Slow cooker chicken and broccoli is an easy, flavorful dish that delivers tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a delicious savory sauce. This homemade version of a takeout favorite is healthier, packed with protein, and perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal the whole family will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy One-Pot Meal – Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it cook.
- Healthier Than Takeout – No added MSG or excessive sodium.
- Tender Chicken & Flavorful Sauce – A perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet flavors.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Stores and reheats well for busy days.
- Customizable – Adjust seasonings, add veggies, or make it spicy.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- Soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
- Chicken broth
- Garlic (minced)
- Ginger (grated or minced)
- Brown sugar or honey
- Sesame oil
- Cornstarch
- Water
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)
- Sesame seeds and green onions (for garnish)
Directions
1. Prepare the Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, chicken broth, garlic, ginger, brown sugar (or honey), and sesame oil.
2. Slow Cook the Chicken
- Place the chicken in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over it.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender.
3. Thicken the Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry.
- Stir the slurry into the slow cooker and cook for another 20-30 minutes on high until the sauce thickens.
4. Add the Broccoli
- Add the broccoli during the last 30 minutes of cooking so it stays crisp-tender.
- If using frozen broccoli, thaw slightly before adding.
5. Serve & Garnish
- Shred or slice the chicken and mix well with the sauce.
- Serve over rice or noodles and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
- Total Time: 4-5 hours 10 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
- Extra Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas.
- Teriyaki Twist: Swap the soy sauce for teriyaki sauce for a sweeter flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Keto-Friendly: Serve over cauliflower rice and reduce the sugar.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours on low.
Can I cook this on the stovetop instead?
Yes! Sauté the chicken in a pan, add the sauce, simmer, and stir in broccoli at the end.
How do I prevent the broccoli from getting mushy?
Add it in the last 30 minutes of cooking to keep it fresh and crisp.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs stay juicier and work just as well.
What can I serve this with?
Steamed rice, fried rice, noodles, or even quinoa.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Add a little extra cornstarch slurry if needed and cook uncovered for a few minutes.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, just make sure your slow cooker is large enough!
Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Just add it in the last 30 minutes with the broccoli.
What’s the best way to add crunch?
Top with toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep everything and store it in the fridge overnight before cooking.
Conclusion
Slow cooker chicken and broccoli is an easy, flavorful, and healthier alternative to takeout. With its tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and delicious sauce, this meal is perfect for busy nights. Serve it over rice or noodles, and enjoy a stress-free, homemade dinner!
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 4 hours
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli is a flavorful, takeout-inspired dish featuring tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a savory garlic-ginger soy sauce. It’s an easy, one-pot meal that pairs perfectly with rice or noodles for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons honey (or brown sugar)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 3 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Place the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Make the sauce – In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, chicken broth, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
2. Slow Cook:
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and stir to coat.
- Cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender.
3. Add the Broccoli:
- Mix cornstarch & water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker.
- Add the broccoli and cook for another 30 minutes on HIGH, or until the sauce thickens and the broccoli is tender-crisp.
4. Serve & Enjoy!
- Spoon over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot!
Notes
- Prefer softer broccoli? Add it in the last hour instead of 30 minutes before serving.
- Want a richer sauce? Use hoisin sauce instead of honey.
- Make it spicy: Add 1 teaspoon sriracha or more red pepper flakes.
- Gluten-free version: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.