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Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s effortless, flavorful, and perfectly comforting, you’re going to want to try this Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish combines tender chicken and crisp broccoli in a savory sauce that practically cooks itself! Whether you’re coming home from a busy day or meal prepping for the week, this recipe has got you covered.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Hands-Off Cooking: Just set it and forget it, then come back to a delicious meal ready to enjoy.
  • Balanced Flavors: The perfect combo of savory, sweet, and a little kick of heat keeps things interesting.
  • Family Friendly: My family goes crazy for this one—especially with steamed rice to soak up the sauce.
  • Nutritious & Easy: You get lean protein and veggie goodness, all from your trusty crockpot.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe work so well together because they bring a balance of rich, bold sauce and fresh, crisp veggies. When picking out your chicken, I suggest boneless, skinless thighs—they stay juicy and tender in the slow cooker far better than breasts.

Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe - Ingredients
  • Chicken thighs: They stay moist and flavorful, perfect for slow cooking without drying out.
  • Chicken broth: Adds depth to the sauce without overpowering the other flavors.
  • Soy sauce: Brings umami and saltiness that’s key to a stir-fry vibe.
  • Sesame oil: Adds a subtle nutty aroma that I find irresistible.
  • Honey: Balances the savory with a touch of sweetness.
  • Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic really brightens up this dish—don’t skimp here!
  • Hot sauce (like sriracha): Adds just enough heat; adjust based on your spice tolerance.
  • Onion powder: For a mild onion flavor without chunks.
  • Cornstarch: Essential to thicken the sauce to that perfect glaze consistency.
  • Broccoli florets: Tender, but still with a little snap after slow cooking.
  • Optional toppings (sesame seeds, green onions): These add texture and a fresh pop at the end.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe is—you can absolutely personalize it based on what you have on hand or your diet preferences. I encourage you to experiment a bit and make it your own!

  • Swap Veggies: I’ve swapped broccoli for snap peas or bell peppers when I wanted a different crunch and color—both turned out fantastic.
  • Make it Spicier: When guests come over who love heat, I up the sriracha or add chili flakes and it gets rave reviews every time.
  • Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and make sure your broth and hot sauce are gluten-free for a friendly tweak.
  • Rice Noodles: Try tossing this over cooked rice noodles instead of rice for a refreshing twist.

How to Make Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Chicken and Sauce

Start by patting your chicken thighs dry. This little step makes a difference—it helps the sauce cling better and prevents any unwanted sogginess. Then, toss your chicken right into the slow cooker. In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, hot sauce, and onion powder. I like to taste this mixture before cooking to make sure those flavors sing, since it’s the heart of the dish.

Step 2: Slow Cook Your Chicken

Pour most of your sauce mixture over the chicken, but remember to set aside about 4 tablespoons for later. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours or on low for 6 hours. When I first tried this recipe, I went with low and was thrilled with how fall-apart tender the chicken turned out. Just avoid lifting the lid too often—the crockpot needs its warm hug.

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce & Add Broccoli

Mix the reserved sauce with cornstarch until smooth—this slurry is your secret weapon for that glossy finish. Pour it into the crockpot and stir everything together gently. Then, toss in your broccoli florets and stir again to coat them nicely. Seal the lid and cook on high for another 30 minutes. This keeps the broccoli bright and a little crisp—no one likes mushy broccoli!

Step 4: Final Touches and Serve

Once time’s up, give your sauce a quick taste and adjust with salt or pepper as needed—you might find it needs just a pinch more salt depending on your soy sauce. Serve it piping hot over rice and sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if you like. I always add these toppings—they add that finishing touch that your taste buds will thank you for.

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Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

  • Pat the Chicken Dry: This small step improves sauce absorption and prevents a watery mess.
  • Reserve Sauce for Slurry: Setting aside sauce to mix with cornstarch keeps your glaze lump-free every time.
  • Don’t Skip Broccoli Later: Adding broccoli only at the end keeps it crisp and full of color—perfect texture contrast.
  • Adjust Seasoning After Cooking: Always taste at the end; slow cooking can mellow flavors and you might want a pinch more salt or spice.

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions. They add a lovely crunch and a burst of freshness that lifts the whole meal. Plus, those little green onion ribbons just make it look restaurant-worthy even when you’re eating cozy at home.

Side Dishes

This stir-fry pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine or brown rice, which soaks up all that lovely sauce. Sometimes I’ll serve it alongside simple fried rice or even quinoa if I want a boost of protein and texture. For an extra veggie punch, a crunchy Asian cucumber salad is a refreshing sidekick too.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to serve this stir-fry in cute mini rice bowls or even lettuce cups for a fun twist. Garnishing with edible flowers or extra sliced chilies adds a pop of color and personality that always impresses guests. It’s a simple dish that you can dress up beautifully if you want!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe store beautifully. I put mine in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, so it often tastes even better the next day!

Freezing

I’ve had great success freezing this dish for up to 6 weeks. Just portion it out into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce. Stir frequently to keep the broccoli bright and chicken tender. This method helps maintain that just-cooked freshness better than the microwave.

FAQs

  1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this recipe?

    Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but be aware they tend to dry out more in slow cooking. To keep them moist, consider reducing the cooking time slightly or adding more broth. I personally prefer thighs here for their juiciness and flavor.

  2. How do I prevent the broccoli from getting too mushy?

    Add the broccoli during the last 30 minutes of cooking on high heat. This timing lets it steam tender while preserving some crispness and vibrant color.

  3. Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

    Definitely! Use the sauté function to brown the chicken briefly if you want, then pressure cook on high for about 10 minutes. Add the broccoli after pressure cooking and use sauté again until tender-crisp. Adjust liquid and cornstarch thickening accordingly.

  4. What should I serve with this Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry?

    Steamed rice is the classic choice, but you can also go for quinoa, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. A simple side salad or steamed veggies round out the meal nicely too.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe has become my go-to when I want something tasty that doesn’t require standing over the stove for hours. It’s nourishing, crowd-pleasing, and fits beautifully into busy lifestyles. I truly hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s like having a restaurant-quality meal waiting for you when you walk in the door. Give it a try, and don’t forget to play around with the toppings and sides to make it your own cozy kitchen classic!

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Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 82 reviews
  • Author: Paula
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 6 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American Asian Fusion

Description

This Crockpot Broccoli Chicken recipe is a perfect, hands-off meal that combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with vibrant broccoli florets in a savory and slightly sweet sauce. Slow-cooked to perfection, this dish is infused with garlic, soy, honey, and sesame oil, making it a flavorful family favorite that’s easy to prepare and ideal for busy weeknights.


Ingredients

Chicken and Sauce

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 6 thighs)
  • ¾ cups chicken broth
  • ⅓ cup soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 4 tablespoons honey
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons hot sauce such as sriracha
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Vegetables

  • 2 cups broccoli florets

Optional Toppings

  • Sesame seeds
  • Green onions, sliced


Instructions

  1. Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry and trim off any excess fat. Place the chicken evenly in the bottom of a 4-quart slow cooker to ensure even cooking.
  2. Make Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, hot sauce, and onion powder until fully combined.
  3. Cook Chicken: Reserve 4 tablespoons of the sauce mixture for later. Pour the remaining sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours or low for 6 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and flavorful.
  4. Thicken Sauce: Whisk the cornstarch into the reserved sauce liquid until smooth to create a slurry. Pour this into the crockpot and stir gently to blend with the cooking juices.
  5. Add Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the slow cooker and stir again to coat them with sauce. Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes until broccoli is tender but still crisp.
  6. Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the broccoli chicken over rice and garnish with optional sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 6 weeks.
  • Use chicken breasts as a leaner substitute, but reduce cooking time slightly to prevent drying out.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
  • Serve with steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles for a complete meal.
  • Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your heat preference or omit for a milder flavor.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/6 of recipe)
  • Calories: 310 kcal
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 950 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg

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