Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe is the perfect dish for any occasion, from busy weeknights to family gatherings. It’s a simple yet flavorful meal that can delight your taste buds while saving you time in the kitchen. With tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and savory sauces, this recipe is bound to impress everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation – Just toss all the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
- Delicious Flavor – The combination of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger creates a rich taste that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Meal – Perfect for serving with rice or noodles, making it suitable for various dining preferences.
- Family-Friendly – A wholesome dish that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
- Healthy Option – Packed with protein and vegetables, this recipe is a nutritious choice for dinner.
Tools and Preparation
Before you get started, make sure you have the right tools on hand. Having everything ready will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Mixing bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker – This is essential for achieving perfectly cooked chicken that falls apart with a fork.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Accurate measurements ensure consistency in flavor every time you prepare this dish.
- Cutting board – Provides a safe surface to chop your veggies and chicken without mess.
- Mixing bowl – Useful for preparing any sauces or mixtures before adding them to the slow cooker.
Ingredients
For this incredible slow cooker chicken and broccoli recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
Chicken & Aromatics
- 750g (1.7 lb) chicken breast, cut into chunks
- 2 onions, quartered
- 3 tsp garlic, crushed
- 2 tsp ginger, minced
Sauces & Seasonings
- 250ml (8.5 fl oz) chicken stock
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup oyster sauce
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
Vegetables & Thickeners
- 500g (1.1 lb) broccoli florets, room temperature
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch
- 3 Tbsp water
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
In your slow cooker, add the following:
1. Place the chunks of chicken breast, quartered onions, crushed garlic, minced ginger, chicken stock, soy sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.
Step 2: Cook on Low Heat
- Set your slow cooker to low heat and cook for 4-6 hours until the chicken is tender.
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch with the water. Stir well until smooth.
- Pour this mixture into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
Step 4: Add Broccoli
- Add in the room temperature broccoli florets.
Step 5: Cook on High
- Switch your slow cooker to high heat and cook for another 30 minutes or until the sauce has thickened and the broccoli is hot.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
- Serve hot over rice or noodles, enjoy your delicious meal!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
This slow cooker chicken and broccoli recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.
Over Rice
- Serve the chicken and broccoli over a bed of steamed rice for a comforting meal.
With Noodles
- Toss the chicken and broccoli with cooked noodles for a satisfying stir-fry style dish.
In Lettuce Wraps
- Use large lettuce leaves to create fresh wraps filled with the chicken and broccoli mixture.
With a Side Salad
- Balance your meal with a light salad to add freshness and crunch alongside the hearty dish.
As Meal Prep
- Store individual portions in containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
To ensure your slow cooker chicken and broccoli turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, ginger, and broccoli enhance the flavor significantly.
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Adjust Cooking Time: Check for doneness after 4 hours on low; cooking longer can make the chicken dry.
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Thicken Sauce Properly: Be sure to mix cornstarch well into water before adding it to avoid clumps.
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Experiment with Flavors: Add chili flakes or sesame seeds for an extra kick or texture.
Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Pair your slow cooker chicken and broccoli recipe with these delightful sides to complete your meal.
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Steamed Jasmine Rice: Light and fluffy rice pairs perfectly, soaking up the delicious sauce.
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Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is ideal for dipping into any leftover sauce from your dish.
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Stir-Fried Vegetables: A colorful mix of vegetables adds variety and nutrition to your plate.
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Quinoa Salad: A nutritious quinoa salad provides a hearty, healthy alternative full of protein.
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Cucumber Salad: Refreshing cucumber salad adds a cool contrast that brightens up your meal.
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Fried Rice: Transform leftover rice into fried rice for a tasty twist that complements the main dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking with a slow cooker can be simple, but there are common mistakes to watch out for to ensure your slow cooker chicken and broccoli recipe turns out perfectly.
- Timing issues: Not cooking the meal long enough or too long can ruin your dish. Stick to the recommended cooking times for the best results.
- Neglecting browning: Skipping the browning of chicken can lead to less flavor. Sear your chicken before adding it to enhance the taste.
- Overcrowding the slow cooker: Filling it too much can prevent even cooking. Make sure not to exceed the recommended capacity for best outcomes.
- Using old ingredients: Fresh ingredients elevate flavor. Always check that your spices and sauces are within their expiration dates.
- Not adjusting liquid levels: Adding too much or too little liquid affects texture. Follow the recipe closely to maintain balance.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing it.
Freezing Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Label with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally until hot, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring often, until heated throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding our slow cooker chicken and broccoli recipe.
Can I use frozen chicken in this Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just ensure it’s fully cooked before serving.
What can I serve with my Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe?
This dish pairs well with rice or noodles for a complete meal experience.
How do I know when my Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe is done?
The dish is ready when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and broccoli is tender.
Can I customize my Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables or adjust seasonings according to your taste preferences.
Final Thoughts
This slow cooker chicken and broccoli recipe is not only simple but also incredibly delicious, making it perfect for busy families. The flavors meld beautifully during cooking, creating a comforting meal that everyone will love. Plus, it’s versatile—feel free to customize with your favorite veggies or sauces!
Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Discover the ultimate comfort food with our Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe. Whether you’re racing through a busy weeknight or hosting a family gathering, this simple yet flavorful dish is sure to impress. With tender chicken cooked to perfection, vibrant broccoli, and a savory blend of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, it’s a meal that brings everyone together. Just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, set it, and let it work its magic while you enjoy your day. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete dining experience that’s healthy, family-friendly, and utterly satisfying.
Ingredients
- 750g chicken breast (cut into chunks)
- 2 onions (quartered)
- 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
- 500g broccoli florets
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch
- 3 Tbsp water
Instructions
- Place chicken chunks, onions, garlic, ginger, chicken stock, soy sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce, and sesame oil in a slow cooker.
- Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook for 4-6 hours until the chicken is tender.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water until smooth; add to the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
- Stir in broccoli florets and switch to high heat; cook for an additional 30 minutes or until heated through.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours on low or 30 minutes on high
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
