Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs: Easy 4-Ingredient Dinner

introduction

There’s something comforting about the aroma of chicken and broccoli simmering away in the kitchen, filling the air with hints of garlic and ginger. I remember the first time I made this dish; it was a busy weeknight, and I needed something healthy yet easy. As the chicken cooked in the crockpot, I felt relief knowing dinner was almost ready with minimal effort. This Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli recipe not only brings together tender chicken and crisp-tender broccoli but also a flavorful sauce that ties everything together beautifully. What makes this recipe special is its ability to combine convenience with nutrition, making it perfect for you and your family on a hectic day.

why make this recipe

Making this Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli is a smart choice for several reasons. First, it is a one-pot meal, which means less cleanup for you. Second, using a slow cooker allows the chicken to become tender and flavorful without constant attention. Additionally, broccoli cooks just right when added near the end, keeping it bright and nutritious. Finally, you can easily adjust the ingredients to fit your tastes or dietary needs, making it a versatile recipe for everyone.

how to make Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli

Ingredients

• Slow cooker / crockpot
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small mixing bowl
• Spoon or tongs
• Whisk
• Ladle

For the Chicken and Sauce:

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice or lime juice
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste if needed
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

For the Broccoli and Finishing:

• 4 to 5 cups broccoli florets
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, optional

For Serving:

• Cooked brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice, optional
• Extra scallions for serving
• Extra lemon or lime wedges
• Additional sesame seeds

Directions

1. Place the chicken in the slow cooker.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, ginger, chicken broth, soy sauce or tamari, honey, lemon or lime juice, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
3. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken. Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours or on high for 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours, until the chicken is tender.
4. Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir the slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker and cook uncovered on high for 10 to 15 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Add the broccoli during the last 20 to 30 minutes of cooking, until bright green and tender.
6. Slice or shred the chicken and serve it with the sauce spooned over the top. Finish with scallions and sesame seeds if using. Serve over brown rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice, or on its own.

how to serve Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli

To serve this dish, ladle some of the chicken and sauce over a bed of brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. Sprinkle sliced scallions and sesame seeds on top for an extra touch. If you like a bit of brightness, add lemon or lime wedges on the side for squeezing.

how to store Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli

Leftover Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing individual portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months.

tips to make Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli

• Feel free to use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness.
• Add the broccoli near the end of cooking to keep its vibrant color and crisp texture.
• If you want a thicker sauce, ensure to add the cornstarch slurry towards the end of the cooking process.
• Always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. You may want to add a little more salt or lemon juice to suit your taste.

variation

You can customize this recipe by adding other vegetables, like bell peppers or snap peas, during the last 20 to 30 minutes of cooking. You could also switch up the sauce with different spices or a hot sauce for an added kick.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken and broccoli?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but keep in mind it may need a little extra cooking time. Frozen broccoli can also be used, but add it during the last 10 minutes of cooking to prevent it from getting mushy.

What can I serve with this dish?

This dish pairs well with brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. You can also enjoy it on its own as a low-carb option.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare everything and place it in the crockpot the night before, then cook it the next day. Alternatively, you can cook it ahead and reheat it for an easy meal.

Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli

This Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli recipe combines tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a flavorful sauce, all cooked effortlessly in a slow cooker—a perfect meal for busy weeknights.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Healthy

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken and Sauce

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs Choose thighs for extra juiciness.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 0.5 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 0.25 cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice or lime juice
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon salt Plus more to taste if needed.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch For thickening the sauce.
• 2 tablespoons water To mix with cornstarch.

For the Broccoli and Finishing

• 4-5 cups broccoli florets Add during the last 20 to 30 minutes of cooking.
• 2 scallions thinly sliced For garnish.
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds Optional garnish.

For Serving

• Cooked brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice Optional.
• Extra scallions for serving
• Extra lemon or lime wedges
• Additional sesame seeds

Method

 

Preparation

1. Place the chicken in the slow cooker.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, ginger, chicken broth, soy sauce or tamari, honey, lemon or lime juice, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
3. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken.

Cooking

1. Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours or on high for 1.5 to 2.5 hours, until the chicken is tender.
2. Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth.
3. Stir the slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker and cook uncovered on high for 10 to 15 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Add the broccoli during the last 20 to 30 minutes of cooking, until bright green and tender.

Serving

1. Slice or shred the chicken and serve it with the sauce spooned over the top.
2. Finish with scallions and sesame seeds if using.
3. Serve over brown rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice, or on its own.

Notes

Leftover Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing individual portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months.