This Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli is super easy to make! Sweet honey and tangy garlic come together to make chicken juicy and flavorful, while broccoli adds a pop of color.
I love how it all cooks in one pot, which means less mess for me. Toss everything in, and just let it do its thing. It’s perfect for busy days when I want something tasty! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I recommend boneless skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness and tenderness. If you prefer lean meat, you can substitute with boneless skinless chicken breasts, but be aware they might dry out if overcooked.
Honey: This is the star ingredient that brings sweetness to the dish. For a lower-calorie option, consider using agave syrup or maple syrup. Just keep in mind that the flavor might change a bit.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is best for better control over the saltiness. If you’re gluten-free, switch to tamari or coconut aminos for a similar flavor without the gluten.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can be used. Just remember to use less, about 1/8 teaspoon for each clove. I love the aroma fresh garlic adds to the dish.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are ideal, but you can use frozen broccoli if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to thaw it before adding to the pot to ensure even cooking.
How Do You Get the Sauce to Thicken Properly?
Thickening the sauce is a crucial step to make it rich and sticky. The cornstarch slurry helps here. Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry. This prevents lumps.
- Add the slurry to the sauce in the crock pot once the chicken is shredded. Stir well to combine.
- Cook on high for an additional 30 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken properly. This turns your sauce into a luscious coating for the chicken.
Make sure to stir occasionally as it cooks to achieve an even consistency. Enjoy the delightful transformation of your dish!
Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
For Thickening:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
For Serving:
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups brown rice, cooked
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and then cooks in the crock pot for either 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. With a quick steam for the broccoli at the end, you’ll have a lovely meal ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce:
Start by grabbing a medium bowl. Whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ground ginger until everything is nicely mixed. This will be the flavorful sauce that coats your chicken!
2. Layer the Chicken in the Crock Pot:
Place your chicken thighs at the bottom of the crock pot. Pour the honey garlic mixture over the chicken, making sure it gets on top of each piece for full flavor!
3. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to cook. Choose low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The smell will be amazing!
4. Shred the Chicken:
Once your chicken is fully cooked, take it out of the crock pot and use two forks to shred it. Don’t worry if it falls apart easily; that’s just how tender it is! Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot to soak up more of that tasty sauce.
5. Thicken the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the water to create a slurry. Add this slurry to the sauce in the crock pot and stir well. Let it cook on high for an additional 30 minutes; this will thicken the sauce nicely.
6. Prepare the Broccoli:
While the sauce thickens, steam or blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for about 3-5 minutes until they are tender but still bright green. This will add a fresh crunch to your dish!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
To serve, place a scoop of brown rice on each plate, then top it with the honey garlic chicken and a side of broccoli. It’s all about those flavors coming together!
8. Garnish:
Finish your dish by garnishing it with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that extra flair. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used in place of thighs, but keep an eye on the cooking time, as they may cook a bit faster—usually in about 3-4 hours on low or 1.5-2 hours on high. Just make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
No problem! Simply substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. This way, you can still enjoy that delicious honey garlic flavor without worrying about gluten!
Can I Prepare This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the chicken and sauce mixture the night before! Just combine the honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger in a bowl, and keep it in the fridge. In the morning, place the chicken and sauce in the crock pot and follow the cooking instructions.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual servings in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. If the sauce has thickened, add a splash of water to loosen it up while reheating!
