This Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli is a cozy dish that mixes tender chicken with fresh broccoli in a tasty sauce. It’s super easy to prepare—just dump the ingredients in and let the slow cooker do the work!
I love that this meal is perfect for busy days. The smell fills the house, and it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies. Plus, it goes well with rice or noodles for a satisfying dinner! 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish because they stay moist when cooked slowly. If you want an easier option, shredded rotisserie chicken can be used, just add it later in the cooking process.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets add a nice crunch, but frozen broccoli works too. If you like variety, feel free to add other veggies like snap peas or bell peppers for extra color and taste.
Soy sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is best to control the saltiness. If you need a gluten-free option, use tamari or liquid aminos. For a different flavor, coconut aminos can also be a tasty choice.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and balances the saltiness of soy sauce. If you prefer a vegan alternative, maple syrup or agave syrup can replace honey without losing the sweetness.
Sesame oil: This oil gives a nice nutty flavor. If you don’t have sesame oil, you could use olive oil, though the flavor will be a bit different. A few drops of toasted sesame oil at the end can enhance the flavor.
How Can I Get Perfectly Cooked Chicken and Broccoli?
Getting the chicken just right while also cooking the broccoli can be tricky. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure everything cooks to perfection:
- Start with low heat. Cooking on low for 4-6 hours allows the chicken to become tender. If you’re short on time, go with high heat for 2-3 hours.
- Add broccoli later. Toss the broccoli in about 30 minutes before serving so it steams without getting mushy. You want it bright green and slightly crisp.
- Make a cornstarch slurry. After the chicken is done, mix cornstarch with water. This helps thicken the sauce. Stir it in, then cook for another 15-30 minutes on high for the sauce to thicken.
Always taste before serving! Adjust with a pinch of salt and pepper to get the flavors just right. Enjoy your meal!
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
For Thickening and Garnishing:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then cook for 2-6 hours in the slow cooker, depending on your setting. Plan on about 30 minutes to add the broccoli and thicken the sauce before serving. It’s easy and perfect for a meal that’s ready when you are!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in your slow cooker. This will be the main component of your dish. In a separate mixing bowl, mix together the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Once well combined, pour this flavorful mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
2. Cooking the Chicken:
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is cooked through and tender. Enjoy the delicious aroma while it cooks!
3. Adding the Broccoli:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, add the broccoli florets to the slow cooker. Gently stir them into the chicken and sauce, allowing them to steam and get nice and tender in all that yummy sauce. This will give the broccoli just enough time to cook without losing its bright color.
4. Thickening the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Once the chicken is done cooking, stir this slurry into the slow cooker. This will help thicken the sauce into a delicious glaze. Cook for an additional 15-30 minutes on high, to allow it to thicken up nicely.
5. Final Touches and Serving:
Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, it’s time to taste! Add salt and pepper as needed for extra seasoning. Serve the chicken and broccoli over a bed of cooked rice, making it a hearty meal. Don’t forget to garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a lovely finish. Enjoy your delightful dish!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just make sure they are fully thawed before placing them in the slow cooker. You can thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost function on your microwave if you’re short on time. It’s important to ensure they cook evenly.
How Can I Make This Recipe More Spicy?
If you’d like to add some heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce before it cooks. You can start with 1/2 teaspoon and adjust to your taste. Another option is to add some minced chili peppers alongside the garlic and ginger for extra flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally, or warm gently on the stovetop until heated through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I Substitute the Soy Sauce for a Gluten-Free Option?
Absolutely! You can use tamari or coconut aminos as a gluten-free substitute for soy sauce. The taste will be slightly different but still delicious, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.
