If you love meals that are as effortless as they are delicious, the Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe is about to become your new favorite weeknight savior. With tender chunks of chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a glossy, flavor-packed sauce that hits all the sweet-savory notes, this dish brings joy and comfort to any table. Imagine coming home to a house filled with irresistible aromas and knowing dinner is ready with almost no fuss. Whether you stick to classic white rice or venture out with creative sides, this recipe is guaranteed to win over your family.

Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This wonderfully easy dish gets its crave-worthy flavor from just a handful of pantry and fridge staples. Each ingredient is essential, working together to create that classic chicken-and-broccoli magic. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each one matters:

Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose thighs for juiciness, or breasts if you prefer leaner protein; both cook up beautifully tender in the slow cooker.
Low-sodium soy sauce: This gives our sauce that deep, savory base without too much salt—perfect for all ages!
Honey: Adds just the right touch of natural sweetness to balance the soy sauce.
Chicken broth: Adds depth and ensures the chicken stays moist and flavorful as it cooks.
Rice vinegar: Offers bright acidity to cut through the richness of the sauce.
Brown sugar: Enhances the sweetness and brings a hint of caramel flavor to the party.
Minced garlic: Two fresh cloves means plenty of bold, aromatic goodness.
Grated fresh ginger (or ground): A little zing goes a long way—fresh if you can, but ground ginger works in a pinch.
Black pepper: Just a touch for gentle warmth and balance.
Cornstarch mixed with water: This slurry thickens the sauce to silky perfection at the end.
Broccoli florets: Go fresh for crunch, frozen for ultimate convenience—both are delicious and vibrant.
Sesame seeds and chopped green onions (optional): These quick garnishes add beautiful crunch and a pop of color.
Cooked rice (for serving): The ideal fluffy bed to soak up every drop of that gorgeous sauce.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

Step 1: Arrange and Sauce the Chicken

Start by nestling your chicken pieces in the bottom of your slow cooker. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, honey, chicken broth, rice vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a sprinkle of black pepper. The sauce should smell sweet, tangy, and a little savory all at once. Pour this fragrant mixture right over the chicken, making sure it’s well-coated for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Set your slow cooker to low for about 4 to 5 hours (or high for 2 to 3 hours) and forget about it! As it cooks, the chicken becomes fall-apart tender, soaking up all those delicious Asian-inspired aromas and flavors. This is the hands-off magic that makes the Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe so irresistible.

Step 3: Shred and Sauce

Once the chicken is done, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a cutting board. Shred it with two forks or cut into bite-sized pieces—whatever you prefer. Meanwhile, mix your cornstarch with water to make a quick slurry, then whisk it into the hot sauce in the slow cooker to thicken things up.

Step 4: Add Broccoli and Finish Cooking

Tumble your broccoli florets on top of the thickened sauce and nestle the chicken pieces back in. Pop the lid on and let everything cook on high for another 20 to 30 minutes. The broccoli will turn bright green and just tender, while the sauce hugs every bite. This quick finish keeps the broccoli crisp-tender, never mushy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the luscious chicken, broccoli, and extra sauce over fluffy cooked rice. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onion if you like a little panache. Grab your chopsticks or a spoon and get ready to dig in—you’ve earned this comfort meal!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

Garnishes

I absolutely love how a simple sprinkle of sesame seeds and a handful of thinly sliced green onions can turn the Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe from homey to restaurant-worthy. The seeds offer a delicate crunch, while the green onions add freshness and a pretty burst of color. Feel free to add a drizzle of sriracha or chili flakes for a little heat, too!

Side Dishes

This dish is a knockout over steamed white or jasmine rice, but don’t be afraid to get creative! Try it with brown rice, cauliflower rice for a low-carb touch, or even over broad Asian-style noodles. For a true Asian-inspired meal, pair with simple steamed dumplings or a crisp cucumber salad on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

To wow your guests or family, serve the chicken and broccoli in shallow bowls piled high with rice and lots of vibrant broccoli on top. Or, for meal prepping, portion everything into containers for grab-and-go lunches. For your next dinner party, offer the sauce in a small pitcher for a “drizzle your own” interactive touch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of the Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe are a true gift the next day. Place cooled portions in airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors deepen overnight, making your next meal even tastier.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! Spoon cooled chicken, broccoli, and sauce into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion. Freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave portions gently until steaming hot, or warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat. If the sauce thickens up in the fridge, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it as you reheat. Serve over freshly cooked rice and add new garnishes for a “just made” finish.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken in the slow cooker?

For food safety and best results, it’s recommended to thaw chicken before using in the Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe. Starting with thawed chicken ensures even cooking and the best texture.

What if I don’t have fresh ginger?

No worries! If fresh ginger is unavailable, use 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger instead. It still provides a lovely zing, though fresh is a little brighter and more aromatic.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

As written, it’s not gluten-free due to regular soy sauce. Substitute with certified gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos to make sure your Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe is safe for gluten-free guests.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Carrot slices, snap peas, or bell pepper strips can be added with the broccoli in the last 20 to 30 minutes of cooking for extra color and crunch.

Can I prep this ahead?

Yes! Mix the sauce and trim your chicken the night before, then stash everything in the fridge. In the morning, just dump it into the slow cooker, set the timer, and you’re ready to roll with a truly hands-off dinner.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about a recipe that does the work for you and fills your home with incredible smells. Give the Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe a try, and see how quickly it becomes a staple in your weekly dinner rotation. I can’t wait to hear how you enjoy every bite!

Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

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4.8 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a comforting meal. Tender chicken in a flavorful sauce with broccoli, served over rice, makes for a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

For the Dish:

4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
2 tablespoons sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
cooked rice for serving

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken in the slow cooker.
Mix the Sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, honey, chicken broth, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and pepper. Pour over the chicken.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours until chicken is tender. Shred the chicken.
Thicken the Sauce: Mix cornstarch and water, add to the sauce, and return chicken to the pot.
Add Broccoli: Place broccoli on top, cover, and cook for 20–30 minutes until broccoli is tender.
Serve: Serve over rice, garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Notes

Use frozen broccoli for convenience, adding it near the end to avoid overcooking.
Try using chicken thighs for juicier meat.
Double the sauce for extra flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Asian-American