Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken & Carrots

If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful meal that practically cooks itself, look no further than this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken & Carrots. Tender chicken thighs bathed in a luscious honey garlic sauce, paired with sweet baby carrots, make for a truly satisfying dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, infusing the chicken with rich, savory-sweet flavors while keeping it juicy and tender. Plus, the addition of carrots adds a natural sweetness and vibrant color that brightens up the dish. Whether you’re new to slow cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is a total winner.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe nails the balance of flavors and textures. The chicken thighs stay juicy thanks to their higher fat content, which is perfect for slow cooking. The honey and soy sauce blend creates a sticky, sweet, and salty glaze that clings to every bite. Garlic and ground ginger add aromatic warmth and a subtle kick, elevating the dish beyond ordinary. Carrots simmer alongside the chicken, absorbing those savory-sweet juices while softening to tender perfection.

What’s more, the cornstarch slurry thickens the sauce at the end, transforming the cooking liquid into a glossy, rich glaze that coats the chicken and carrots beautifully. The finishing touch of chopped green onions adds a fresh, crisp contrast, balancing the deep flavors with a pop of color and brightness.

If you love the idea of honey garlic chicken, you might also want to try the Crock Pot Honey Sriracha Chicken for a spicy twist that’s just as easy to make.

Ingredient Checklist

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs – juicy and flavorful, ideal for slow cooking
• 4 cups baby carrots – sweet and tender, they cook perfectly alongside the chicken
• 1/2 cup honey – adds natural sweetness and helps create the sticky sauce
• 1/4 cup soy sauce – brings a salty, umami depth
• 1/4 cup chicken broth – keeps the dish moist and adds more savory flavor
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – infuses the sauce with its pungent aroma
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger – adds warmth and subtle spice
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – balances the sweetness with a gentle heat
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch – for thickening the sauce
• 2 tablespoons water – mixed with cornstarch to create a slurry
• Chopped green onions – for garnish and a fresh finish

Setup & Equipment

• Slow cooker (Crock-Pot or similar) – the star of the show, slow cooks the chicken and carrots to tender perfection
• Measuring cups and spoons – to get ingredient quantities just right
• Mixing bowl – to whisk together the honey garlic sauce
• Knife and cutting board – for prepping garlic and green onions
• Small bowl or cup – for mixing cornstarch and water slurry
• Serving dish or plates – to present your delicious Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken & Carrots

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken & Carrots — Do This Next

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, chicken broth, minced garlic, ground ginger, and black pepper until well combined. This mixture is the flavorful base that will infuse the chicken and carrots as they slow cook.

Step 2: Assemble in the Slow Cooker

Place the baby carrots evenly at the bottom of your slow cooker. Layer the chicken thighs on top of the carrots. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken and carrots, ensuring everything is coated nicely.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and easily shredded with a fork, and the carrots soft but not mushy.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Once cooking is complete, remove the chicken and carrots with a slotted spoon and set aside. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a smooth slurry. Pour this into the slow cooker and stir well. Turn the heat to high and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes until thickened to a glossy glaze.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Return the chicken and carrots to the thickened sauce, stirring gently to coat. Transfer to serving plates or a dish, and sprinkle with chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Serve this alongside steamed rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a wholesome meal. If you enjoy recipes with carrots, the Maple Glazed Carrot Soup is a comforting and creative way to enjoy carrots in a different style.

How to Make It Lighter

• Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content without sacrificing flavor.
• Swap chicken thighs for boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer leaner cuts, though thighs remain juicier.
• Reduce the honey slightly or substitute half with pure maple syrup for a more complex sweetness.
• Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh side salad to increase fiber and nutrients.

Author’s Commentary

This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken & Carrots is one of those recipes I turn to when I want something easy but deeply satisfying. The slow cooker does all the work while you go about your day, and when you come back, the house smells incredible. Using chicken thighs is key—they stay so tender and flavorful after hours of cooking, unlike breast meat which can dry out.

I love how the carrots soak up the sauce and become melt-in-your-mouth sweet. The cornstarch slurry trick is a game-changer—it makes the sauce thick and sticky without any fuss. Garnishing with green onions isn’t just for looks; they add a fresh bite that cuts through the richness.

For a different take on sheet pan dinners, try the Maple Dijon Sheet Pan Chicken Squash, which also features sweet and savory flavors but with a quick roasting method.

Storage & Reheat Guide

• Storage: Allow the chicken and carrots to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through. If the sauce has thickened too much after refrigeration, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up.

Helpful Q&A

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can swap chicken thighs for boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option. Just be mindful that chicken breasts may dry out more easily with long slow cooking, so consider cooking on low for a shorter time or monitoring closely.

Is it possible to make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! Use the sauté function to brown the chicken thighs first, then add the carrots and sauce. Cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes, followed by a natural release. Finish by thickening the sauce using the sauté function with the cornstarch slurry.

What can I serve with Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken & Carrots?

It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or even noodles. For a lighter side, try roasted or steamed greens. The sweet carrots and savory sauce complement many simple starches and vegetables.

Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Yes! Vegetables like broccoli florets, snap peas, or bell peppers can be added in the last hour of cooking to retain their texture. Root vegetables like potatoes or parsnips also work well but will need the full cooking time alongside the chicken.

More Recipes You’ll Love

• Crock Pot Honey Sriracha Chicken – a spicy, tangy twist on honey garlic chicken.
• Maple Dijon Sheet Pan Chicken Squash – a quick, one-pan dinner with sweet and savory flavors.
• Maple Glazed Carrot Soup – a cozy, naturally sweet soup that highlights carrots beautifully.

Next Steps

Now that you’ve mastered this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken & Carrots, consider experimenting with different vegetables or spice blends to make it your own. Try adding a splash of citrus juice or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor layers. Don’t forget to share this crowd-pleaser with friends and family—they’ll thank you for it!

Enjoy the ease and deliciousness of slow cooking, and savor every bite of this comforting, flavorful meal.

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