This Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli is a warm hug in a bowl! Tender chicken simmers with fresh broccoli and a tasty sauce, making dinner easy and wholesome.
You can simply toss it all in and let your slow cooker do the magic. Perfect for those busy days when you want a delicious meal waiting for you!
I love serving it over rice or noodles; it makes the dish even more filling. Plus, who doesn’t love an easy cleanup? Just one pot, and done! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish due to their tenderness. You can substitute with thighs for more flavor, or even use tofu for a vegetarian option.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets boost nutrition and texture. Frozen broccoli also works well and saves prep time. Just add it towards the end to prevent overcooking.
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth keeps the dish from being too salty. Feel free to use vegetable broth for a vegan version, or even water if you’re out of broth.
Soy Sauce: Regular or tamari (gluten-free) soy sauce adds depth to the dish. If you can’t use soy sauce, coconut aminos are a good alternative for a slightly sweeter flavor.
Honey or Brown Sugar: Both sweeteners help balance the saltiness of soy sauce. You can swap honey with maple syrup for a vegan version or use agave syrup for a lighter option.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Stays Tender in the Slow Cooker?
Cooking chicken in a slow cooker is fantastic for achieving tenderness! Here’s how to ensure it stays juicy:
- Start with enough liquid, like chicken broth and sauce; this keeps the chicken moist. Avoid dry cooking!
- Cook on low heat for a longer time (4-6 hours) instead of high heat; this allows the chicken to gently cook and break down.
- Don’t lift the lid too often! Each time you do, heat escapes and can extend cooking time.
- Check for doneness with a meat thermometer; chicken should reach 165°F. If you find it’s done early, you can always keep it on ‘warm’ until ready to serve.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Thickening:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)
- 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry, optional)
For Serving:
- Cooked rice
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 4 to 6 hours to cook on low (or 2 to 3 hours on high). Make sure to factor in an additional 30 minutes to add the broccoli during the last part of the cooking. It’s perfect for a hassle-free meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. This will be the base of your tasty dish!
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. This wonderful mixture will add loads of flavor to your chicken.
3. Pour the Sauce:
Pour the delicious sauce mixture over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, making sure the chicken is well-covered. This helps keep the chicken moist and flavorful as it cooks.
4. Slow Cook the Chicken:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. Your chicken will become tender and juicy during this time!
5. Add the Broccoli:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, add the broccoli florets to the slow cooker. Gently stir to combine the broccoli with the chicken and sauce. This will help the broccoli cook perfectly without getting too soft.
6. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If you’d like a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with the 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Add this to the slow cooker and stir well. This will help the sauce thicken up nicely!
7. Final Touches:
Once the broccoli is heated through and the sauce has thickened to your liking, taste everything and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Enjoy the delightful aroma!
8. Serve It Up:
Dish out the tender chicken and broccoli over servings of cooked rice. Make sure to spoon some of that flavorful sauce over the top too!
9. Garnish:
Finally, sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top for a beautiful finishing touch. Your Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli is ready to enjoy!
Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen chicken breasts! Just make sure to cook the dish on high for about 4-5 hours instead of the usual 2-3 hours. The chicken will cook thoroughly while still ensuring the broccoli is added later during the cooking process.
How Do I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Both options provide a similar flavor profile without the gluten, and they will work perfectly in the recipe!
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces, and add them along with the broccoli in the last 30 minutes of cooking to keep them crisp and delicious.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the dish in individual portions. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
