Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken with Broccoli

If you’re craving a dinner that feels like a warm hug after a long day, this Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken with Broccoli is the answer. Tender chicken drenched in a luscious honey garlic sauce, paired with bright, nutritious broccoli, all cooked effortlessly in your slow cooker. This recipe delivers comforting, savory-sweet flavors with minimal prep, making it perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a hearty, flavorful meal without the stress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless cooking: Simply toss ingredients in your crockpot and let it work its magic while you relax or focus on other tasks.
• Balanced flavors: The perfect blend of sweet honey and savory garlic creates an irresistible sauce that clings to every bite.
• Healthy and hearty: Broccoli adds a pop of color and nutrients, making this dish both satisfying and nourishing.
• Family-friendly: Mild yet flavorful, this dish is a hit with kids and adults alike, ideal for weeknight dinners.
• One-pot wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing dishes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken with Broccoli is chosen not just for flavor but to create a harmonious combination of textures and colors. From the rich honey to the crunchy broccoli, every element plays a key role in making the dish truly special.

• Chicken thighs: Use boneless, skinless thighs for extra tenderness and moisture throughout the slow cooking process.
• Fresh broccoli florets: Added near the end for a crisp, vibrant vegetable boost that perfectly balances the richness of the chicken.
• Honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps create that sticky, glossy sauce you’ll love.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with a pungent, aromatic depth that complements the honey well.
• Soy sauce: Adds savory umami and saltiness, rounding out the sweet and garlicky flavors beautifully.
• Rice vinegar: A splash brings brightness and a subtle tang, cutting through the richness and enhancing the overall taste.
• Chicken broth: Keeps everything moist and adds a savory base for the sauce.
• Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce just before serving for that perfect clingy texture.
• Optional red pepper flakes: A pinch adds a gentle kick if you like a little heat without overpowering the sweet and savory balance.

Variations for Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken with Broccoli

This recipe is incredibly adaptable, allowing you to mix things up based on what you have at home, dietary preferences, or flavor cravings. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own.

• Swap chicken thighs for breasts: Use boneless skinless chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, just adjust cooking time slightly to avoid dryness.
• Add other vegetables: Bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots add color and crunch when added with the broccoli for variety.
• Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce: Perfect for a gluten-free or soy-free version without sacrificing umami flavor.
• Make it spicy: Include more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for a pleasantly spicy twist.
• Serve over rice or noodles: Change up the base for a new texture, such as fluffy jasmine rice, cauliflower rice, or even ramen noodles.

How to Make Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken with Broccoli

Step 1: Prepare the sauce

In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and chicken broth until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This sauce is the heart of the dish, delivering all the sweet, tangy, and savory notes.

Step 2: Add chicken to the crockpot

Place the boneless chicken thighs in an even layer in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken, coating every piece to lock in flavor. No need to stir yet.

Step 3: Slow cook the chicken

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through. The slow cooking ensures juicy, fall-apart meat infused with sauce.

Step 4: Add broccoli

About 30 minutes before serving, add the fresh broccoli florets to the crockpot. Stir gently to combine and allow the broccoli to steam until bright green and just tender without becoming mushy.

Step 5: Thicken the sauce

Mix cornstarch with a small amount of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the crockpot. Let it cook uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes to thicken the sauce to a glossy, clingy consistency.

Step 6: Serve and enjoy

Once the sauce has thickened and the broccoli is tender, serve the Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken with Broccoli over rice, quinoa, or noodles for a complete, satisfying meal.

Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken with Broccoli

• Use thicker chicken pieces: Thighs hold up better during slow cooking and stay naturally juicy and tender.
• Add broccoli late: This avoids overcooking and keeps it crisp while blending beautifully with the tender chicken.
• Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry: Thickening the sauce at the end creates a rich, glossy coating that elevates the dish.
• Stir gently after adding broccoli: To prevent breaking up the chicken or turning broccoli mushy.
• Adjust sweetness and salt to taste: Depending on your honey and soy sauce, tweak these for a perfectly balanced sauce.

How to Serve Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken with Broccoli

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds over the dish before serving. These simple touches add bursts of color and texture to every bite.

Side Dishes

Serve this Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken with Broccoli alongside steamed jasmine rice, cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or even simple garlic noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family-style meal, serve the chicken and broccoli straight from the crockpot on a large platter with bowls of rice around it. Or get fancy by plating with a small mound of rice, topped with the savory chicken and broccoli, finished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for Instagram-worthy presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken with Broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld nicely overnight, making it a great next-day meal.

Freezing

Allow the dish to cool fully, then transfer portions to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick, delicious meal later on.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally to redistribute the sauce and keep the chicken moist. If needed, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?

It’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking and safety, but you can start with frozen if you increase the slow cooking time to ensure the chicken fully cooks.

What can I substitute for broccoli?

Try green beans, snap peas, or asparagus instead, adding them towards the end of cooking to keep them crisp and vibrant.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, if you substitute soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, this Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken with Broccoli is perfect for gluten-sensitive diets.

Can I make this recipe in an instant pot?

Yes! Use the sauté function to brown chicken if you like, then pressure cook on high for 10 minutes. Add broccoli and use the steam function for 2-3 minutes before serving.

How do I adjust the sweetness or saltiness?

Start with the recommended amounts, then taste and adjust honey or soy sauce before cooking to find the balance you prefer. Adding citrus juice like lemon or lime can brighten the flavors too.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken with Broccoli is one of those comforting, fuss-free meals that quickly becomes a go-to favorite. With minimal prep and incredible flavor, it’s a dish that brings warmth and joy to any table. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how effortlessly delicious slow cooking can be!

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