Juicy Tender Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe to Savor

Weeknight dinners demand quick and delicious solutions that save time and satisfy hunger pangs.

This mouthwatering slow cooker chicken and broccoli recipe delivers comfort and flavor in one simple dish.

Busy home cooks will love how effortlessly the ingredients meld together during slow cooking.

The combination of juicy chicken and crisp broccoli creates a balanced meal that everyone craves.

Protein-packed and bursting with savory goodness, this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner.

Minimal prep work means you can set the slow cooker and focus on other tasks while a delectable meal simmers.

Serve this crowd-pleasing dish over steamed rice for a complete and satisfying dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 4

Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Ingredient Lineup

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender protein that absorbs the rich, savory sauce beautifully; opt for fresh, boneless cuts for easy preparation and maximum flavor absorption.

• Soy Sauce: Adds deep umami and salty complexity; choose low-sodium for better salt control.
• Chicken Broth: Creates a silky, flavorful liquid base that helps tenderize the chicken and build depth.
• Honey: Brings natural sweetness and helps caramelize the sauce for a glossy finish.
• Rice Vinegar: Provides a subtle tangy brightness that balances the rich flavors.
• Sesame Oil: Introduces a nutty, authentic Asian-inspired aroma that elevates the entire dish.
• Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic powerhouses that create a robust, warming flavor profile; use fresh for maximum punch.

• Black Pepper: Adds gentle heat and earthy undertones.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a spicy kick for those who enjoy a bit of warmth.
• Broccoli: Crisp, nutrient-packed vegetable that adds color, texture, and nutritional value; select fresh, vibrant green florets for best results.

What You’ll Need for Chicken & Broccoli Slow Cookin’

• Slow Cooker: Your main hero for hands-off cooking, perfect for this recipe.
• Mixing Bowl: Essential for whisking together the flavorful sauce ingredients.
• Whisk: Helps blend sauce components smoothly and evenly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Cutting Board: For any minimal prep work like mincing garlic.
• Sharp Knife: Useful for preparing ingredients if needed.

Cooking Guide for Tender Chicken and Broccoli

• Prep The Chicken

Place boneless chicken pieces smoothly into the slow cooker, ensuring they’re evenly distributed for consistent cooking.

• Create Flavor Magic

Blend a tasty sauce by mixing soy sauce, broth, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, fresh ginger, black pepper, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl. Whisk until all ingredients combine into a harmonious mixture.

• Pour And Season

Generously drizzle the vibrant sauce over the chicken, making sure every piece gets coated with the delicious marinade.

• Slow Cook To Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and set it on low heat for 3-4 hours. The chicken will become tender and absorb all the incredible flavors.

• Add Broccoli Finale

During the last 30 minutes of cooking, toss in fresh broccoli florets. They’ll become perfectly crisp-tender and soak up the surrounding sauce.

• Serve And Enjoy

Once cooking is complete, gently shred the chicken with two forks. Serve over steamed rice, garnish with optional green onions or sesame seeds for an extra flavor punch.

Chicken & Broccoli Slow Cooker Upgrades

• Perfect Texture Hack: Pat chicken breasts dry before placing in slow cooker to prevent excess moisture and ensure a firmer, more appealing texture.
• Low-Carb Swap: Replace honey with sugar-free sweetener like monk fruit or stevia to reduce carbohydrate content without sacrificing flavor.
• Meal Prep Magic: Cook extra chicken and freeze in individual portions for quick future meals, keeping sauce separate to maintain optimal texture.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or seitan, adjusting cooking time to prevent overcooking and maintaining similar flavor profile with the existing sauce ingredients.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes based on heat preference – reduce for mild taste or increase for a spicier kick that adds exciting depth to the dish.

Plating Ideas for Chicken and Broccoli

• Cozy Weeknight Dinner Companion: Serve this chicken and broccoli over steamed white or brown rice for a complete meal that soaks up the delicious sauce perfectly.
• Family-Style Gathering Platter: Arrange the chicken and broccoli on a large platter, garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions to create an inviting, restaurant-style presentation that will impress everyone at the table.
• Meal Prep Champion: Pack individual portions in meal prep containers with rice and extra sauce on the side for an easy grab-and-go lunch that stays fresh and flavorful throughout the week.
• Versatile Protein Swap: Transform leftovers into a quick stir-fry by chopping the chicken and broccoli, then tossing with additional vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for a new twist on the original recipe.

Storing and Saving Chicken and Broccoli Leftovers

• Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare a double portion and refrigerate extra servings in airtight containers for quick meals throughout the week. Sealed containers keep the chicken and broccoli fresh for 3-4 days when stored in the refrigerator.
• Quick Freezer Storage: Portion the cooked dish into freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring maximum flavor retention. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Meal Prep Trick: Chop broccoli and measure sauce ingredients in advance. Store prepped components separately in the fridge, allowing for faster meal assembly during busy weekdays.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated or thawed portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture and prevent the chicken from drying out, keeping the dish tender and delicious.

Tender Slow Cooker Chicken And Broccoli Recipe

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4.5 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Homemade slow cooker chicken and broccoli delivers comfort straight from your kitchen. Creamy sauce and tender meat with crisp broccoli florets promise a satisfying meal you’ll eagerly anticipate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) chicken breasts (or thighs), bite-sized pieces
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• ½ cup (120 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
• ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
• 2 tbsps honey (or brown sugar)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsps cornstarch + 3 tbsps water (for thickening)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsps green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
• Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Chicken Placement: Layer chicken pieces smoothly across slow cooker base without overlapping, creating an even cooking surface.
2. Sauce Creation: Whisk together soy sauce, chicken broth, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes into a harmonious liquid blend.
3. Flavor Infusion: Cascade sauce over chicken, ensuring complete coating and deep flavor penetration throughout the protein.
4. Slow Cooking Process: Secure lid and cook on low temperature for 3-4 hours, allowing chicken to tenderize and absorb complex seasoning profiles.
5. Vegetable Integration: Strategically introduce broccoli florets during final 30 minutes of cooking, positioning them atop chicken to steam gently without losing vibrant color or crisp texture.
6. Final Preparation: Deconstruct chicken using two forks, shredding or slicing into delectable morsels that intertwine with succulent sauce and verdant broccoli.
7. Presentation: Elevate dish with toasted sesame seed and green onion garnish, then serve immediately over steamed rice or cauliflower rice, drizzling remaining pan sauce for maximum gustatory enjoyment.

Notes

• Optimize Chicken Placement: Arrange chicken pieces flat and spread out to ensure even cooking and consistent flavor absorption throughout the dish.
• Sauce Balancing Technique: Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to create a harmonious blend, tasting and adjusting seasonings before pouring over chicken for perfect flavor profile.
• Prevent Broccoli Overcooking: Add broccoli florets during final 30 minutes to maintain crisp texture and vibrant green color, avoiding mushy or discolored vegetables.
• Dietary Modification Options: Swap honey with maple syrup for vegan version, use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for gluten-free alternative, or reduce sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg