Easy Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli

Introduction

Looking for a simple, tasty, and healthy meal? This Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli recipe is your answer! With minimal effort, you’ll have a flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Let your slow cooker do the work, creating a delicious and convenient meal. It’s also great for meal prepping, ensuring you have a healthy option ready to go.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli

The slow cooker ensures the chicken is incredibly tender and juicy.
This recipe is effortless, requiring very little hands-on cooking time.
The Asian-inspired sauce is packed with savory and sweet flavors.
It’s a healthy and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any weeknight.
Clean-up is a breeze since it’s all made in one pot.

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

2/3 cup water
1/3 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce, plus more to taste
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, plus more to taste
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

For the Chicken and Broccoli:

1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 heads broccoli, cut into florets
2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water to create a slurry
½ cup chopped green onions

For Serving:

Cooked brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice
Toasted sesame seeds

Notes & Substitutions

Chicken: Substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
Broccoli: Use frozen broccoli florets, or swap with other veggies like cauliflower.
Soy Sauce: If needed, tamari or coconut aminos work as great alternatives.
Honey: Maple syrup provides a similar sweetness as a substitute.
Ginger: Ground ginger can be used if fresh isn’t available.

Equipment

6-quart or larger slow cooker
Small mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Instant-read thermometer

Instructions

Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together water, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, minced garlic, fresh ginger, and red pepper flakes.
Add Chicken: Pour about ⅓ of the sauce into the bottom of your slow cooker.
Arrange the boneless skinless chicken breasts on top of the sauce.
Pour the remaining sauce over the chicken.
Initial Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 2 hours.
Thicken Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then pour it into the slow cooker around the chicken.
Add Broccoli: Place the broccoli florets on top of the chicken.
Final Cook: Cover and cook on HIGH for 45-60 minutes, until the broccoli is tender.
Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Remove the chicken to a plate and let it cool slightly.
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Combine: Stir the broccoli around in the sauce to smooth it out.
Return the chicken to the slow cooker.
Add the sesame oil and green onions.
Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
Taste, and adjust seasonings as needed.
Serve the Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli hot over your desired grain.
Garnish with toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Perfecting Your Sauce

Adjust the sweetness and heat levels to your liking.
Don’t skip the toasted sesame oil; it adds a unique flavor.
For best results, use fresh garlic and ginger.
Ensure the cornstarch slurry is whisked thoroughly before adding.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Be careful not to overcook the broccoli; aim for tender-crisp.
Make sure your chicken is fully thawed before cooking.
Cut the chicken into even pieces for consistent cooking.
Monitor the slow cooker’s temperature to prevent overcooking.

Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations

Serving Suggestions

Serve this delicious Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli over brown rice.
Pair it with fluffy quinoa for a protein-packed meal.
Opt for cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
Add extra chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant touch.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate leftover Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat.
Microwave for a quick and easy reheating option.

Variations

Add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for added nutrients.
Make it spicier by adding more red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil.
Include bell peppers and snap peas for added texture.
Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer, more flavorful dish.

Nutrition Information

This Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli is a balanced meal. It’s high in protein and fiber while being relatively low in saturated fat. A single serving offers essential vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a healthy diet.

The USDA recommends cooking all poultry to a safe minimum internal temperature to ensure food safety; for chicken, this is 165°F (73.9°C).

Nutrient	Amount
Serving Size	1 (of 4); about 1 1/4 cups chicken
Calories	421 kcal
Carbohydrates	42 g
Protein	46 g
Fat	9 g
Saturated Fat	2 g
Cholesterol	109 mg
Fiber	8 g
Sugar	19 g
Potassium	1672 mg
Vitamin A	2107 IU
Vitamin C	276 mg
Calcium	168 mg
Iron	4 mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Add it during the last 45-60 minutes of cooking time, just as you would with fresh broccoli.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will result in a richer, more flavorful dish. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

Why does my sauce taste bitter?
Bitterness can sometimes come from burnt garlic. Ensure the garlic is minced finely and doesn’t burn in the slow cooker.

How do I thicken a watery sauce?
The cornstarch slurry should help thicken the sauce, but you can add more if needed. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Can I prep this Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them when you’re ready to cook.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli recipe delivers both ease and amazing flavor, making it the perfect healthy weeknight meal solution. Its simple steps and minimal effort provide a stress-free cooking experience for busy parents and beginners alike. Give this recipe a try and share your thoughts in the comments below! We hope this dish becomes a staple in your kitchen.