This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli meal is super simple and very tasty! Juicy chicken cooks slowly with fresh broccoli, making it a healthy and comforting dish.
I love how I can just toss it all in the slow cooker and forget about it until dinner time. Plus, who doesn’t love a one-pot meal? Dinner made easy! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well, but thighs are juicier and can enhance the flavor. You can also use any leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for a quicker option!
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets add great texture. If you have frozen broccoli, that’s a good alternative. Just add it in the last 15-20 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking!
Hoisin Sauce: This brings sweetness and complexity. If you don’t have it, consider using teriyaki sauce or a mix of soy sauce and honey as a substitute.
Sesame Oil: It adds depth; however, you could use vegetable or olive oil if you don’t have sesame oil. Just keep in mind it might change the flavor a bit.
How Do I Make Sure My Broccoli Is Cooked Perfectly?
To ensure your broccoli is tender yet crisp, timing is key. Add it to the slow cooker about 30 minutes before serving. This gives it enough time to cook without losing its bright green color and crunchy texture. Stir it in with the cornstarch slurry to mix well!
- First, check if your chicken is cooked through, then add the broccoli.
- Cover the cooker and cook on high for just 20-30 minutes. It will retain a nice crunch!
By keeping an eye on the time, you’ll enjoy vibrant broccoli that complements the chicken perfectly!
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- ⅓ cup reduced sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
For the Broccoli and Garnish:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Cooked white rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time and 4-5 hours of cooking on low (2-3 hours on high). Just set it, forget it, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready to serve when you are!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Sauce:
In your slow cooker, mix together the chicken broth, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir everything well to combine—the aroma will be delightful!
2. Adding the Chicken:
Add the chicken chunks to the sauce mixture in the slow cooker. Make sure to stir well so that the chicken is evenly coated in that tasty sauce!
3. Cooking the Chicken:
Cover the slow cooker and let it cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is tender and cooked through.
4. Preparing the Broccoli:
About 30 minutes before serving, take a small bowl and combine the cornstarch and water. This will create a slurry that helps thicken the sauce.
5. Adding the Broccoli:
Gently stir the broccoli florets into the slow cooker. This will allow them to steam while cooking and absorb some yummy sauce!
6. Thickening the Sauce:
Pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker, stirring it in well. Cover again and cook on high for another 20 to 30 minutes. You want the broccoli to be tender but still have a nice crispness!
7. Serving:
Once everything is ready, serve the chicken and broccoli over fluffy cooked white rice. And don’t forget—it’s all about the finishing touches! Garnish your dish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that extra flair.
Enjoy this easy, flavorful, and comforting slow cooker chicken and broccoli dish! It’s perfect for busy weeks or cozy dinners!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. The easiest way is to place it in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re short on time, you can also submerge the sealed chicken in cold water until thawed, then pat it dry before adding it to the slow cooker.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make this dish vegetarian, you can substitute the chicken with firm tofu or a mix of vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the vegetables remain tender-crisp, ideally adding them in the last hour of cooking.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just make sure to separate portions. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to keep it moist.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in other vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or bell peppers. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary, so add them accordingly. Add heartier vegetables like carrots earlier in the cooking process, and more delicate ones like snap peas closer to the end.
