Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe is a perfect choice for any dinner occasion. It’s not only packed with savory flavors but also incredibly simple to prepare. Just set it and forget it while the slow cooker does all the work! This dish is family-friendly and can easily satisfy even the hungriest appetites. Enjoy tender chicken and fresh broccoli in a delightful sauce that brings together Asian-inspired tastes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep time, you can simply toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do its magic.
- Flavorful and Savory: The combination of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic creates a mouthwatering dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Family-Friendly: This recipe feeds up to six people, making it perfect for families or meal prepping for busy weeks.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or adjust the sauce ingredients to suit your taste.
- Healthy Option: Packed with protein from the chicken and vitamins from the broccoli, this dish provides a nutritious meal without sacrificing flavor.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delicious dish, gather your tools for a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: This is the star of the show! It allows for hands-off cooking, ensuring your chicken becomes tender while infusing flavors.
- Knife: A good knife makes chopping chicken and vegetables quick and easy, saving you time during prep.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Precision in measuring ensures that each ingredient contributes perfectly to the overall flavor profile of your slow cooker chicken and broccoli.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 750g (1.7 lb) chicken breast, cut into chunks
- 2 onions, quartered
- 3 tsp garlic, crushed
- 2 tsp ginger, minced
For the Sauce
- 250ml (8.5 fl oz) chicken stock
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup oyster sauce
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
For the Vegetables
- 500g (1.1 lb) broccoli florets, room temperature
For Thickening
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch
- 3 Tbsp water
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the chicken into chunks, quarter the onions, crush the garlic, and mince the ginger.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
In a slow cooker, add:
1. The chicken chunks
2. Quartered onions
3. Crushed garlic
4. Minced ginger
5. Chicken stock
6. Soy sauce
7. Brown sugar
8. Oyster sauce
9. Sesame oil
Mix everything together gently.
Step 3: Cook on Low Heat
Cover your slow cooker and set it to low heat. Allow it to cook for 4-6 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 4: Thicken Sauce
Once cooking time is complete, mix cornstarch with water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker.
Step 5: Add Broccoli
Carefully add broccoli florets to the slow cooker.
Step 6: Cook on High
Set your slow cooker to high heat for approximately 30 minutes or until thickened slightly and broccoli is heated through.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy
Once done, serve immediately over rice or noodles if desired. Enjoy your beautifully cooked Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
This slow cooker chicken and broccoli recipe is versatile and can be served in various ways to please everyone at the table. Whether you prefer it on a bed of rice or alongside noodles, each option enhances the dish’s flavors.
Over Rice
- White Rice: A classic choice that absorbs the sauce well.
- Brown Rice: Adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber.
- Jasmine Rice: Delivers a fragrant aroma that pairs perfectly with chicken.
With Noodles
- Lo Mein: Soft noodles that complement the dish’s savory elements.
- Rice Noodles: Gluten-free option that soaks up the flavors beautifully.
- Udon Noodles: Thick and chewy, these add a delightful texture.
In Wraps
- Lettuce Wraps: A fresh, low-carb alternative that adds crunch.
- Tortilla Wraps: Perfect for a hearty meal on the go; just add some cheese!
As a Salad
- Mixed Greens: Toss the chicken and broccoli over fresh greens for a light meal.
- Quinoa Salad: Add protein and fiber with quinoa for an even healthier twist.
How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
To ensure your slow cooker chicken and broccoli comes out perfect every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger significantly enhance flavors compared to dried versions.
- Cut Chicken Evenly: Uniform chunks cook more evenly, ensuring tenderness throughout.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving; feel free to add more soy sauce or brown sugar to suit your palate.
- Avoid Overcooking Broccoli: Add it toward the end of cooking to keep it vibrant and crunchy.
- Thicken Sauce Properly: Mix cornstarch with water thoroughly before adding it to avoid lumps.
- Store Leftovers Wisely: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Pair this tasty slow cooker chicken and broccoli recipe with delicious side dishes to create a complete meal. Here are some great options:
- Fried Rice: Stir-fried rice with eggs and vegetables is an excellent way to soak up the extra sauce from your dish.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed carrots or snap peas add color and nutrition without overshadowing the main dish.
- Egg Rolls: Crispy egg rolls make for a delightful crunch alongside your tender chicken.
- Garlic Bread: A side of warm garlic bread is perfect for soaking up all those delicious flavors from the sauce.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of this slow cooker recipe.
- Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad adds freshness and balances out the richness of the chicken dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many home cooks encounter pitfalls when preparing this dish. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Skipping the marinating step: Marinating the chicken helps to enhance flavor. Make sure you allow it to sit in the sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Overcrowding the slow cooker: Adding too many ingredients can lead to uneven cooking. Stick to the recommended amounts for best results.
- Not adjusting cook time: Every slow cooker is different; monitor your dish if it’s cooking faster or slower than expected. Adjust timings based on your appliance’s performance.
- Neglecting the broccoli: Adding broccoli too soon can make it mushy. Add it in the last 30 minutes of cooking for a perfect texture.
- Using frozen chicken: Frozen chicken can release excess water and impact consistency. Always use thawed chicken for this recipe.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3–4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
- Divide into portions and place in freezer-safe containers.
- Freeze for up to 2–3 months; label with date for reference.
Reheating Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20–25 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals (1–2 minutes) until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a pan over medium heat, stirring until heated thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe that may help you prepare this dish perfectly.
Can I use frozen broccoli in this recipe?
You can use frozen broccoli, but fresh is recommended for better texture. If using frozen, add it during the last hour of cooking.
How can I customize my Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe?
Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots. You can also substitute chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes! This dish is packed with protein from the chicken and nutrients from broccoli, making it a nutritious choice.
What should I serve with Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli?
Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal. You could also pair it with a light salad.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting sauces according to your taste preferences. Try this delightful recipe today; your family will love it!
Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves up to 6 people
Description
Indulge in the savory goodness of our Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe, a family favorite that combines tender chicken with crisp broccoli in a rich, flavorful sauce. This dish is not only easy to prepare—just toss your ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic—but it’s also packed with nutrients and delicious Asian-inspired flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, this recipe serves up to six people, ensuring there’s plenty to go around. Enjoy this comforting meal over rice or noodles for a satisfying dinner experience that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 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
- 500g (1.1 lb) broccoli florets
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by chopping chicken and vegetables.
- In the slow cooker, combine chicken, onions, garlic, ginger, stock, soy sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.
- Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours until chicken is tender.
- Mix cornstarch with water and stir into the slow cooker.
- Add broccoli florets and switch to high heat for an additional 30 minutes until thickened.
- Serve over rice or noodles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4–6 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 313
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 960mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
