Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe is a perfect solution for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With its rich flavors and tender textures, it’s sure to satisfy everyone at the dinner table. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also allows you to enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re serving it for a casual dinner or a special occasion, this recipe delivers comfort and taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it while your slow cooker does the work.
- Family-Friendly: Loaded with chicken and broccoli, it’s a wholesome meal that even picky eaters will love.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic creates a savory sauce that enhances the chicken and broccoli.
- Healthy Option: This dish is full of protein and nutrients, making it a great choice for those looking for healthier meals.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice, noodles, or on its own for different meal experiences.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather the essential tools you’ll need to make cooking easier.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: This is the star of the show! It allows for hands-off cooking and ensures your meal remains moist and flavorful.
- Chef’s knife: A good knife makes chopping ingredients fast and safe, which is important for efficient meal prep.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the best flavor balance in your slow cooker chicken and broccoli.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this incredible slow cooker chicken and broccoli recipe:
Chicken & Vegetables
- 750g (1.7 lb) chicken breast, cut into chunks
- 2 onions, quartered
Seasonings & Sauces
- 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
Final Touches
- 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 Your Ingredients
- Begin by cutting the chicken breast into bite-sized chunks.
- Quarter the onions and crush the garlic.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
- In your slow cooker, add the chopped chicken, quartered onions, crushed garlic, minced ginger, chicken stock, soy sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.
Step 3: Cook on Low Heat
- Set your slow cooker to low heat. Allow all ingredients to cook for 4 to 6 hours.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch with water until smooth.
- Stir this mixture into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
Step 5: Add Broccoli
- Carefully add the broccoli florets into the slow cooker.
Step 6: Finish Cooking
- Switch your slow cooker to high heat. Cook for an additional 30 minutes or until thickened and heated through.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy
- Once done, serve hot over rice or noodles. Enjoy your flavorful slow cooker chicken and broccoli!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Serving your slow cooker chicken and broccoli recipe can be a delightful experience. With a few simple ideas, you can elevate this dish and impress your family or guests.
Over Rice
- Serve the chicken and broccoli over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice for a wholesome meal.
With Noodles
- Pair the dish with egg noodles or rice noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
In Lettuce Wraps
- Use large lettuce leaves to create fresh wraps filled with chicken and broccoli for a light option.
As a Bowl Meal
- Combine the chicken, broccoli, and rice in a bowl and drizzle with extra soy sauce or sesame oil for added flavor.
Topped with Sesame Seeds
- Sprinkling toasted sesame seeds on top adds an appealing crunch and enhances the Asian flavors.
With a Side Salad
- A simple side salad with mixed greens provides freshness that complements the hearty main dish.
How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
To achieve the best results with your slow cooker chicken and broccoli recipe, consider these useful tips:
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Use fresh ingredients – Fresh chicken and vibrant broccoli will enhance flavor and texture.
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Adjust seasoning – Taste the sauce before serving. You can add more soy sauce or sugar according to your preference.
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Layer ingredients – Place denser items like onions at the bottom of the slow cooker to ensure even cooking.
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Avoid overcooking – Keep an eye on cooking times to prevent chicken from becoming dry; adjust based on your slow cooker model.
Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Pairing sides with your slow cooker chicken and broccoli can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:
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Steamed Jasmine Rice – Light and fragrant rice that pairs perfectly with rich sauces.
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Fried Rice – A savory mix of rice, vegetables, and eggs adds texture and flavor.
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Garlic Bread – Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
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Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrition to your plate.
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Quinoa Salad – A refreshing quinoa salad gives a nutty flavor that balances the dish.
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Egg Drop Soup – Warm egg drop soup is a comforting starter that complements this meal well.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your slow cooker chicken and broccoli recipe, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Using frozen broccoli – Frozen broccoli can become mushy when cooked for long periods. Use fresh broccoli florets for better texture.
- Skipping marinating time – Not allowing the chicken to soak in the sauce can result in bland flavors. Marinate 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 in the recipe.
- Not sealing the lid properly – Leaving the lid slightly ajar can let steam escape, leading to longer cook times. Ensure the lid is tightly sealed during cooking.
- Ignoring cook times – Cooking for too long or too short affects texture and flavor. Follow the recommended cook times closely.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Allow the dish to cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezing Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Label with the date and contents for easy identification.
Reheating Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
- Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in a covered dish and heat until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave – Use a microwave-safe container, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
- Stovetop – Warm over low heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding the slow cooker chicken and broccoli recipe.
Can I use other vegetables with this slow cooker chicken and broccoli recipe?
Yes! Feel free to add bell peppers or carrots for extra color and nutrition.
How do I ensure my chicken stays tender in this slow cooker chicken and broccoli recipe?
Cooking on low heat helps keep chicken tender as it breaks down slowly without drying out.
What can I serve with this slow cooker chicken and broccoli recipe?
Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy!
Is this slow cooker chicken and broccoli recipe healthy?
Absolutely! It’s packed with protein from the chicken and nutrients from the broccoli, making it a balanced meal option.
Final Thoughts
This slow cooker chicken and broccoli recipe is not only flavorful but also versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasoning. Give it a try, and enjoy a delicious meal that your family will love!
Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 8
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe is the ultimate weeknight meal solution for busy families. In just 15 minutes of prep, you can set it and forget it while your slow cooker works its magic. The tender chicken breast combines with fresh broccoli in a savory sauce infused with soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil, creating a dish that’s both comforting and nutritious. Serve it over rice or noodles, and enjoy a wholesome meal that even the pickiest eaters will love. With its rich flavors and easy preparation, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
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
- Cut chicken breast into bite-sized chunks and quarter the onions.
- In your slow cooker, add chicken, onions, garlic, ginger, chicken stock, soy sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.
- Cook on low heat for 4 to 6 hours.
- Mix cornstarch with water until smooth; add to slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
- Add broccoli florets; switch to high heat and cook for an additional 30 minutes until heated through.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
