Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

This incredible Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe will certainly impress your family and friends. It’s packed with flavor and is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. The best part? It requires minimal effort and can be prepared in advance, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the delicious meal with loved ones.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: Just toss everything in the slow cooker, and let it do the work for you.
• Flavorful Dish: A savory blend of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic will tantalize your taste buds.
• Healthy Option: Packed with protein from chicken and nutrients from broccoli, this recipe is a wholesome choice.
• Family-Friendly: This dish is a hit with both kids and adults, making mealtime enjoyable for everyone.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily substitute ingredients based on what you have at home without sacrificing flavor.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this amazing recipe, make sure you have the right tools. Using the right equipment can make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: The heart of this recipe, allowing for low-and-slow cooking that enhances flavors.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe space to chop your ingredients, keeping your kitchen organized.
• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements for balanced flavors in your dish.

Ingredients

This incredible slow cooker chicken and broccoli recipe will certainly impress. It is loaded with flavor and can easily feed a hungry family.

For the Chicken

• 750g (1.7 lb) chicken breast, cut into chunks
• 2 onions, quartered
• 3 tsp garlic, crushed
• 2 tsp ginger, minced

For the Sauce

• 250ml (8.5 fl oz) chicken stock
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup oyster sauce
• 1 Tbsp sesame oil

For the Vegetables

• 500g (1.1 lb) broccoli florets, room temperature

For Thickening

• 2 Tbsp cornstarch
• 3 Tbsp water

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

Step 1: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

In a slow cooker, add the chicken chunks, quartered onions, crushed garlic, minced ginger, chicken stock, soy sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.

Step 2: Cook on Low Heat

Cook on low for 4-6 hours. This slow cooking allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 3: Prepare Cornstarch Mixture

Mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker after the initial cooking time.

Step 4: Add Broccoli

Add the broccoli florets to the slow cooker and stir gently to combine.

Step 5: Cook Until Thickened

Cook on high for roughly 30 minutes or until thickened and the broccoli is tender yet still vibrant.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Serve hot over rice or noodles if desired. 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 both creative and simple. This dish pairs well with a variety of sides or can be served in different ways to enhance your dining experience.

Over Rice

• Serve the chicken and broccoli over steamed white or brown rice for a hearty meal.

With Noodles

• Use cooked rice noodles or egg noodles to soak up the flavorful sauce for an Asian-inspired twist.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Spoon the mixture into lettuce leaves for a fresh and crunchy take on this dish.

As a Bowl Meal

• Create a bowl by layering grains, chicken, broccoli, and your favorite toppings like sesame seeds or green onions.

Save it!

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

To make your Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe even better, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh chicken and broccoli will enhance the flavor and texture of your dish.
• Adjust Cooking Time: Depending on your slow cooker, adjust the cooking time for best results; avoid overcooking the chicken.
• Taste Before Serving: Always taste before serving; you may want to add more soy sauce or sugar based on personal preference.
• Thicken Sauce Properly: Make sure to mix cornstarch thoroughly with water before adding it to avoid lumps in the sauce.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe can elevate the meal. Here are some great options:

1. Steamed Jasmine Rice – A fragrant rice that complements the flavors perfectly.
2. Fried Rice – A quick stir-fry of leftover rice with veggies adds texture and flavor.
3. Stir-Fried Vegetables – A colorful medley of bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas brings freshness to your plate.
4. Egg Rolls – Crispy egg rolls filled with vegetables provide a crunchy contrast.
5. Quinoa Salad – A light salad with quinoa, cucumbers, and sesame dressing adds a nutty flavor.
6. Garlic Bread – Soft garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce from the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking can be tricky, especially with slow cooker recipes. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for when making the Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe.

• Ignoring prep time: Failing to prepare ingredients properly can lead to uneven cooking. Always cut chicken and vegetables into uniform sizes for consistent results.
• Overloading the slow cooker: Filling the slow cooker too much prevents proper cooking. Stick to the recommended amounts in the recipe for best results.
• Not using enough liquid: Insufficient liquid can cause your dish to dry out. Ensure you follow the recipe’s liquid measurements closely.
• Skipping the cornstarch step: Omitting the cornstarch mixture will result in a thin sauce. This step is essential for achieving a thick, flavorful consistency.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Every ingredient varies in flavor intensity. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed during cooking for optimal flavor.

Save it!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe.

What is included in the Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe?

This recipe includes chicken breast, broccoli, onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and chicken stock.

Can I use frozen broccoli in this recipe?

Yes! However, fresh broccoli provides a better texture. If using frozen, add it towards the end of cooking to avoid mushiness.

How do I customize the Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe?

You can add bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for extra veggies. Adjust spices according to your taste preference as well!

Can I make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! Adding red pepper flakes or sriracha can give your dish an extra kick of heat.

Final Thoughts

The Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe is not only flavorful but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with additional vegetables or spices according to your family’s taste. Try this comforting dish that is sure to become a family favorite!