There’s something comforting about the aroma of a home-cooked meal simmering away in a slow cooker, especially when it involves tender chicken and flavorful vegetables. This Slow Cooker Sweet Garlic Chicken with Vegetables is a dish that perfectly marries ease and taste. Whether you’re looking for a hearty weeknight dinner or a meal to impress guests, this recipe checks all the boxes. The chicken thighs cook until they’re tender, soaking up the rich flavors of a sweet and garlicky sauce. Paired with a medley of vegetables like baby potatoes, carrots, and green beans, this dish not only satisfies but also provides a balanced and nutritious meal. The best part? The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with minimal prep and a dinner that’s ready when you are. Serve it with a side of crusty bread to mop up the sauce, and you’ll have a meal that’s sure to become a regular in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients (4 servings):
Sweet Garlic Sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
Chicken and Vegetables:
- 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 pound baby red potatoes
- 1 pound peeled carrots
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 1 pound trimmed green beans
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Thickening:
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 3 tsp water
Instructions:
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the honey, ketchup, minced garlic, soy sauce, and dried oregano. Whisk until the sauce is smooth and well blended.
- In a 4-6 quart slow cooker, arrange the chicken thighs evenly. Add the chopped onions, baby potatoes, and carrots around the chicken.
- Pour the sweet garlic sauce over the chicken and vegetables, making sure everything is well coated.
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours, or on HIGH for 3-3 1/2 hours.
- About 20 minutes before the cooking time ends, add the trimmed green beans to the slow cooker. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry, and stir it into the slow cooker.
- Re-cover and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the green beans are tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- To serve, use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken and vegetables to serving plates. If you like, you can broil the chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes to crisp up the skin. Drizzle the remaining sauce over the dish and garnish with chopped parsley.
Nutritional Information & Dietary Concerns:
This dish is rich in protein from the chicken and offers a good balance of vitamins and fiber from the mixed vegetables. The honey adds natural sweetness, while the soy sauce provides a savory depth without overpowering the dish. For those watching their sodium intake, consider using a low-sodium soy sauce or tamari. The meal is naturally gluten-free if you opt for gluten-free soy sauce. With a mix of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats, it’s a well-rounded meal that can fit into various dietary needs.
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