Instructions
Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, garlic, soy sauce, oregano, and ketchup.
Step 2: Add the chicken thighs, potatoes, carrots, and onions to a 4-6 quart slow cooker. Pour the honey garlic sauce mixture evenly on top.
Step 3: Cover the slow cooker and seal the lid. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-3.5 hours.
Step 4: About 20 minutes before serving, add the green beans to the slow cooker along with the optional cornstarch slurry. Re-seal the lid and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until the green beans are tender and the sauce starts to thicken.
Step 5: Remove the chicken and vegetables to serving plates using a slotted spoon. Optional: Broil the chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes to brown the skin.
Step 6: Drizzle sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Garnish with optional minced parsley.
Tips
- Chicken Selection: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts. Thighs tend to stay more tender and moist, but both work well.
- Browning the Chicken: Browning the chicken in a hot skillet before adding it to the slow cooker can enhance the dish’s flavor, sealing in the juices and adding a caramelized layer.
- Honey-Garlic Sauce: Adjust the sweetness and saltiness of the sauce to your taste by modifying the amounts of honey and soy sauce.
- Minced Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides the best flavor, but you can use garlic powder or pre-minced garlic for convenience.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or others for extra texture and nutrition.
- Thickening the Sauce: For a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Serving: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken pairs well with rice, quinoa, or noodles. You can also serve it over a bed of steamed vegetables.
FAQs
- Can I Use Frozen Chicken?
- It’s best to use thawed chicken for food safety reasons. Cooking frozen chicken in a slow cooker can result in uneven cooking and potential safety concerns.
- How to Store Leftovers?
- Refrigerate any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container. Consume within a few days.
- Can I Make It Ahead of Time?
- This dish is great for making ahead. Prepare the sauce and store it in the fridge. When ready to cook, just add the sauce and chicken to the slow cooker.
