugar snap peas or zucchini can add color and crunch. Just remember to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking. If you want to use an Instant Pot, you can save time. Sauté the chicken and veggies first. Then, add the sauce and cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes. You can also make this dish on the stovetop. Simply cook everything in a large pot. Let it simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender. This method may take around 30 minutes. To keep your honey garlic chicken and veggies fresh, use proper airtight storage. Place leftovers in a container with a tight lid. This helps prevent air from getting inside and keeps your food tasty. For best results, refrigerate your leftovers right after they cool. Make sure to eat them within three to four days. This keeps flavors strong and safe to eat. When reheating, choose the best methods for warmth. I recommend using the microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir in between to ensure even warmth. If using a skillet, add a splash of water or broth. This keeps the chicken moist and helps the veggies stay crisp. Stir gently over medium heat until hot. To freeze honey garlic chicken and veggies, let them cool completely first. Place the food in a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to remove excess air. Label the bag with the date and use it within three months for best quality. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the meal in the fridge overnight. This method keeps the flavors and texture intact. Avoid thawing at room temperature to keep it safe. Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe. Just keep a few things in mind. First, increase the cooking time by one hour for the slow cooker. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy. Also, make sure to season the frozen chicken with salt and pepper before adding the honey garlic sauce. This helps build flavor even when starting from frozen. To check if the chicken is cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast to get an accurate reading. If you don't have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. It should be white and the juices should run clear, not pink. Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Prepare everything and place it in your slow cooker. You can store it in the fridge overnight. When you're ready to cook, just turn on the slow cooker. If you want to freeze it, do so before cooking. Just let it thaw in the fridge before cooking. This makes meal prepping easy and keeps your weeknight dinners simple! In this post, we explored a tasty chicken dish that’s easy to make in a slow cooker. We covered the key ingredients, from chicken and veggies to sauce options. You learned how to prepare and cook, ensuring your chicken turns out tender. I shared tips on serving and storing leftovers too. Remember, you can swap ingredients or try different cooking methods based on what you like. This dish is simple, and it can please everyone at the table. Happy cooking!

Honey Garlic Chicken & Veggies

A delicious slow-cooked dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, served with colorful vegetables.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 7 hours
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup honey
  • 0.25 cup soy sauce (or gluten-free tamari)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 piece bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup carrots, sliced
  • 1 piece yellow onion, diced
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish sliced green onions and sesame seeds

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, and sesame oil until well combined.
  • Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Season them with salt and pepper.
  • Pour the honey garlic mixture over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated.
  • Add the diced onion, sliced bell pepper, broccoli florets, and sliced carrots to the slow cooker. Stir gently to distribute the vegetables evenly around the chicken.
  • Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker about 30 minutes before serving and increase the setting to high.
  • Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks and mix everything together in the sauce.
  • Serve the honey garlic chicken and veggies over rice or quinoa, garnished with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Notes

Serve over rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
Keyword chicken, honey garlic, slow cooker, vegetables