Summer Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Veggie Jamboree
Recipe Introduction: Sunshine in a Crockpot!
Alright, are you sweltering in this heat? I am! The last thing I want to do is turn on the oven.
That's where summer crockpot meals come in handy. This recipe for Summer Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken & Veggie Jamboree is an absolute game changer.
Sweet & Savoury Goodness in Every Bite
This beauty is inspired by honey garlic chicken. It all gets chucked in the crockpot with a medley of summer veggies.
You end up with tender, flavourful chicken. It's bursting with sweet and savory goodness.
This kind of dish screams easy weeknight dinner. It's also perfect for a casual BBQ spread. It's like sunshine on a plate, minus the sunburn!
A Little Background
Slow cooking has been around for ages. It started as a way to make tough cuts of meat tender. It's now a lifesaver for busy families.
This easy crockpot summer meals recipe is simple. Even your gran could nail it! It takes about 15 minutes to prep.
Cooking time is about 4- 6 hours on low, or 2- 3 hours on high. You'll get about 6 servings.
Why You'll Love It
Honestly, the best part is how healthy it is. Packed with protein and loaded with colorful veggies, you're getting a nutrient boost.
It's perfect for a lazy Sunday lunch. What makes this recipe special? It's the hands off cooking, of course!
Okay, right then! Let's whip up a list worthy of a right royal ranking! Time to gather our ingredients.
Next up, a deep dive into what you need to make this magic happen.
Alright, right then! Let's get started with the ingredients for our Summer Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken & Veggie Jamboree! This recipe is all about ease, so don't worry about hunting down obscure stuff.
It's about using what's good and getting that summer slow cooker meals goodness going in the simplest way possible.
The Kit and Kaboodle: Ingredients & Equipment
This section breaks down everything you'll need. We'll cover ingredients, essential spices, and the tools of the trade. Honestly, most of it is probably already lurking in your kitchen.
Main Ingredients
Let's get down to brass tacks. Okay, right then! Let's whip up a list worthy of a right royal ranking! .
We are aiming to get that Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken flavour profile but in the easiest way possible.
Chicken & Marinade:
- 2.5 lbs (1.1 kg) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. Thighs are juicier. Chop them into 1 inch pieces.
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) honey. Local honey is best, if you can get it.
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) low sodium soy sauce. Watch out for the salty stuff.
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) rice vinegar.
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh is the only way to go.
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated. Adds a nice little zing.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional). For a bit of heat.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
Veggies:
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped.
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped. The colourful bell peppers is one key element on Summer Slow Cooker Recipes
- 1 zucchini, chopped.
- 1 yellow squash, chopped.
- 1 red onion, sliced.
- 1 cup (approx 225g) cherry tomatoes, halved.
- 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped.
Quality Indicator: For the chicken, try to find free range or organic if your budget allows. You'll notice the difference in taste and texture.
Seasoning Notes
This is where the magic happens. Honey and garlic are the stars, creating that sweet and savoury bliss. The ginger and red pepper flakes add a touch of warmth.
They elevates this Easy Crockpot Summer Meals
- Essential Spice Combinations: Honey, garlic, ginger, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. This is the base for delicious Crockpot Chicken and Vegetables .
- Flavor Enhancers and Aromatics: Fresh parsley is your secret weapon for a burst of freshness at the end.
- Quick Substitution Options: No rice vinegar? Apple cider vinegar will do in a pinch.
Equipment Needed
Right, let's not overcomplicate things. Here's what you actually need for this Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes :
- Slow Cooker (6-quart or larger). A must have for lazy summer dinners .
- Chopping Board.
- Sharp Knife.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons. You know.
Common Household Alternatives: Don't have measuring spoons? Eyeballing it is fine, honestly! This is your Hands Off Summer Cooking , no stress!
Summer Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken & Veggie Jamboree
Okay, right then! Let's whip up some cracking summer crockpot meals ! Seriously, who wants to be sweating over a hot stove when it's sunny outside? This Summer Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken & Veggie Jamboree is your answer! It's easy, delicious, and hands off summer cooking .
Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Power-Up
Honestly, the most time consuming part is chopping the veggies. Get your red and yellow bell peppers, zucchini, yellow squash, red onion, and cherry tomatoes all prepped.
Cut 2.5 lbs (1.1 kg) of chicken thighs (or breasts if you prefer, but thighs are more forgiving) into bite sized pieces.
Mince 4 cloves of garlic and grate 1 teaspoon of ginger. This prep work makes it a true throw-it-in-and-forget about-it meal!
step-by-step: Easy as Pie (or Should I Say, Chicken?)
- Cut chicken into 1 inch pieces. Season with salt and pepper.
- Whisk together 1/2 cup (120 ml) honey, 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil, minced garlic, ginger, and optional red pepper flakes in a bowl.
- Add chicken to the marinade, making sure it's well coated.
- Layer chopped veggies in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Spread marinated chicken evenly over the vegetables.
- Cook on low for 4- 6 hours or high for 2- 3 hours .
- Chicken internal temp must reach 165° F ( 74° C) . Use a meat thermometer!
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Crockpot Game
- Don't peek! Seriously, keep that lid on. Every time you lift it, you add like half an hour to the cooking time.
- If the sauce is too thin at the end, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it in. Cook on high for 15- 20 minutes , until thickened. It is essential that you don't skip this step.
- Prep everything the night before! Chop those veggies, mix the marinade, and store them separately in the fridge. It's a lifesaver!
Think of this as a cheat code for delicious easy crockpot summer meals . You can even adapt it, for example: I love adding a pinch of sriracha for some extra heat for a Crockpot BBQ Recipes .
Honestly, this recipe is the perfect way to enjoy healthy slow cooker recipes without slaving away in the kitchen all day! So, give it a go and enjoy this lazy summer dinner ! The honey garlic chicken thighs slow cooker are a true treat.
Recipe Notes: Your Guide to Crockpot Glory
Right then! Before you dive headfirst into this Summer Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken & Veggie Jamboree, let’s chat about some insider tips and tricks.
Honestly, these little nuggets of wisdom can make all the difference between a good meal and a fantastic one!
Plating Like a Pro & Perfect Pairings
Okay, so you've cooked this dish. Now, let’s make it look the business. How about serving it over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa? It soaks up all that delicious honey garlic sauce.
For a bit of freshness, a simple cucumber and tomato salad on the side is just the ticket! Oh, and a dollop of Greek yogurt? Don't mind if I do! That creamy tang cuts through the sweetness perfectly.
Storing Your Crockpot Creation
Refrigeration: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days . Freezing: Fancy batch cooking? This recipe freezes beautifully.
Simply let it cool completely, then pop it into freezer safe containers for up to 3 months . Reheating: When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat in the microwave or in a pan on the hob until piping hot.
Variations to Suit Your Style
Low-Carb Twist: Watching the carbs? Swap the honey for a sugar-free sweetener. You could also use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. Boom!
Spice It Up!: Fancy a bit of a kick? Add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the marinade. It’ll wake up your taste buds, alright!
Seasonal Swaps: In autumn or winter, switch up the zucchini and squash for chunks of butternut squash or sweet potatoes. Proper comfort food, that is!
Nutrition Nuggets
Let's talk nutrition. One serving of this summer crockpot meals sensation clocks in at roughly 350 calories. You are getting a hearty 35g of protein, 15g of fat and 20g of carbs with 15g of sugar.
It’s a good balance, perfect for a satisfying and relatively healthy meal. Plus, all those veggies are packed with vitamins and fibre bonus! Remember, these are estimates, so take them with a pinch of salt, yeah?
So there you have it! All the tips and tricks you need to make this Summer Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken & Veggie Jamboree a roaring success.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Happy cooking, and bon appétit!.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prep this Summer Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken & Veggie Jamboree ahead of time?
Absolutely, you can! Chop all the vegetables and mix the marinade in advance, storing them separately in the fridge. Then, just before you're ready to cook, toss the chicken with the marinade and layer everything into the slow cooker. It's like having a ready-to-go meal kit saves a lot of faff, doesn't it?
What if my sauce is too watery after cooking these summer crockpot meals?
No worries, that's easily sorted. Remove the chicken and vegetables with a slotted spoon. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then stir this mixture into the sauce remaining in the slow cooker.
Cook on high for about 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your liking. Should be just the ticket!
I'm watching my waistline can I make this recipe healthier?
You betcha! For a healthier version, use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the amount of honey, or replace it with a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol or stevia. Load up on the non-starchy veggies and serve with quinoa instead of rice. You'll have a delicious and guilt free summer crockpot meal.
Can I use frozen chicken or veggies in this recipe?
While it's best to use fresh ingredients, you can use frozen chicken, but ensure it's fully thawed before adding it to the slow cooker for food safety reasons. Frozen veggies will work in a pinch too, though they might release more water during cooking, so keep an eye on the sauce consistency.
It might not be quite the same as fresh, but it'll do the job!
How long will leftovers of this summer crockpot meal last, and how should I store them?
Leftovers of this Summer Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken & Veggie Jamboree will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to store them in an airtight container. You can also freeze the leftovers for longer storage, up to 2-3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.
My slow cooker cooks really hot - will this recipe still work?
Absolutely, but keep a close eye on it! If your slow cooker tends to run hot, reduce the cooking time by an hour or two, and check the chicken for doneness earlier. Also, placing a layer of baking paper under the lid can help regulate the temperature. Nobody wants a burned dinner, right?
Summer Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Veggie J
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 3g |
