Looking for an easy, delicious dinner that practically cooks itself? This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken with Rice and Broccoli is the perfect recipe for busy weeknights! Tender, juicy chicken breasts are slowly cooked in a delicious homemade honey garlic sauce made with honey, soy sauce, fresh garlic, and a touch of ginger.
Served with fluffy white rice and tender broccoli, this comforting meal is packed with sweet and savory flavors that the whole family will love. Best of all, the slow cooker does most of the work, making dinner preparation simple and stress-free.
Whether you’re feeding your family or preparing meals for the week, this easy honey garlic chicken recipe deserves a place in your regular dinner rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy preparation: Simply prepare the chicken and sauce, then let your slow cooker do the work.
- Amazing flavor: Honey, garlic, soy sauce, and ginger create a delicious sweet and savory sauce.
- Perfect weeknight dinner: Minimal preparation makes this recipe ideal for busy evenings.
- Family-friendly: A comforting combination of chicken, rice, and broccoli.
- Great for meal prep: Store individual portions for convenient lunches and dinners.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3–4 hours on LOW
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Cooking Method: Slow Cooker
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1½–2 pounds)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
For the Honey Garlic Sauce
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Rice and Broccoli
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1¾ cups water or chicken broth, or as directed by the rice package
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Optional Sauce Thickener
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
For extra flavor, heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side. This step is optional but adds a delicious golden exterior.
Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, ketchup, grated ginger, and sesame oil.
Add red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat.
Mix until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Add the Chicken to the Slow Cooker
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated.
Cover with the lid.
Step 4: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for approximately 2–3 hours, depending on the thickness of the chicken.
Check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer. Chicken is safely cooked when it reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
Avoid overcooking to keep the chicken tender and juicy.
Step 5: Prepare the Rice
While the chicken cooks, prepare the rice separately.
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs mostly clear.
Combine rice and water or chicken broth in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer according to the package instructions, usually 15–18 minutes.
Remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
Step 6: Cook the Broccoli
Steam the broccoli florets for approximately 4–6 minutes until tender but still bright green.
Alternatively, add the broccoli to the slow cooker during the final 30 minutes of cooking, provided your slow cooker has enough heat and the chicken is already nearly cooked.
Step 7: Thicken the Honey Garlic Sauce
Carefully transfer the cooking liquid to a small saucepan.
Mix cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to make a smooth slurry.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and whisk in the cornstarch mixture.
Cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce becomes glossy and slightly thickened.
Make sure the sauce reaches a full simmer before serving.
Step 8: Assemble and Serve
Divide the fluffy rice among four serving bowls.
Slice the tender honey garlic chicken and arrange it over the rice.
Add steamed broccoli to each bowl.
Drizzle generously with the thickened honey garlic sauce.
Finish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Serve warm and enjoy this delicious homemade dinner!
Expert Tips for the Best Honey Garlic Chicken
- Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor.
- Choose similar-sized chicken breasts: This helps everything cook evenly.
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Check the temperature early to prevent dryness.
- Keep the broccoli bright green: Steam it separately for the best texture and color.
- Adjust the sweetness: Add more soy sauce or a little rice vinegar if you prefer a less sweet sauce.
- Make extra sauce: The delicious honey garlic sauce is perfect for drizzling over rice and vegetables.
Recipe Variations
Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs: Replace chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer and juicier result.
Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken: Add extra red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of sriracha.
Vegetable Addition: Include carrots, bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
Brown Rice: Serve with cooked brown rice for a heartier alternative.
Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular soy sauce with certified gluten-free tamari.
What to Serve with Honey Garlic Chicken
This recipe is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with:
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Vegetable fried rice
- Asian cucumber salad
- Roasted carrots
- Stir-fried green beans
- Cauliflower rice
- Vegetable spring rolls
How to Store Leftovers
Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken, rice, broccoli, and sauce in separate airtight containers or individual meal-prep containers. Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking and enjoy within 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Rice can also be frozen separately. Broccoli is best prepared fresh for better texture.
Reheating: Reheat leftovers until they reach 165°F (74°C). Add a splash of water or chicken broth to keep the chicken and rice moist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken in this slow cooker recipe?
No. Thaw chicken completely in the refrigerator before adding it to the slow cooker. Frozen chicken may remain at an unsafe temperature for too long during slow cooking.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent alternative. They are flavorful and stay moist during cooking.
Can I cook the rice directly in the slow cooker?
Rice can be cooked in some slow cookers, but cooking times and results vary. For the best texture and most reliable results, prepare the rice separately.
When should I add the broccoli?
Add broccoli during the final 30 minutes if cooking it in the slow cooker, or steam it separately just before serving.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Combine cornstarch with cold water and whisk it into the simmering cooking liquid. Cook until the sauce becomes glossy and thick.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Absolutely! Divide the chicken, rice, and broccoli into individual containers for easy lunches and dinners throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken with Rice and Broccoli is everything you want in an easy homemade dinner: tender chicken, fresh vegetables, fluffy rice, and a delicious sweet and savory garlic sauce.
With simple ingredients and minimal preparation, it’s a wonderful recipe for busy weeknights, family dinners, and meal prepping. Make it once, and it might quickly become one of your favorite slow cooker meals!
Printable Recipe Card
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken with Rice and Broccoli
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3–4 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Whisk honey, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, ketchup, ginger, and sesame oil.
- Place chicken in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over it.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until chicken reaches 165°F.
- Cook rice separately according to package instructions.
- Steam broccoli until tender and bright green.
- Simmer the cooking liquid and thicken with cornstarch mixed with cold water.
- Serve chicken over rice with broccoli and honey garlic sauce.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes: Cooking time depends on chicken thickness and slow cooker performance. For best results, prepare rice separately and add broccoli near serving time.
