Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

If you’re looking for a meal that’s as effortless as it is delicious, I’ve got just the thing for you — my Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Recipe. This dish is like comfort food with a healthy twist; it’s sweet, savory, and packed with tender chicken and vibrant broccoli all slow-cooked to perfection. You’re going to love how simple it is to put together and how it fills your home with the most mouthwatering aroma. Stick around because I’m sharing all my best tips for making this fan-freaking-tastic recipe a staple in your weeknight routine!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Recipe come together perfectly with minimal fuss. Each element brings its own magic — the honey adds sweetness, tamari adds umami, and broccoli contributes freshness and crunch. You can find everything at your local grocery store or swap a few items based on your pantry.

• Chicken breasts or thighs: I prefer thighs for juiciness, but breasts work great if you want leaner meat.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic is key here for that punch of flavor—don’t substitute with powder if you can help it.
• Tamari or soy sauce: Tamari is my go-to because it’s gluten-free and less salty than regular soy sauce.
• Organic ketchup: This adds a subtle tang and depth to the sauce without overpowering it.
• Honey: Look for raw or local honey—the flavor is richer and you get that perfect sweetness.
• Chili paste: Adjust this to taste; I like a little kick but not too spicy.
• Rice vinegar: Brightens up the sauce with a touch of acidity.
• Black pepper: Adds a mild heat that complements the garlic and honey nicely.
• Broccoli florets: Fresh is best for texture; frozen can cook too soft in the crockpot.
• Fresh herbs (scallions or cilantro): For a vibrant finish and added freshness.
• Toasted sesame seeds: These bring a subtle nuttiness in the final presentation.
• Rice: Perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce.

Variations

I love making this dish as it is, but I’m all about switching it up depending on what’s in my fridge or what my family is craving. Feel free to tweak the sauce or swap veggies—you’ll find this recipe super adaptable and forgiving.

• Spice it up: I once added sriracha instead of chili paste for a hotter, tangier kick that my husband adored.
• Veggie swap: If you’re not a broccoli fan, green beans or snap peas are excellent alternatives. Just add them toward the end to keep them crisp.
• Meatless option: Use tofu in place of chicken—just make sure to press it well and add it in later so it doesn’t get mushy.
• Sweetener swap: Maple syrup can substitute honey for a slightly different but equally delicious sweetness.

How to Make Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Garlic

Start by placing your chicken pieces in the base of your crockpot. I usually trim off excess fat but leave the skin on if I’m using thighs for more flavor. Then toss in the chopped garlic cloves right on top. The garlic slowly infuses the chicken with its rich aroma—this simple step really elevates the whole dish.

Step 2: Make and Pour the Honey Garlic Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together tamari (or soy sauce), organic ketchup, honey, chili paste, rice vinegar, and a generous crack of fresh black pepper. When I first tried this combination, I was amazed how balanced and complex the flavor was with such simple ingredients. Pour this sauce evenly over the chicken in the crockpot, ensuring each piece gets coated.

Step 3: Add Broccoli and Cook

Now, scatter the broccoli florets on top— I like to keep the broccoli fresh so it holds some texture after cooking. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for about 3-4 hours, or on high for 1-2 hours, depending on your schedule. The chicken will come out juicy, and the broccoli will have softened but still tastes vibrant.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Here’s a trick I learned the hard way: once the chicken is tender, crank your crockpot to high, remove the lid, and let it cook for an additional 25 minutes. This step thickens the sauce beautifully without needing extra thickeners, making every bite glossy and restaurant-worthy.

Step 5: Serve It Up

Serve your honey garlic chicken and broccoli over warm bowls of rice. Sprinkle with fresh chopped herbs—scallions and cilantro are my favorites for a pop of color and freshness—and finish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for that extra nuttiness. Trust me, the presentation alone invites everyone to the table.

How to Serve Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of adding fresh herbs like chopped scallions and cilantro right at the end—they brighten up the dish and add fresh, vibrant flavor. Plus, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds gives a delightful crunch and subtle nuttiness that you won’t want to skip.

Side Dishes

I usually serve this over steamed jasmine or brown rice, which soaks up all the sauce perfectly. But if you’re feeling adventurous, creamy mashed potatoes or even cauliflower rice work wonderfully too, especially if you want a low-carb option.

Creative Ways to Present

One time, I served this in colorful mini bell pepper “boats” for a fun dinner party twist—super easy and impressive! Another favorite is layering the chicken and broccoli over garlic noodles, drizzling extra sauce on top and garnishing with crushed peanuts for added texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. I make sure to separate the rice when possible to keep it from getting soggy.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this recipe successfully by cool-cooking it completely, then transferring to freezer-safe containers. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Keep in mind that broccoli can soften a bit after freezing, so I usually add fresh broccoli when reheating if I want extra crunch.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If the sauce is too thick after refrigeration, stir in a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. It tastes almost as fresh as the first time!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Recipe has truly become one of my go-to meals when I want comfort food without the fuss. I remember the first time I made it, my family couldn’t stop sneaking bites while I was plating it! It’s sweet, garlicky, and the slow cooker does all the work—a true win-win. I can’t recommend it enough if you want something wholesome, flavorful, and easy to toss together after a busy day. Seriously, give it a try and watch it become a family favorite in your house too!

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