Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe is the perfect solution for busy families looking for a delicious and nutritious meal. Packed with vibrant flavors and healthy ingredients, this dish is suitable for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The slow cooker makes it easy to prepare, allowing you to enjoy a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
- Flavorful Dish: The combination of garlic, ginger, and savory sauces creates a rich flavor profile that will delight your taste buds.
- Healthy Ingredients: With lean chicken breast and fresh broccoli, this recipe is packed with protein and nutrients.
- Family-Friendly: This dish appeals to both kids and adults, making it a great choice for family dinners.
- Versatile Meal: Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal that can be customized to your liking.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather the essential tools to make your Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe a breeze.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: The heart of this recipe; it allows for hands-off cooking while developing deep flavors.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping your ingredients.
- Knife: A sharp knife ensures precise cuts for even cooking.
- Measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements for perfect flavor balance.
Ingredients
Protein
- 750g (1.7 lb) chicken breast, cut into chunks
Vegetables
- 2 onions, quartered
- 500g (1.1 lb) broccoli florets, room temperature
Aromatics
- 3 tsp garlic, crushed
- 2 tsp ginger, minced
Sauces and Liquids
- 250ml (8.5 fl oz) chicken stock
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup oyster sauce
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
Thickening Agents
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch
- 3 Tbsp water
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In a slow cooker, add the chicken, onion, garlic, ginger, chicken stock, soy sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Mix well to ensure everything is coated.
Step 2: Cook on Low
Set your slow cooker to low heat and cook for 4-6 hours. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully while keeping the chicken tender.
Step 3: Prepare Thickener
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until smooth.
Step 4: Add Thickener
Stir the cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker after the initial cooking time.
Step 5: Add Broccoli
Gently fold in the broccoli florets.
Step 6: Final Cook on High
Cook on high for roughly 30 minutes or until thickened and the broccoli is hot.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy
Once done, serve your Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli over rice or noodles. Enjoy this flavorful dish with family or friends!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
This slow cooker chicken and broccoli recipe is versatile and can be served in several delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, these serving suggestions will enhance your dining experience.
Over Rice
- A bed of steamed white or brown rice makes an excellent foundation for the chicken and broccoli. The rice absorbs the flavorful sauce.
With Noodles
- Serve the chicken and broccoli over cooked noodles, such as lo mein or udon, for a hearty meal that’s easy to prepare.
In Lettuce Wraps
- For a low-carb option, spoon the chicken and broccoli mixture into crisp lettuce leaves. This adds a refreshing crunch to every bite.
As a Stir-Fry
- After cooking, quickly stir-fry the ingredients in a hot pan for added texture. This method brings a nice sear to the chicken while keeping the broccoli vibrant.
With Quinoa
- Pairing with quinoa not only boosts nutrition but also adds a nutty flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
On its Own
- Enjoy this meal solo for a protein-packed option. It’s delicious enough to stand on its own!
How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
To make this slow cooker chicken and broccoli recipe truly shine, consider these helpful tips:
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will enhance your dish’s flavor profile significantly.
- Adjust sauce levels: Feel free to tweak the soy sauce or oyster sauce based on your taste preference for saltiness.
- Cut chicken evenly: Uniform chicken chunks ensure even cooking throughout the slow process.
- Don’t skip thickening: Mixing cornstarch with water is crucial for a luscious sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken and broccoli.
- Add veggies: Experiment by adding other vegetables, such as bell peppers or snap peas, for more color and nutrition.
- Let it rest: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes before serving helps flavors meld together nicely.
Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Enhance your meal with these delicious side dishes that pair well with slow cooker chicken and broccoli.
- Steamed Jasmine Rice – Fragrant jasmine rice complements the flavors of the dish beautifully while absorbing any extra sauce.
- Garlic Bread – Crispy garlic bread is perfect for scooping up any remaining sauce while adding a comforting touch.
- Cucumber Salad – A light cucumber salad adds freshness and crunch; toss in sesame oil for extra flavor.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables – Quick stir-fried veggies like bell peppers or carrots provide additional nutrients and color to your plate.
- Fried Rice – Leftover fried rice can be an excellent base, bringing extra flavor from sesame oil or soy sauce.
- Egg Rolls – Crispy egg rolls make a delightful pairing, offering texture contrast along with savory fillings.
- Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and balances out the rich flavors of the main dish.
- Baked Potatoes – A baked potato topped with butter complements this dish’s savory notes wonderfully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake in making the Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe is not preparing ingredients correctly. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:
- Skipping the marinade: Failing to marinate the chicken can result in bland flavors. Marinade your chicken beforehand for a tastier dish.
- Overcrowding the slow cooker: Adding too many ingredients can prevent proper cooking. Stick to the recommended amounts for best results.
- Not using fresh broccoli: Using old or frozen broccoli may result in mushy texture. Always use fresh, room-temperature broccoli for a crisp bite.
- Ignoring cooking times: Cooking for too long can dry out the chicken. Follow the time guidelines closely for juicy and tender meat.
- Neglecting to thicken sauce: Forgetting to add cornstarch will leave you with a watery sauce. Remember to mix and add it at the right stage for a delicious glaze.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
- Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe bags or containers; it can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), cover, and heat until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place portions in a bowl, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe:
Can I use frozen chicken with this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but adjust cooking time accordingly. It may take longer than fresh chicken.
How do I customize my Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe?
Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.
What can I serve with this dish?
Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce for a spicy kick that enhances the flavors.
Final Thoughts
The Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with different vegetables or sauces based on your preferences. This comforting dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Discover the ultimate family-friendly meal with this Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe! Effortlessly combine tender chicken breast, vibrant broccoli, and aromatic seasonings in your slow cooker for a dish that’s both nutritious and bursting with flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this recipe allows you to enjoy a hearty dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal that everyone will love. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a delicious, wholesome dish your family will request again and again.
Ingredients
- 750g chicken breast (cut into chunks)
- 2 onions (quartered)
- 500g broccoli florets
- 3 tsp garlic (crushed)
- 2 tsp ginger (minced)
- 250ml chicken stock
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup oyster sauce
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch
- 3 Tbsp water
Instructions
- In your slow cooker, combine chicken, onion, garlic, ginger, chicken stock, soy sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Mix well.
- Set the slow cooker to low heat; cook for 4–6 hours until the chicken is tender.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water until smooth.
- After cooking time is up, stir the cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker.
- Add broccoli florets gently into the mixture.
- Switch to high heat; cook for an additional 30 minutes until thickened and broccoli is heated through.
- Serve over rice or noodles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4–6 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American/Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1¼ cups (300g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
