This Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli is a sweet and savory dish that’s super easy to make! Just toss chicken, honey, garlic, and broccoli in the slow cooker and let it do its magic!
Who can resist a meal that cooks itself? I love serving it over rice for a filling dinner. Perfect for busy nights when I want something yummy without the fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless chicken thighs bring extra flavor and tenderness. You can use chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option, but they may not be as juicy. For a meatless version, try substituting with extra-firm tofu or chickpeas.
Honey: Honey gives this dish its signature sweetness. If you need a vegan alternative, maple syrup or agave nectar works great as substitutes. Just remember that the flavor will be slightly different.
Soy Sauce: I recommend using low-sodium soy sauce to keep the dish from becoming too salty. Tamari is a perfect gluten-free substitute, while coconut aminos offer a similar taste with less sodium.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli adds a nice crunch and vibrant color. Frozen broccoli is also a good alternative, and it’s super convenient. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure it’s cooked but not mushy.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Stays Juicy in the Crock Pot?
To keep chicken juicy, time and moisture are key. Place the chicken at the bottom of the crock pot, as the heat rises and helps cook it evenly. Always cover it, and avoid lifting the lid too much while cooking to maintain steam.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and makes the chicken easy to shred.
- In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli for a tender finish without overcooking.
- If you want a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water and stir into the mixture at the end.
Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water (optional, for cornstarch)
For the Broccoli and Serving:
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups cooked brown rice (for serving)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus cooking time of 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. It’s perfect for a busy day, as you can let the crock pot do all the hard work while you relax!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Making the Honey Garlic Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, and ground ginger. Whisk everything together until well mixed. This will create a delicious sauce that gives your chicken amazing flavor!
2. Preparing the Chicken:
Place your chicken thighs or breasts in the crock pot. Pour the honey garlic sauce all over the chicken, making sure each piece is nicely coated. This sauce is what makes the chicken so tasty!
3. Cooking the Chicken:
Cover the crock pot with its lid. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The longer you cook it, the more flavorful and tender it will be!
4. Adding the Broccoli:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, add the broccoli florets to the crock pot. If you’d like to thicken the sauce, mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl, then stir it into the sauce before adding the broccoli. This step is optional, but it gives the sauce a nice consistency!
5. Shredding the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, take two forks and shred the chicken right in the crock pot. Mix it back into the sauce to ensure it’s all coated and deliciously mixed together.
6. Serving Your Dish:
Serve the honey garlic chicken over a bed of cooked brown rice. Sprinkle with freshly sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a lovely garnish. Enjoy your meal, and don’t forget to savor the flavors!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts in place of thighs. Be aware that chicken breasts can cook more quickly, so check for doneness a little earlier, especially if you’re cooking on high.
What Can I Substitute for Soy Sauce?
If you’re looking for a soy sauce substitute, you can use tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a milder flavor. Just keep in mind that the taste might differ slightly, so adjust the quantity based on your taste preference.
Can I Prepare This Recipe with Frozen Chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! However, make sure to cook it on high for at least 4-5 hours to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature. It will release more moisture, possibly leading to a thinner sauce, so you may want to add cornstarch to thicken it later in the cooking process.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. For longer storage, consider freezing the chicken and sauce together, keeping it for up to 3 months.
