Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken & Veggies Recipe – A One-Pot Wonder

There’s nothing more comforting than coming home to a hearty, flavorful meal that practically cooked itself. This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken & Veggies Recipe is the perfect set-it-and-forget-it dinner, combining tender chicken thighs, crisp vegetables, and a sticky-sweet honey garlic glaze that’s irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re a busy parent, a meal-prep enthusiast, or just someone who loves effortless cooking, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the chicken to soak up the sweet, savory, and slightly tangy sauce while the veggies turn perfectly tender.

What makes this dish truly special is its versatility. You can customize the veggies based on what’s in season or what you have on hand—broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini all work beautifully. The honey garlic sauce is the star, with its perfect balance of sweetness from honey, depth from soy sauce, and a hint of spice from red pepper flakes. Plus, since everything cooks together in one pot, cleanup is a breeze. This recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even casual entertaining, proving that slow cooker meals don’t have to be boring.

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken & Veggies Recipe – A One-Pot Wonder

Recipe by Jamie Erin
Servings

5

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

6

hours 
Calories

380

kcal

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken & Veggies Recipe

For the Chicken & Veggies:

  • 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs

  • 3 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, snap peas)

  • 1 small onion, sliced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated

  • For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
  • ⅓ cup honey
  • ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

  • 1 tbsp sesame oil

  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

  • 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

  • Garnish (Optional):
  • Sesame seeds

  • Sliced green onions

  • Fresh cilantro

Directions for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken & Veggies Recipe

  • Prep the Chicken & Veggies
    Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper. Chop all vegetables into even-sized pieces (about 1-inch chunks) so they cook uniformly.
  • Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
    In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). For a thicker sauce, mix in 1 tbsp cornstarch.
  • Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
    Place sliced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker (this prevents sticking). Add chicken thighs, then pour the sauce over them. Scatter the chopped veggies on top.
  • Cook to Perfection
    Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and veggies are tender but not mushy.
  • Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
    If the sauce is too thin, transfer it to a saucepan, simmer for 5 minutes with 1 tsp cornstarch slurry, then pour back over the chicken.
  • Garnish & Serve
    Sprinkle with sesame seeds, green onions, and cilantro. Serve hot over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.

What Makes “Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken & Veggies Recipe” Special?

This dish stands out because of its perfect harmony of flavors and textures. The chicken becomes fall-apart tender after slow cooking in the honey garlic sauce, while the vegetables retain just enough bite to add freshness. Unlike many slow cooker recipes that turn mushy, this one ensures the veggies stay vibrant and delicious. The sauce—a mix of honey, garlic, soy sauce, and a splash of apple cider vinegar—caramelizes slightly as it cooks, creating a glaze-like coating that clings to every bite.

Another winning factor? It’s incredibly hands-off. Just chop the ingredients, toss them in the slow cooker, and let the magic happen. No babysitting the stove, no last-minute stirring—just a foolproof, dump-and-go meal. It’s also naturally gluten-free (if using tamari instead of soy sauce) and can easily be adjusted for Paleo or low-carb diets by reducing the honey. Whether you serve it over rice, quinoa, or enjoy it as-is, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken & Veggies

  • Steamed jasmine rice (absorbs the sauce perfectly)
  • Quinoa or cauliflower rice (for a lighter option)
  • Quick-pickled cucumbers (adds a refreshing crunch)
  • Crusty bread (to soak up extra sauce)

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380
  • Protein: 28g
  • Carbs: 32g
  • Fat: 12g
  • Fiber: 3g

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken & Veggies Recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves flavorful, fuss-free meals. The combination of sticky-sweet sauce, tender chicken, and crisp veggies makes it a well-balanced, satisfying dish that’s both nutritious and delicious. Whether you’re meal prepping or feeding a family, this recipe is a reliable go-to that never disappoints. Plus, leftovers taste even better the next day!