This Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli is a sweet and tasty dish! It combines tender chicken with broccoli and a delicious honey garlic sauce, making dinner a breeze.
You just toss everything into the slow cooker, and let it work its magic. I love how it fills the house with amazing smells while I relax. Plus, it’s a perfect meal for busy days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: These are perfect for this dish because they stay juicy and tender. If you’re watching calories or want a lighter option, boneless, skinless chicken breasts will work too, but they can dry out faster.
Honey: The sweetness from honey is key! If you’re looking for a sugar substitute, agave syrup or maple syrup can be used, but the flavor will change slightly. I love using local honey for an extra touch of flavor.
Soy Sauce: Low sodium soy sauce helps control salt levels. If you’re gluten-free, substitute with tamari or coconut aminos for a similar taste without the gluten.
Ketchup: This adds a nice tang. If you prefer, you can substitute it with a bit of tomato sauce or even barbecue sauce for a different flavor profile.
Ginger and Garlic: Fresh ginger and garlic really make a difference in flavor. If you’re out of fresh, you can use 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger and garlic powder as alternatives, but fresh is always best!
How Do I Make the Sauce Thicker Without Clumping?
Thickening the sauce is super easy! The key is to create a cornstarch slurry, which prevents clumping. Follow these steps:
- In a small bowl, thoroughly mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth.
- This mixture should be added to the slow cooker when the chicken is nearly done cooking.
- Stir it well into the sauce, and let it cook for an additional 30 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken evenly!
Trust me, this technique avoids lumpy sauces and gives you a beautiful, glossy finish to your dish!
What’s the Best Way to Cook the Broccoli?
Adding broccoli at the end ensures it stays bright green and tender, not mushy. Here’s how:
- After the chicken has cooked for several hours, simply add the broccoli florets right into the crock pot.
- Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes. This timing will perfectly cook the broccoli while absorbing some of that delicious sauce.
This method keeps your veggies vibrant and crunchy, making your dish even more appealing!
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 Sauce:
- 1 cup honey
- ½ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
For Thickening and Serving:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 4 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Cooked rice (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 4 to 6 hours of cooking in the crock pot. Just set it and forget it while you go about your day, and enjoy a mouthwatering meal when you return!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, and minced ginger until everything is well mixed. This is where the magic starts—your sauce is ready!
2. Add Chicken to the Crock Pot:
Place the chicken thighs into the crock pot. Pour the honey garlic sauce over them, making sure to coat all the chicken pieces well. This will keep the chicken moist and flavorful!
3. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the crock pot and set it on low heat. Let it cook for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is super tender and can be easily shredded with a fork. You’ll love the smell wafting through your kitchen!
4. Thicken the Sauce:
About 30 minutes before the chicken is done, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the crock pot with the chicken to help thicken the sauce, making it rich and luscious.
5. Add the Broccoli:
Now it’s time to add the broccoli florets! Toss them into the crock pot, cover again, and let them cook for an additional 30 minutes or until they are tender. Your meal is almost ready!
6. Shred the Chicken:
Once everything is cooked, take two forks and shred the chicken right in the crock pot. Stir it into the sauce so every bite is packed with flavor. Yum!
7. Serve It Up:
Serve the delicious honey garlic chicken and broccoli over a bed of warm cooked rice. Don’t forget to garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for that extra touch!
Enjoy your homemade Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli! It’s a delightfully easy and tasty meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Thighs for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs, but it’s essential to thaw them first for more even cooking. Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight or by placing it in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for a couple of hours. Just ensure they’re uncooked before adding them to the crock pot!
What Can I Substitute for Ketchup in This Recipe?
If you don’t have ketchup on hand, you can use tomato sauce or a blend of tomato paste and a bit of sugar for sweetness. Adjust the amount based on your taste preference, adding more or less as you like!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water if needed to keep the sauce from thickening too much.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots. Just keep in mind that denser vegetables may need a bit longer to cook, so add them along with the broccoli in step 6 and adjust the cooking time as necessary!
