This Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli is a winner for busy days! The chicken gets tender and juicy while soaking up sweet and tangy honey garlic sauce.
Plus, it’s a breeze to make! Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the magic. I love serving this over rice—it’s a crowd-pleaser for sure! 🍚🐔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs work best because they stay juicy during cooking. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use chicken breasts, but they may dry out a bit more.
Honey: This ingredient gives a lovely sweetness. If you’re avoiding honey, try using maple syrup or agave nectar as a substitute—they work quite well!
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is a great choice for controlling saltiness. If you need a gluten-free option, tamari or coconut aminos are excellent alternatives.
Broccoli: Fresh florets are ideal for this dish, but frozen broccoli can also work in a pinch. Just add it during the last few minutes of cooking as fresh might take longer to steam.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Shredded Chicken?
Shredding chicken can seem tricky, but it’s easy with the right technique! Start by cooking the chicken until it’s tender. Once it’s done, remove it from the Crock Pot to shred. Using two forks, pull apart the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This method helps achieve a nice texture and allows the chicken to soak up all that delicious sauce.
- Cook chicken until thoroughly done and tender.
- Remove the chicken and let it cool slightly before shredding.
- Use two forks to pull the chicken apart easily.
How to Make Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
For Thicker Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
For Serving:
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Green onions, sliced, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty meal takes about 10 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll need to let it cook in the Crock Pot for either 4 hours on low or 2 hours on high. It’s a perfect set-and-forget dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, grated ginger, and rice vinegar until they are nicely combined. This will be your delicious sauce!
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Place the chicken thighs in the Crock Pot. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken, making sure all the pieces are coated well. This ensures the chicken will soak up all that flavor!
3. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the Crock Pot with its lid. Cook the chicken on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours, until it’s fully cooked and tender. You’ll know it’s done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
4. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the Crock Pot and shred it using two forks. It should pull apart easily. Set the shredded chicken aside for now.
5. Thicken the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the remaining sauce in the Crock Pot. Cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the sauce thickens up nicely.
6. Add the Broccoli:
In the last 10-15 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the Crock Pot. Make sure they’re covered with the sauce to steam them perfectly.
7. Serve It Up:
To serve, place a generous portion of brown rice on a plate. Top it with the shredded honey garlic chicken and the steamed broccoli. Drizzle some of that yummy sauce over everything!
8. Garnish and Enjoy!
Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top before serving. Enjoy your delicious Crock Pot honey garlic chicken and broccoli!
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken Thighs Instead of Boneless?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken thighs, but they will require a longer cooking time. If using bone-in, cook on low for about 6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
How to Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. You may also want to check that your ketchup is gluten-free. These swaps will maintain the flavor you’re looking for without the gluten!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots in the last 10-15 minutes of cooking alongside the broccoli for added nutrition and flavor. Just be sure they are cut into similar sizes for even cooking.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to keep the chicken moist. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months; just make sure to thaw in the fridge before reheating.
