If you’re craving a comforting, effortless meal that fills your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma, this Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe is going to be your new best friend. It’s the perfect blend of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a rich, flavorful sauce that simmers slowly to bring out the deepest tastes. This dish not only hugs your taste buds with its savory goodness but also makes weeknight dinners a breeze, thanks to the magic of the slow cooker. You’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again, whether it’s for a casual family dinner or impressing friends with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe lies in its simplicity and balance. Each ingredient plays a crucial role—from the juicy chicken providing protein to the fresh broccoli adding crunch and color, while the sauces bring layers of umami and sweetness that harmonize perfectly.
- 750g (1.7 lb) chicken breast, cut into chunks: Choose fresh, boneless chicken breast for quick cooking and tender bites.
- 2 onions, quartered: Adds natural sweetness and aromatic depth to the dish.
- 3 tsp garlic, crushed: Brings a robust, pungent flavor that infuses the sauce.
- 2 tsp ginger, minced: Offers a subtle spicy warmth that complements the garlic beautifully.
- 250ml (8.5 fl oz) chicken stock: Creates a savory base that enriches the sauce without overpowering it.
- ½ cup soy sauce: Brings salty, umami goodness that ties all the ingredients together.
- ¼ cup brown sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance out the savory elements.
- ¼ cup oyster sauce: Enhances the dish with a deep, slightly sweet seafood flavor.
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil: Imparts a nutty aroma and richness to the sauce.
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch: Combined with water to thicken the sauce, giving it that perfect glossy finish.
- 3 Tbsp water: Used to dissolve the cornstarch smoothly before adding to the cooker.
- 500g (1.1 lb) broccoli florets, room temperature: Fresh broccoli adds vibrancy, texture, and a splash of green that makes the dish look as good as it tastes.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by chopping the chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks. Quarter the onions, crush the garlic, and mince the ginger. Having everything prepped neatly will make the assembly process seamless and stress-free.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Place the chicken, onions, garlic, and ginger into your slow cooker. Pour in the chicken stock, soy sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Give everything a gentle stir to mix the flavors, setting the stage for the magic to happen.
Step 3: Let It Cook Low and Slow
Cover the slow cooker and set it on low heat for 4 to 6 hours. This slow simmer ensures the chicken becomes incredibly tender and all the aromatic ingredients meld into a savory, flavorful sauce that makes this Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe so irresistible.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce and Add Broccoli
Mix the cornstarch with water to create a smooth slurry. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker, then add the fresh broccoli florets. This step will thicken the sauce while warming the broccoli through without losing its delightful crispness.
Step 5: Finish Cooking on High Heat
Switch the slow cooker to high and cook everything for an additional 30 minutes. This finishing touch will bring the sauce to a lovely glaze consistency and ensure the broccoli is tender yet still vibrant and slightly crunchy.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once thickened and bubbling, your Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe is ready to be ladled onto plates or bowls. Prepare to be delighted by a dish that’s as comforting as it is full of flavor.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or freshly chopped scallions adds a beautiful contrast in both texture and color. These simple garnishes turn this homely dish into something extra special and visually inviting.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice to soak up every drop of the savory sauce. For a lighter option, cauliflower rice or even noodles work wonderfully to complement the rich flavors without overpowering the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive twist, try serving the chicken and broccoli over a bed of crispy wonton strips or inside lettuce wraps for a fun, hands-on dinner. This versatility makes the Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe perfect for both casual meals and special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, the Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers in freezer-friendly containers for up to 2 months. When freezing, leave a little room at the top of the container since the sauce might expand. This makes it great to batch cook and enjoy later without losing any of the delicious flavors.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your leftovers in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce silky and prevent the broccoli from becoming mushy. Alternatively, the microwave works well, just cover the container and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh in the Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe?
While you can substitute frozen broccoli, it may become softer and less vibrant in color. For the best texture and visual appeal, fresh broccoli is recommended to add that perfect crunch at the end of cooking.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, and ensure your oyster sauce is labeled gluten-free. This way, you can still enjoy all the flavors without worry.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and often yield juicier results. Just be mindful that they might need slightly less cooking time depending on your slow cooker.
What if I don’t have oyster sauce? Can I skip it?
Oyster sauce adds a unique depth of flavor, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute with a little hoisin sauce or increase the soy sauce slightly. The dish will still be tasty, just a bit different in flavor profile.
How do I keep the broccoli crisp during slow cooking?
The key is to add the broccoli towards the end of cooking, as the recipe suggests, and cook it on high for only about 30 minutes. This ensures it heats through without becoming mushy or losing its bright color.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe, you’ll discover just how easy and rewarding slow-cooked meals can be. It’s a dish that brings warmth, flavor, and simplicity to your dinner table with minimal effort. Whether you’re a busy parent, a novice cook, or just someone who loves good food, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your home. So, grab your slow cooker, gather those simple ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a truly satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli recipe offers a delicious, hands-off way to prepare tender chicken breast simmered in a flavorful Asian-inspired sauce with fresh broccoli. The slow cooking process melds savory soy, oyster sauce, ginger, and garlic together, resulting in a rich, comforting dish perfect for family dinners or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 750g (1.7 lb) chicken breast, cut into chunks
- 2 onions, quartered
- 3 tsp garlic, crushed
- 2 tsp ginger, minced
- 250ml (8.5 fl oz) chicken stock
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup oyster sauce
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
Thickening Mixture
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch
- 3 Tbsp water
Vegetables
- 500g (1.1 lb) broccoli florets, room temperature
Instructions
- Preparation: Begin by cutting the chicken breast into chunks. Quarter the onions, crush the garlic, and mince the ginger. Have all ingredients measured and ready.
- Combine Ingredients: In your slow cooker, add the chicken pieces, quartered onions, crushed garlic, minced ginger, chicken stock, soy sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Stir gently to combine all the flavors.
- Slow Cook: Set your slow cooker to low heat and cook the mixture for 4 to 6 hours. This allows the chicken to become tender and the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Prepare Thickening Mixture: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until fully dissolved to create a slurry that will thicken the sauce later.
- Add Broccoli and Thicken Sauce: Pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker and add the broccoli florets. Stir everything carefully to combine without breaking up the chicken or broccoli.
- Final Cook: Increase the slow cooker to high heat and cook for an additional 30 minutes. This will thicken the sauce and gently cook the broccoli until tender but still crisp.
- Serve: Once the sauce has thickened and the broccoli is hot and tender, serve the dish immediately. Enjoy your flavorful and comforting slow cooker chicken and broccoli!
Notes
- For best results, use fresh chicken breasts and room temperature broccoli.
- You can adjust the sweetness by modifying the amount of brown sugar used.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can increase the cornstarch slightly.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
