This Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli is super easy to make! The chicken gets tender and juicy while soaking up a delicious honey garlic sauce, and the broccoli stays bright and crisp.
It’s like a warm hug for dinner! I love the combination of sweet and savory flavors. Plus, everything cooks together, so it’s a breeze to clean up afterward. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I enjoy using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness, but you can easily swap them for chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat. Both work well in this recipe!
Honey: Honey is the star of the sauce, adding sweetness. If you can’t use honey, agave syrup or maple syrup makes a great substitute. You may want to adjust the amount based on your taste.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce gives the dish a rich flavor. If you’re watching your sodium intake, opt for low-sodium soy sauce. For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are ideal for this dish. However, you can use frozen broccoli if fresh isn’t available. Just add them in the last 15 minutes of cooking!
Garlic and Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger boost the flavor immensely. If fresh isn’t available, use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder and ginger powder as alternatives.
How Do I Get the Perfect Chicken Texture in a Crock Pot?
Cooking chicken in a Crock Pot can be easy, but getting the right texture is key. Here are some tips to ensure your chicken turns out tender and delicious:
- Always add enough liquid! The sauce should cover the chicken to ensure even cooking.
- For moist chicken, avoid overcooking it. Stick to the recommended cooking times—4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high.
- If you’re in a hurry, you can sear the chicken in a skillet before adding it to the Crock Pot for extra flavor, though it’s optional.
- When the chicken is done, shred it while it’s still warm for easier handling and to soak up the sauce better.
How to Make Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken And Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cups cooked rice (for serving)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Sliced green onions (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take you about 15 minutes to prepare. Once everything is in the Crock Pot, you’ll need to cook it for 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high, depending on your time! After that, just an extra 30 minutes to cook the broccoli. Total time can be around 4.5 to 7 hours, but the hands-on time is just a short 15 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce:
Start by grabbing a mixing bowl. In it, combine the honey, soy sauce, chicken broth, minced garlic, ginger (if you like a little extra spice), and sesame oil. Whisk everything together until it’s well mixed and smooth. This will be the yummy sauce that flavors your chicken.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Next, place your chicken thighs or breasts right into the Crock Pot. Pour the honey garlic mixture all over the chicken. Don’t forget to sprinkle some salt and pepper on top to give it extra flavor! Put the lid on the Crock Pot.
3. Set Cooking Time:
Cook the chicken on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. You want the chicken to be fully cooked and tender, so it’s easy to shred later. During cooking, your home will smell amazing!
4. Thicken the Sauce:
Once the chicken is done cooking, carefully take it out of the Crock Pot and set it aside on a plate. In a little bowl, mix the cornstarch with the water to create a smooth slurry. Stir this slurry into the sauce in the Crock Pot to thicken it up nicely.
5. Add Broccoli:
Now it’s time for the broccoli! Toss the broccoli florets into the thickened sauce, cover the Crock Pot again, and let it cook on high for another 30 minutes or until the broccoli is tender and bright green. Yum!
6. Shred the Chicken:
While the broccoli is cooking, take the chicken you set aside and shred it using two forks—it should come apart easily after being cooked. Once shredded, add it back into the Crock Pot, giving everything a good stir to combine the chicken, sauce, and broccoli.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Now it’s time to dig in! Serve your honey garlic chicken and broccoli over cooked rice. For a lovely touch, sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top. Enjoy your tasty meal!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can use chicken breasts instead of thighs or vice versa. Just keep in mind that chicken breasts may cook a little faster, so check for doneness at the earlier time frame. Also, you can use skin-on or bone-in chicken for extra flavor and moisture—just remove the skin before serving if you prefer it that way.
What If I Don’t Have Soy Sauce?
No worries! You can substitute soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter taste. You can also make a homemade soy sauce substitute using broth, vinegar, and a bit of salt, but keep in mind this might alter the flavor profile slightly.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the honey garlic sauce the night before and store it in the fridge. Just mix the ingredients without the chicken, and combine everything in the Crock Pot when you’re ready to cook. This recipe is also great for meal prep—simply store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken and broccoli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a pan on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. If the sauce thickens too much, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up again.
