Say hello to pure comfort with a hearty bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli! This recipe brings together juicy chicken chunks, crisp-tender broccoli, and an irresistibly savory-sweet sauce — all made practically hands-off in your trusty slow cooker. Weeknight dinners just got so much easier, and tastier too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-fuss, hands-off cooking: Pop everything in the slow cooker and let it do the heavy lifting—no hovering over the stove required!
- Restaurant-style flavor, homemade comfort: The magical blend of garlic, ginger, soy, oyster sauce, and a touch of brown sugar delivers deep, savory-sweet notes that taste like takeout but feel like love from your own kitchen.
- Family-friendly and nutritious: Tender chicken and fresh broccoli come together for a balanced one-pot meal both kids and adults adore.
- Customizable for all tastes: Easily adjust the veggies, sweetness, or spice to fit your family’s cravings and dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli recipe shines because it uses simple, wholesome components that each serve a purpose. Every ingredient is essential for achieving that signature comforting flavor and beautiful color, from aromatic garlic and ginger to rich sauces and crisp broccoli!
- Chicken breast (750g/1.7 lb): Lean, hearty, and soaks up all those wonderful flavors—cut into chunks for maximum tenderness.
- Onions (2, quartered): Release sweetness and depth as they gently simmer away in the pot.
- Garlic (3 tsp, crushed): Infuses the dish with irresistible aroma and unmistakable flavor.
- Ginger (2 tsp, minced): Adds brightness and a subtle zing that elevates the whole sauce.
- Chicken stock (250ml/8.5 fl oz): The liquid base that keeps your chicken juicy and brings all the flavors together.
- Soy sauce (½ cup): Lends that deep umami, color, and a hint of saltiness.
- Brown sugar (¼ cup): Balances out the salt and acid, giving the sauce a delightful, glossy finish.
- Oyster sauce (¼ cup): For next-level savoriness and that glossy, restaurant-style sheen.
- Sesame oil (1 Tbsp): Just a little adds irresistibly toasty, nutty depth.
- Broccoli florets (500g/1.1 lb, room temperature): Brought in at the end so they stay vibrant and tender-crisp, not mushy!
- Cornstarch (2 Tbsp) & water (3 Tbsp): Mixed together to thicken your sauce to the perfect consistency.
Variations
The beauty of Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli is just how easily you can mix things up—whether you’re making it gluten-free, lowering the sugar, or just using up what’s in your fridge. Let your creativity lead the way and make it your own!
- Add heat: Stir in a spoonful of chili paste or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Swap the veggies: Try snow peas, bell peppers, or carrots along with the broccoli for extra color and crunch.
- Make it gluten-free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and double-check your oyster sauce label.
- Lighter version: Substitute half of the soy sauce with low-sodium broth for a lower-salt approach without sacrificing flavor.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli
Step 1: Layer the Base Flavors
Begin by adding your chicken breast chunks right into the bottom of your slow cooker. Toss in the quartered onions, garlic, and ginger — these aromatics will infuse the chicken with a mouthwatering foundation while everything gently simmers together.
Step 2: Pour in the Savory Sauce
Next, pour in the chicken stock, soy sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce, and drizzle over the sesame oil. Give everything a gentle mix, making sure the chicken is well-coated and those flavors start mingling in the pot.
Step 3: Let Your Slow Cooker Work Its Magic
Set your slow cooker on low and let it bubble away for 4 to 6 hours. Those longer, slower hours will make your chicken incredibly tender and give the sauce time to develop its signature rich taste.
Step 4: Thicken and Add the Broccoli
About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with water to create a smooth slurry, then stir it into the slow cooker. Add your broccoli florets (at room temp so they cook evenly), cover again, and let everything cook on high until the sauce thickens and the broccoli turns perfectly bright green and crisp-tender.
Step 5: Serve & Savor
When your Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli looks glossy, vibrant, and mouthwatering, turn off the heat. Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or your favorite noodles, spooning plenty of that luscious sauce on top. Enjoy every bite!
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli
- Chunk Size Matters: Cut your chicken pieces evenly to guarantee everything cooks through at the same rate — no dry bites, just tender morsels every time.
- Broccoli Timing: Always add broccoli at the very end to keep it vibrant and crisp instead of overcooked and soggy.
- Sauce Consistency: Mix your cornstarch slurry well before adding to prevent lumps, and cook uncovered towards the end if you like an even thicker sauce.
- Deepen the Flavor: For extra depth, sauté the ginger and garlic in a little sesame oil before adding them in—it’s an optional step that makes a big difference!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or sliced green onions instantly adds color and a nutty crunch — both simple garnishes that take your Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli from comforting to stunning. For a little heat, try adding a few slices of fresh red chili on top.
Side Dishes
The saucy goodness of this dish is absolutely dreamy over warm jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice, soaking up every drop. For a lower-carb meal, steamed cauliflower rice or even soba noodles make equally delicious companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Switch up your presentation by serving Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli in shallow bowls for cozy comfort, or pile it high on a large platter garnished with extra veggies and fresh herbs—a showstopper for family-style meals or potlucks!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors only deepen, making the next day’s lunch extra special!
Freezing
This dish freezes well: allow it to cool completely, then portion into freezer bags or containers. For best texture, leave out the broccoli and add it freshly when reheating if possible, as cooked broccoli can become a bit mushy after freezing.
Reheating
Gently reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce. If you’ve frozen your leftovers, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best results.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work beautifully in this Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli recipe, adding even more richness and maintaining moistness during longer cook times. Keep the pieces chunky so they don’t fall apart completely.
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Do I have to pre-cook the broccoli before adding it?
No need to pre-cook! Add room temperature broccoli florets directly to your slow cooker at the end. This way, they’ll steam to crisp-tender perfection in the hot, flavorful sauce without turning soggy.
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How do I make this recipe less salty?
Use low-sodium soy sauce or swap half the soy sauce for chicken broth. You can also adjust the brown sugar and oyster sauce to taste if you prefer a milder flavor profile.
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Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli is fantastic for meal prep or serving a crowd. Just ensure your slow cooker isn’t filled above 2/3 full for even cooking, and you may need to extend the cook time slightly. Don’t forget to add your broccoli at the end in batches if needed.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing like a bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli to bring everyone together around the table. It’s a go-to favorite in my home for good reason—so easy, so comforting, and endlessly adaptable to whatever you’re craving. I hope you give it a try soon and that it becomes a staple in your own kitchen, too!
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 Minutes
- Cook Time: 6 Hours & 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 6 Hours & 45 Minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delightful Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli dish that’s bursting with flavor. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a wholesome family meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce:
- 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
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup oyster sauce
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
Thickener:
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch
- 3 Tbsp water
- 500g (1.1 lb) broccoli florets, room temperature
Instructions
- Preparation: In a slow cooker, combine chicken, onion, garlic, ginger, chicken stock, soy sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.
- Cooking: Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- Thickening: Mix cornstarch with water and stir into the slow cooker. Add broccoli.
- Final Touch: Cook on high for about 30 minutes until thickened and broccoli is hot.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can add more vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch.
- Adjust soy sauce and sugar to taste preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
