If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful, and effortless meal that tastes like takeout — but healthier — this Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken with Broccoli is a must-try. Imagine tender, juicy chicken simmered in a luscious honey-garlic sauce that’s both sweet and savory, paired with crisp-tender broccoli for freshness and balance.
This dish brings together the magic of slow cooking and the irresistible flavors of Asian-inspired cuisine. The sauce — made with honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger — seeps into the chicken as it cooks, creating melt-in-your-mouth bites with a deep, caramelized flavor. By the time dinner rolls around, your kitchen will smell absolutely divine.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s effortless, family-friendly, and full of flavor. Everything goes into the crockpot, and by dinner time, you have tender, saucy chicken ready to serve over rice or noodles.
The honey-garlic combination hits all the right notes — sweet, salty, garlicky, and just a touch sticky — while the broccoli adds freshness and color. It’s one of those dishes that everyone loves, from picky eaters to foodies.
Plus, it’s healthier than takeout, made with simple, everyday ingredients, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting without hovering over the stove.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
This dish is a must-try because:
- It’s slow cooker magic — minimal prep, maximum flavor.
- It delivers that classic honey-garlic taste everyone loves.
- It’s balanced and nutritious, with lean protein and veggies.
- It’s budget-friendly, perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
- It reheats beautifully, so leftovers taste just as good (if not better).
Once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your weekly rotation!
Preparation & Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 3–4 hours on HIGH or 6–7 hours on LOW
- Total Time: 6–7 hours (mostly hands-off)
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: Approximately 420 kcal per serving
Course & Cuisine
- Course: Main Course / Dinner
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired / American Fusion
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- ½ cup honey
- ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional but recommended)
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
To Thicken the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
For the Broccoli:
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (lightly steamed or added near the end)
For Serving (optional):
- Cooked white or brown rice
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Cooking Directions
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
- Prepare the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, vinegar, ginger, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper until well combined. - Add Chicken to Crockpot:
Place the chicken thighs or breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the top, ensuring all pieces are coated. - Slow Cook:
- Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender and fully cooked (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
- Thicken the Sauce:
- Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry.
- Stir this mixture into the sauce in the crockpot and turn to HIGH for 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add Broccoli:
- Steam the broccoli until just tender (about 3–4 minutes), then stir it into the sauce along with the chicken.
- Toss to coat everything evenly in the honey-garlic glaze.
- Serve:
Serve warm over rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
How to Serve
- Spoon the chicken and broccoli over a bed of steamed rice, jasmine rice, or noodles.
- Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, or a drizzle of extra sauce.
- Pair with a light side dish like Asian cucumber salad or stir-fried veggies for a complete meal.
Recipe Tips
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results.
- Don’t overcook broccoli — add it near the end to keep it crisp and green.
- If the sauce is too salty, add a splash of water or pineapple juice to balance it.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes or sriracha if you like it spicy.
- Make it gluten-free by using tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Recipe Variations
- Honey Garlic Chicken and Vegetables:
Add sliced bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas during the last hour of cooking for a colorful twist. - Sticky Honey Garlic Wings:
Use chicken wings instead of thighs and cook for 3 hours on high for a game-day version. - Spicy Sriracha Version:
Add 1 tablespoon sriracha or chili paste to the sauce for a fiery edge. - Honey Garlic Chicken Bowls:
Serve the chicken over brown rice or quinoa and top with fresh cucumbers, carrots, and sesame seeds for a healthy meal-prep option. - Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken with Cauliflower:
Swap broccoli for roasted cauliflower for a low-carb twist.
Freezing and Storage Time
- Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. - Freezing:
Freeze cooked chicken (without broccoli) in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet or microwave. Add freshly steamed broccoli before serving.
Special Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker / Crockpot (4–6 quart)
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Small saucepan (if thickening sauce separately)
- Steamer or pot for broccoli
Conclusion
This Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken with Broccoli is everything you could want in a weeknight dinner — flavorful, comforting, and ridiculously easy. The sweet-savory sauce clings to every tender piece of chicken, while the crisp broccoli adds freshness and balance.
It’s one of those dishes that makes you feel like a kitchen hero with almost no effort. Perfect for busy days, family meals, or when you’re craving takeout flavors with a homemade touch — this recipe truly delivers.
With just a few ingredients and your slow cooker, you’ll have a delicious, wholesome, and satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken with Broccoli
Description
If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful, and effortless meal that tastes like takeout — but healthier — this Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken with Broccoli is a must-try.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
To Thicken the Sauce:
For the Broccoli:
For Serving (optional):
Instructions
-
Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, vinegar, ginger, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper until well combined.
-
Add Chicken to Crockpot: Place the chicken thighs or breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the top, ensuring all pieces are coated.
-
Slow Cook: Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender and fully cooked (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
-
Thicken the Sauce: Remove the chicken and set aside. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the sauce in the crockpot and turn to HIGH for 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
-
Add Broccoli: Steam the broccoli until just tender (about 3–4 minutes), then stir it into the sauce along with the chicken. Toss to coat everything evenly in the honey-garlic glaze.
-
Serve: Serve warm over rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
