Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli is a delightful dish that brings together a harmonious blend of flavors while providing an incredible ease of preparation. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want to serve something both satisfying and nutritious without spending hours in the kitchen. With tender chicken infused with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, paired with vibrant broccoli, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. Plus, using a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, allowing you to focus on other tasks while dinner cooks.
Imagine coming home to the comforting aroma of honey garlic chicken wafting through the air. The slightly sticky sauce, perfectly balanced with garlic and a hint of soy, envelops the perfectly cooked chicken. The addition of broccoli not only adds freshness but also nutrition to the meal. Whether paired with steamed rice or served on its own, this recipe is sure to impress everyone at the dinner table.
In this guide, you’ll learn all the essential details about preparing this amazing dish. From the preparation to cooking time, you’ll see just how simple it is to create this mouthwatering meal. Let’s delve into why you’ll love this recipe, the preparation required, the ingredients needed, and finally, step-by-step instructions to guide you along the way.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are several reasons why Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli should definitely have a spot in your meal rotation. Here are a few highlights:
1. Flavorful and Delicious – The combination of honey and garlic creates a mouthwatering sauce that infuses the chicken with an irresistible flavor.
2. Quick and Easy Prep – With minimal hands-on time, this recipe saves you precious minutes in the kitchen.
3. Healthy Options – Packed with lean protein and nutritious vegetables, this meal supports a balanced diet, making it both wholesome and satisfying.
4. One-Pot Wonder – Everything cooks together in the slow cooker, which means less cleanup for you to deal with afterward.
5. Meal Prep Friendly – This dish is ideal for batch cooking, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep for the week.
6. Customizable – You can easily adjust the ingredients or add your favorite veggies to suit your taste.
With all these benefits, it’s easy to see why this recipe is gaining so much popularity among home cooks.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Cooking Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli is a straightforward process that doesn’t take much time at all, thanks to the slow cooker. Here’s a breakdown concerning time:
– Preparation Time: 10 minutes
– Cooking Time: 4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low
– Total Time: 4 hours and 10 minutes (or 6-8 hours if cooking on low)
These times can vary slightly based on your slow cooker model and the thickness of your chicken pieces, so it’s a good idea to check for doneness before serving.

Ingredients

– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup broccoli florets
– ½ cup honey
– ¼ cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons minced garlic
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional)
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening the sauce)
– 2 tablespoons water (for mixing cornstarch)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating this flavorful meal is easy. Follow these simple steps to achieve the perfect Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli:
1. Prepare the Chicken: Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts and season them lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, sesame oil, and ground ginger until well combined.
3. Layer in the Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken, ensuring they are well-coated.
4. Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and tender when done.
5. Prepare the Broccoli: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the slow cooker. This will allow them to steam while absorbing some of the delicious sauce.
6. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker during the last 15 minutes of cooking to thicken the sauce.
7. Serve: Once cooked, shred the chicken if desired or serve whole. Spoon the honey garlic sauce and broccoli over the chicken.
8. Garnish: Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top for an extra pop of flavor and color.
9. Enjoy: Serve hot over rice or noodles for a complete meal, or enjoy it as is for a low-carb option.

How to Serve

Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli stands out not just due to its flavors, but also in how you present and serve it. Here are some tips to ensure your meal is an unforgettable experience:
1. Presenting the Dish: Use a colorful plate to highlight the vibrant colors of the broccoli and the golden hue of the chicken.
2. Accompaniment Options: This dish pairs perfectly with steamed white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a healthier option.
3. Taste Enhancements: For an extra touch, consider drizzling a bit more honey on top just before serving for an extra kick of sweetness.
4. Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
5. Garnishing: Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley could also be used for garnishing if desired. This adds freshness and a pop of flavor.
By keeping these serving ideas in mind, you can elevate your Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli from a simple dish to an impressive culinary experience! Enjoy the effortless deliciousness as you share it with your family and friends.

Additional Tips

– Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli enhances the flavor and texture of the dish. Avoid using frozen broccoli if possible.
– Adjust the Sauce: Taste the honey garlic sauce before pouring it over the chicken. You can always tweak the soy sauce or honey for a sweeter or saltier profile.
– Experiment with Spices: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat or a dash of lime juice for a zesty twist.
– Serve Immediately: For the best texture and flavor, serve the dish hot right after preparation.

Recipe Variation

Feel free to customize this dish to your liking! Here are a few variations to try:
1. Vegetable Medley: Incorporate bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas along with broccoli for a colorful veggie medley.
2. Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken: Add sriracha or another hot sauce to the honey garlic mixture for a spicy kick.
3. Pineapple Addition: Toss in some pineapple chunks in the last 30 minutes of cooking for a sweet and tangy twist.
4. Honey Mustard Blend: For a different flavor profile, substitute half of the honey with honey mustard.

Freezing and Storage

– Storage: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
– Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to three months. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat thoroughly.

Special Equipment

To make this dish, you will need the following equipment:
– Slow cooker: Essential for slow-cooking the chicken and broccoli to perfection.
– Mixing bowl: For combining the sauce ingredients.
– Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
– Whisk: To mix the sauce until smooth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well for this dish and stay juicier during cooking.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s safe to eat.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate all the ingredients.
What if I don’t have sesame oil?
You can omit it or substitute with olive oil for a different flavor.
Is it possible to make this dish in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe for an Instant Pot, but cooking times will differ. Typically, 10 minutes on high pressure followed by natural release should suffice.

Conclusion

Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli is a delicious and easy recipe that you can prepare for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful honey garlic sauce, and vibrant broccoli makes for a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Whether served over rice or on its own, this dish is not only mouthwatering but also nutritious. Experiment with variations and storage techniques to find your perfect way of enjoying this delightful recipe!

Print