Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

With tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a luxuriously savory sauce, this Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe brings the magic of your favorite takeout right into your own kitchen—with a fraction of the effort. Every bite is packed with classic Asian-inspired flavors, all achieved with simple, honest ingredients and the ease of a slow cooker. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is pure comfort food, perfect for busy evenings and lazy weekends alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts of this Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe is just how beautifully each ingredient works together. Each one—from the heartiness of the chicken to the punch of ginger—plays a special role, creating an irresistible meal with minimal fuss.

• Chicken breast: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breast chunks for a lean, tender protein that soaks up all the saucy goodness.
• Onions: Quartered onions melt into the sauce as they cook, adding a natural sweetness and depth.
• Garlic: Crushed garlic infuses every bite with a warm, aromatic flavor—no skimping here!
• Ginger: Minced ginger brings brightness and just a hint of gentle heat, waking up all the other flavors.
• Chicken stock: A splash of chicken stock keeps everything juicy and makes the base for the sauce.
• Soy sauce: The signature salty, umami punch; low-sodium can work well here too.
• Brown sugar: Just the right amount of sweetness to balance out the salty and savory notes.
• Oyster sauce: Deeply flavorful and slightly briny, it gives that restaurant-style taste you crave.
• Sesame oil: A drizzle adds toasty, nutty undertones that round out the dish.
• Broccoli florets: Adding these at the end keeps them green and crisp, guaranteeing perfect texture.
• Cornstarch: When mixed with water, this thickens the sauce just right, so each piece of chicken and broccoli gets beautifully coated.
• Water: Used with the cornstarch to create a quick slurry for thickening the sauce.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

Step 1: Layer Everything (Except Broccoli and Cornstarch Mixture) in the Slow Cooker

Start by adding your chicken, quartered onions, garlic, ginger, chicken stock, soy sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce, and sesame oil directly to your slow cooker. Give everything a gentle stir to combine all those delicious flavors, making sure the chicken pieces are well distributed and mostly covered by the liquids. This step is where the foundation of flavor is built for your Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Slow Cook Until Tender

Put the lid on, set your slow cooker to low, and let it work its magic for four to six hours. The chicken will become perfectly tender, and the onions will melt into the sauce, giving you a deeply savory base. Take a peek and give it a quick stir halfway through, if you like, but rest assured—this is the definition of hands-off comfort food.

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce

After your chicken has cooked to juicy perfection, whisk together the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to form a smooth slurry. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker and give it a good stir. This will help turn your sauce from thin and brothy to glossy, thick, and spoon-coating within minutes.

Step 4: Add the Broccoli

Now’s the time to toss in your broccoli florets. By adding them in at this stage, they’ll steam to brilliant green perfection, keeping their texture and color while soaking up the flavorful sauce.

Step 5: Cook Until Perfect

Switch your slow cooker to high and let everything cook together for another 30 minutes. You’re looking for the sauce to thicken up and the broccoli to become just-tender, not mushy. The smell at this point will seriously tempt you to dive in straight from the pot!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon generous helpings of this Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe over steaming rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option. Don’t forget to drizzle every last drop of the delicious sauce!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or a splash of extra sesame oil on top just before serving. These simple garnishes add color and crunch, making your Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe look and taste even more irresistible.

Side Dishes

A fluffy bowl of jasmine or basmati rice is a classic, but this dish also pairs wonderfully with steamed noodles or quinoa if you prefer. If you’re feeling extra, a side of veggie spring rolls or a crunchy Asian slaw adds a playful, textural contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try spooning the chicken and broccoli into lettuce cups for an easy handheld option, or serve over a bed of spiralized zucchini noodles for something lighter. You can also pile it into meal prep containers with rice and some pickled ginger for a vibrant, ready-made lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe cool to room temperature before transferring into airtight containers. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it a smart choice for quick weekday lunches or dinners.

Freezing

Freeze your cooled leftovers in smaller, single-portion containers for up to three months. The chicken stays tender, and the sauce reheats beautifully—though the broccoli may soften further after thawing. To prevent overcooked broccoli, you can even add fresh florets when reheating!

Reheating

Warm your Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir well and heat just until piping hot, taking care not to overcook the broccoli.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative for the Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe, staying tender and juicy after hours of slow cooking. Simply cut them into chunks, just like the breast.

What if I don’t have oyster sauce?

While oyster sauce is a key flavor builder, you can swap it for hoisin sauce or even a tablespoon of extra soy sauce mixed with a teaspoon of brown sugar for a similar sweet-savory effect.

Should I cook the broccoli before adding it?

No need! The slow cooker will steam the broccoli perfectly when you add it near the end, preserving its color and texture for the ultimate freshness.

Can I make the sauce spicier?

For a little kick, stir in a teaspoon of sriracha, a dash of chili flakes, or a squeeze of chili paste when layering the ingredients in the slow cooker. Adjust to your personal heat preference!

Can I double the Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe?

Definitely! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough, and adjust the cooking time slightly if needed. This dish is a crowd-pleaser and always disappears quickly at gatherings.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner hero, it’s time to let your slow cooker do the work—this Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe couldn’t be more rewarding. Whether you’re new to slow cooking or a seasoned pro, you’ll love how effortless and comforting every batch turns out. Give it a try, share it with loved ones, and watch those plates get cleared!

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