If you have been searching for a comforting and delicious dish that practically makes itself, your search ends here. This Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe is an absolute game changer for weeknight dinners or laid-back gatherings. Tender chunks of chicken meld perfectly with crisp-tender broccoli, all bathed in a luscious, savory sauce with just the right touch of sweetness and umami. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, allowing flavors to deepen while you go about your day without stress. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become one of your go-to meals for its ease, taste, and wholesome goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients together for this recipe couldn’t be simpler, but each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the rich garlic and aromatic ginger to the balanced combination of soy sauce and brown sugar, every component contributes to making this dish unforgettable.
- 750g (1.7 lb) chicken breast, cut into chunks: Choose fresh, skinless chicken breasts for lean protein that absorbs the sauce beautifully.
- 2 onions, quartered: Onions add natural sweetness and body to the sauce as they cook down slowly.
- 3 tsp garlic, crushed: Garlic brings that irresistible punch of savory depth.
- 2 tsp ginger, minced: Ginger adds warmth and a fresh kick, brightening the dish.
- 250ml (8.5 fl oz) chicken stock: Makes the sauce rich and comforting without overpowering other flavors.
- ½ cup soy sauce: Provides that classic umami saltiness that complements chicken perfectly.
- ¼ cup brown sugar: Balances the salty soy with a subtle caramel sweetness.
- ¼ cup oyster sauce: Deepens the savory complexity with its unique richness.
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil: A fragrant finishing touch that adds a nutty aroma and flavor.
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch: For thickening the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- 3 Tbsp water: Used to dissolve the cornstarch before adding to the sauce.
- 500g (1.1 lb) broccoli florets, room temperature: Adds vibrant color, freshness, and a wonderful crunch after slow cooking.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by cutting the chicken breast into bite-sized chunks. Quarter your onions, crush the garlic cloves, and mince the ginger finely. Having these prepped ensures a smooth cooking process and lets the flavors develop evenly in the slow cooker.
Step 2: Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker
Place the chicken, onions, crushed garlic, minced ginger, chicken stock, soy sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce, and sesame oil in your slow cooker. Give everything a gentle stir to distribute the ingredients, but there’s no need for perfect mixing.
Step 3: Cook on Low
Set your slow cooker to low and let it work its magic for 4 to 6 hours. During this time, the chicken will cook gently, becoming tender and infused with the rich, savory sauce that’s developing around it. This slow simmering is where the magic of the Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe truly shines.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce and Add Broccoli
About 30 minutes before serving, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth, then stir this slurry into the slow cooker. Add the fresh broccoli florets on top. This combination thickens the sauce while allowing the broccoli to warm through without losing its lovely crunch and vibrant green color.
Step 5: Finish Cooking on High
Switch the slow cooker to high and cook for approximately 30 minutes. This final step ensures that the sauce reaches a luscious thickness and the broccoli is just tender, perfectly complementing the tender chicken chunks.
Step 6: Ready to Serve!
Give everything a final stir and serve your Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe hot. The aroma alone is enough to get everyone excited for meal time!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or freshly chopped green onions over the dish to add a lovely textural contrast and burst of freshness. A light drizzle of extra sesame oil can also elevate the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice, which soaks up all the luscious sauce. For a lighter side, a simple cucumber salad or sautéed bok choy complements the flavors and keeps the meal balanced and vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken and broccoli mixture over steamed rice noodles or tossed into fried rice. You can also set up a taco-style bowl where everyone assembles their serving with rice, chicken, broccoli, and additional toppings like shredded carrots or chopped cilantro.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more after resting, making leftovers just as delightful as the fresh batch.
Freezing
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe freezes well. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, or microwave in short intervals to avoid overcooking the broccoli. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much in the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra richness and stay moist during slow cooking, giving a slightly different but equally delicious flavor profile.
Is it necessary to add the broccoli at the end?
Yes, adding broccoli in the last 30 minutes preserves its vibrant color and slight crunch, avoiding the mushiness that occurs if cooked too long.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Definitely! Feel free to add chili flakes, sliced fresh chili, or a dash of hot sauce to the slow cooker for a spicy kick that complements the savory sauce wonderfully.
What if I don’t have oyster sauce?
Substitute with an equal amount of hoisin sauce or add a bit more soy sauce combined with a dash of fish sauce for that umami depth.
Should I brown the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker?
While optional, browning the chicken beforehand can add extra flavor and a bit of texture, but the slow cooker does such a great job that it’s perfectly fine to add it raw.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about a meal that combines effortless preparation with full-on flavor, and this Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe hits that sweet spot beautifully. It’s tender, comforting, and packed with nutrients, perfect for busy days or when you need a comforting hug in a bowl. Give it a try and share the joy — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make meal combining tender chicken breast, fresh broccoli, and a flavorful savory sauce made with soy, oyster sauce, garlic, and ginger. Cooked low and slow for hours, the dish delivers a comforting, hearty dinner perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
Chicken & Vegetables
- 750g (1.7 lb) chicken breast, cut into chunks
- 2 onions, quartered
- 3 tsp garlic, crushed
- 2 tsp ginger, minced
- 500g (1.1 lb) broccoli florets, room temperature
Sauce & Seasonings
- 250ml (8.5 fl oz) chicken stock
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup oyster sauce
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
Thickening Agent
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch
- 3 Tbsp water
Instructions
- Preparation: Cut the chicken breast into chunks. Quarter the onions, crush the garlic, and mince the ginger. Prepare broccoli florets at room temperature.
- Combine Ingredients: In the slow cooker, add chicken, onions, garlic, ginger, chicken stock, soy sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Stir slightly to mix.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and absorb the flavors.
- Thicken Sauce: Mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker along with the broccoli florets.
- Final Cooking: Increase the slow cooker setting to high and cook for about 30 minutes, until the sauce thickens and broccoli is heated through but still crisp-tender.
- Serve: Once thickened and hot, serve the chicken and broccoli immediately while warm and enjoy your meal!
Notes
- To retain broccoli color and crunch, add it only during the final 30 minutes of cooking.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can increase the cornstarch slightly but do so gradually to avoid over-thickening.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or fresh chili when combining ingredients.
- This recipe can easily be adapted for gluten-free diets by substituting soy sauce with tamari.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on stovetop or microwave.
