There’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli—the perfect cozy meal that practically cooks itself! Tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a deeply savory sauce come together with minimal effort for easy weeknight magic.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Comfort Food: The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, rewarding you with deeply flavorful chicken and perfectly cooked broccoli—no fuss, no standing at the stove!
- Family-Friendly Flavor: The sweet and savory sauce is irresistible to both adults and picky eaters, making it a true dinner-table pleaser.
- Meal Prep Wonder: This recipe yields enough for leftovers, and the flavors only improve with time—perfect for lunch boxes or easy weeknight repeats.
- Healthy Takeout Alternative: Satisfy those takeout cravings at home with wholesome, fresh ingredients that you control!
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need for this Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli are simple staples—yet every ingredient adds its own magic to the final dish! Each element brings either deep flavor, tender texture, or vibrant color to your bowl.
- Chicken Breast (750g/1.7 lb, cut into chunks): Lean, tender chicken soaks up all the saucy goodness and stays juicy in the slow cooker.
- Onions (2, quartered): Onions infuse sweetness and savory undertones as they melt into the sauce.
- Garlic (3 tsp, crushed): For punchy, aromatic depth (use fresh garlic for best flavor!).
- Ginger (2 tsp, minced): Adds warmth and a lively zing that brightens the sauce.
- Chicken Stock (250ml/8.5 fl oz): Forms the savory backbone of the luscious sauce.
- Soy Sauce (1/2 cup): Provides saltiness and an umami-rich base (opt for low-sodium if you like).
- Brown Sugar (1/4 cup): Balances the savory notes with a subtle, caramel sweetness.
- Oyster Sauce (1/4 cup): Brings glossy richness and a hint of the irresistible “takeout” taste.
- Sesame Oil (1 Tbsp): Just a bit delivers that classic nutty aroma you crave.
- Broccoli Florets (500g/1.1 lb, room temp): Go for fresh broccoli to keep things crisp-tender and vibrantly green.
- Cornstarch (2 Tbsp) + Water (3 Tbsp): This quick slurry thickens the sauce to perfection right at the end.
Variations
Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli is wonderfully adaptable! Don’t hesitate to tailor the ingredients or flavors based on what you love or have on hand—these easy twists make it your own.
- Swap the Protein: Boneless chicken thighs, turkey breast, or even thinly sliced beef all work deliciously in this recipe.
- Boost the Veggies: Stir in sliced red bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots along with the broccoli for a colorful, vitamin-packed meal.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free.
- For Extra Heat: Add a teaspoon of chili flakes, some sriracha, or a splash of hot sauce if you like things spicy.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli
Step 1: Layer in the Chicken and Aromatics
Place the chicken chunks in your slow cooker, then scatter over the quartered onions, crushed garlic, and minced ginger. This melds all those aromatic flavors right from the start, guaranteeing every bite is fragrant and savory.
Step 2: Mix Up the Sauce and Start Cooking
Pour in the chicken stock, soy sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Give everything a gentle stir so the chicken is well coated, then cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours. This is hands-off time: the slow cooker beautifully tenderizes the chicken while the sauce gets seriously savory and rich.
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce
About half an hour before you’re ready to eat, whisk together the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to make a smooth slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker, ensuring it mixes evenly. The sauce will start to thicken and take on a glossy finish that clings to every piece of chicken.
Step 4: Add Broccoli and Finish Cooking
Add the broccoli florets to your slow cooker and turn the heat up to high. Cook for about 30 minutes more—just enough for the broccoli to become bright, crisp-tender, and still delightfully vibrant. Serve up your Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli piping hot, with rice or noodles if you like!
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli
- Broccoli Timing Perfection: For truly crisp-tender, vibrantly green broccoli, always add it during the final 30 minutes, not from the start.
- Sauce Thickness Control: If you like your sauce extra thick, mix in a bit more cornstarch slurry at the end—but do so gradually to avoid over-thickening.
- Chicken Uniformity: Cut your chicken pieces into even chunks to ensure everything cooks up juicy and tender, without any dry spots.
- Batch Cooking: Double the recipe for meal prep, and freeze half for an instant future weeknight dinner—Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli is a perfect freezer meal!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or sliced spring onions adds a pop of color and a gentle crunch to your Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli. If you love a little extra punch, a drizzle of chili oil or finely chopped cilantro wakes up every bite.
Side Dishes
This dish shines over a fluffy bowl of steamed jasmine or basmati rice, but it’s also marvelous with brown rice, cauliflower rice, or even noodles. Steamed dumplings or a crisp, Asian-inspired slaw round out a full, vibrant meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli in lettuce cups for a handheld party platter or toss with soba noodles for a hearty “bowl” moment. For meal prep, portion into individual containers with rice for a grab-and-go lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chicken stays tender and the sauce remains deeply flavorful—making leftovers just as crave-worthy as the first night!
Freezing
You can freeze Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli without any worries. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Gently warm leftovers on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or chicken stock to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir well and reheat only until just hot for the juiciest chicken and freshest broccoli.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Add frozen broccoli straight from the freezer during the final 30 minutes as you would fresh. It may cook slightly faster, so check for crisp-tender doneness after 20 minutes to avoid mushiness.
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Can I substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are fantastic here—they’re a bit more forgiving and stay wonderfully tender. Just trim excess fat and proceed with the recipe as written for Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli.
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How do I keep the broccoli bright green and not overcooked?
The secret is to add the broccoli at the end and cook on high for only about 30 minutes. This keeps it crisp-tender and beautifully green, instead of limp and dull.
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Is this Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli recipe good for meal prep?
It’s one of the best! The flavors develop even more as it sits, and the dish reheats beautifully. Just store in meal prep containers with your favorite grain for a grab-and-heat lunch all week long.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a cozy meal with next-to-no effort, Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli is destined to earn a spot in your regular rotation. I hope you love every saucy, satisfying bite—don’t forget to make enough for leftovers!
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a comforting meal at home. The tender chicken and crisp broccoli are cooked in a savory sauce that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
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
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup oyster sauce
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
Thickener:
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch
- 3 Tbsp water
- 500g (1.1 lb) broccoli florets, room temperature
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: In a slow cooker, combine the chicken, onion, garlic, ginger, chicken stock, soy sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.
- Cook Low and Slow: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 4-6 hours.
- Thicken the Sauce: Mix cornstarch with water and stir into the slow cooker. Add broccoli.
- Finish and Serve: Cook on high for 30 minutes until thickened and broccoli is hot. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add additional vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas.
- Adjust soy sauce and sugar to taste for a more personalized flavor profile.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
