Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe is a fantastic dish that brings together tender chicken and fresh broccoli in a savory sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this recipe is both easy to prepare and packed with flavor. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to enjoy a delicious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: With minimal prep time and a slow cooker doing the work, this dish is perfect for anyone short on time.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil creates a rich flavor that will delight your taste buds.
- Healthy Ingredients: This recipe features lean chicken and fresh broccoli, making it a nutritious choice for dinner.
- Family-Friendly: It serves six people easily, making it ideal for family dinners or leftovers for lunch.
- Versatile Meal: You can serve this dish over rice or noodles, or enjoy it on its own as a low-carb option.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smoother, it’s essential to have the right tools ready. Having these items on hand will streamline the process of preparing this slow cooker chicken and broccoli recipe.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: The star of this recipe, it ensures even cooking and allows flavors to meld beautifully over several hours.
- Cutting board: Protects your countertops while providing a stable surface for chopping ingredients.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes cutting chicken and vegetables quick and easy, promoting safety in the kitchen.
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 Broccoli
- 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: Prepare Ingredients
In your slow cooker, add the following ingredients:
– Add the chunks of chicken breast.
– Toss in quartered onions.
– Mix in crushed garlic and minced ginger.
Step 2: Add Sauces
Next, pour in:
– Chicken stock,
– Soy sauce,
– Brown sugar,
– Oyster sauce,
– Sesame oil.
Mix everything well to combine all flavors.
Step 3: Cook Slowly
Set your slow cooker on low heat for 4 to 6 hours. This allows the chicken to become tender while absorbing all those wonderful flavors.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
After cooking time has elapsed:
1. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water until smooth.
2. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
Step 5: Add Broccoli
Add the room-temperature broccoli florets:
– Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout.
– Cook on high for approximately 30 minutes or until the broccoli is hot and tender.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Once everything is cooked through:
– Serve your delicious slow cooker chicken and broccoli over rice or noodles if desired.
– Enjoy this flavorful meal with family or friends!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
This slow cooker chicken and broccoli recipe is versatile and can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to enjoy this meal.
Over Rice
- Serve the chicken and broccoli over a bed of steamed white rice for a classic combination that soaks up the flavorful sauce.
In a Wrap
- Use whole-wheat tortillas to wrap the chicken and broccoli for a hearty lunch or dinner option. Add some fresh veggies for extra crunch.
With Noodles
- Pair this dish with cooked noodles, such as lo mein or rice noodles, for a delightful twist that adds texture and flavor.
As a Salad
- Toss the chicken and broccoli with mixed greens for a refreshing salad. Drizzle with sesame dressing for added flavor.
On Toast
- Serve the mixture on toasted bread or baguette slices as an appetizer. It’s perfect for gatherings or casual meals.
With Cauliflower Rice
- For a low-carb option, serve the chicken and broccoli over cauliflower rice. This keeps the meal light while still being satisfying.
How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
To get the most out of your slow cooker chicken and broccoli recipe, consider these simple tips for perfection.
- Cut chicken evenly – Ensure that all chicken pieces are of similar size for even cooking throughout.
- Use fresh ingredients – Fresh garlic and ginger add vibrant flavors that dried alternatives can’t match.
- Adjust seasoning – Taste the sauce before serving; you can add more soy sauce or sugar based on your preference.
- Layering matters – Place onions at the bottom of the slow cooker to help them soften during cooking.
- Add broccoli at the right time – To keep it vibrant and crunchy, add broccoli in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Let it rest – Allow the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking before serving. This helps thicken the sauce further.
Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Complement your slow cooker chicken and broccoli with these delightful side dishes that will round out your meal perfectly.
- Steamed Jasmine Rice – A fragrant rice that pairs beautifully with the savory sauce from the dish.
- Fried Rice – Stir-fried rice with peas, carrots, and eggs makes for a tasty side that complements Asian flavors.
- Garlic Bread – Crispy garlic bread brings an Italian twist that everyone will love, great for soaking up extra sauce.
- Asian Slaw – A crunchy slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing adds freshness to your plate.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables – A mix of bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots sautéed in soy sauce enhances your veggie intake.
- Quinoa Salad – A protein-rich quinoa salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette provides a nutritious option.
- Cucumber Pickles – Quick-pickled cucumbers add a refreshing crunch that contrasts well with warm dishes.
- Miso Soup – A light miso soup serves as an excellent starter to cleanse the palate before enjoying your main dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making the Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can result in dry meat. Stick to the recommended cooking time for juicy chicken.
- Skipping the Browning Step: Not browning the chicken beforehand can lead to less flavor. Take a few minutes to sear the chicken in a pan before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Neglecting the Sauce Ratios: Using too much or too little sauce can alter the dish’s flavor. Be precise with your measurements for a balanced taste.
- Adding Broccoli Too Early: If you add broccoli at the beginning, it may become mushy. Instead, add it towards the end of cooking for better texture.
- Not Using Enough Liquid: Insufficient liquid can cause burning. Ensure there’s enough broth or sauce in your slow cooker to keep everything moist.
- Ignoring Storage Guidelines: Improper storage can affect freshness and safety. Follow proper guidelines to ensure your leftovers last longer.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
Freezing Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
- Freeze in a suitable container or freezer bag.
- Best used within 2-3 months for optimal taste.
Reheating Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring occasionally until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm over low heat, stirring gently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about this Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you may need to increase the cooking time by an hour or so.
What if I don’t have oyster sauce?
You can substitute with hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and sugar for a similar flavor profile.
How do I make this recipe healthier?
Consider using low-sodium soy sauce and reducing brown sugar to lower calories while maintaining taste.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for added nutrition and color.
How do I thicken the sauce without cornstarch?
You can create a slurry with flour instead of cornstarch, following the same method of mixing with water before adding it into the slow cooker.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding different vegetables or adjusting sauces according to your taste. Give it a try; your family will love this hearty meal!
Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe is a delightful combination of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a savory sauce that comes together effortlessly in your slow cooker. Perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely family dinners, this meal not only saves time but also delivers an explosion of flavor with each bite. With lean protein and fresh vegetables, it’s a nutritious choice that pleases everyone at the table. Serve it over rice or noodles, or enjoy it on its own for a satisfying low-carb option. Experience the ease of slow cooking while creating a dish your family will request again and again!
Ingredients
- 750g chicken breast, cut into chunks
- 2 onions, quartered
- 3 tsp garlic, crushed
- 2 tsp ginger, minced
- 250ml chicken stock
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup oyster sauce
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 500g broccoli florets, room temperature
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch
- 3 Tbsp water
Instructions
- In the slow cooker, combine chicken chunks, quartered onions, crushed garlic, and minced ginger.
- Pour in chicken stock, soy sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce, and sesame oil; mix well.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours until chicken is tender.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water; stir into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
- Add broccoli florets; cook on high for an additional 30 minutes until heated through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
