This Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli is a winner for busy days! The chicken simmers in a sweet and tangy honey garlic sauce that pairs perfectly with tender broccoli.
Who doesn’t love a dish that practically makes itself? Just toss everything in the pot and let it work its magic. I often serve it over rice for a tasty meal that’s super easy to whip up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this dish. They tend to stay juicy and tender even after slow cooking, which is perfect for this recipe. If you prefer breasts, they also work, but watch the cooking time as they can dry out.
Honey: Honey gives that lovely sweetness. If you need a substitute, maple syrup or agave nectar works well, though the flavor will be slightly different. I love using local honey for its unique taste!
Soy Sauce: For a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos. Both have similar flavors but are suitable for those with dietary restrictions. I like the rich flavor of low-sodium soy sauce to control salt content.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is great for texture, but you can use frozen florets if you have them on hand. Just be mindful they might release more moisture, so adjust accordingly.
Rice: Brown rice gives a nice nutty flavor. If you want something quicker, you can use white rice or even quinoa for a different texture and taste.
How Do I Get the Chicken Cooked Perfectly in a Crock Pot?
Getting perfectly cooked chicken in a Crock Pot is all about timing and moisture control. Follow these steps for great results:
- Start with the chicken placed evenly at the bottom of the pot. This helps it cook evenly.
- Pour the sauce over and don’t skip on coating the chicken well; this keeps it moist.
- For the best flavor, cook on low for 4-6 hours. If you’re in a hurry, high for 2-3 hours works but check for tenderness.
- Adding the broccoli about 30 minutes before serving helps preserve its bright color and crunch.
- Don’t forget to shred the chicken; this allows it to soak up the flavorful sauce while serving.
How to Make Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Broccoli:
- 4 cups broccoli florets
For Garnish:
- 2 sliced green onions
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
For Serving:
- 3 cups cooked brown rice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and cooks in the Crock Pot for 2-6 hours, depending on your cooking setting. So, it’s perfect for a day when you want a flavorful meal without a lot of active cooking time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, minced ginger, sesame oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until well combined. This will be the tasty sauce that makes your chicken delightful!
2. Set Up the Crock Pot:
Place the chicken in your Crock Pot and pour the honey garlic sauce over it. Make sure to cover the chicken well with the sauce so it cooks evenly and absorbs all those yummy flavors.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Now, cover the Crock Pot and set it to cook! You can choose to cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and super tender when it’s done.
4. Add the Broccoli:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, add the broccoli florets directly into the Crock Pot. Stir them into the sauce with the chicken. Cover it again and let it cook until the broccoli is bright and tender.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once everything is done cooking, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the Crock Pot. Stir it around to mix it with the sauce and the broccoli, so everyone gets a taste of that delicious honey garlic flavor.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Now it’s time to serve! Spoon the chicken and broccoli mixture over a bed of cooked brown rice. To make it look extra nice, sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top. Enjoy your tasty meal!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts for thighs. Just keep in mind that chicken breasts can dry out more easily than thighs, so monitor cooking time closely. They typically cook in about the same time, but check for doneness at the 2-hour mark on high or the 4-hour mark on low.
What If I Don’t Have Soy Sauce?
No worries! You can use tamari as a gluten-free alternative or a mixture of coconut aminos and a bit of salt for a soy-free option. Adjust the sweetness by adding a touch more honey if you opt for less salty substitutes.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for extra color and nutrition. Just add them to the Crock Pot alongside the broccoli, adjusting cooking time as needed. Denser veggies like carrots should be added earlier to ensure they cook through.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a bit of water or broth to keep it moist. This dish also freezes well, so consider storing in individual portions for a quick meal later.
