Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Dinner

This slow cooker chicken and broccoli is tender, savory, and easy enough for a busy weeknight. With about 10 minutes of prep, the crockpot does most of the work and turns simple ingredients into a comforting family dinner. Serve it over warm rice for a satisfying meal that tastes better than takeout.

Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli with Savory Sauce

This slow cooker chicken and broccoli recipe is simple, hearty, and full of balanced flavor. The chicken cooks until tender in a savory sauce made with chicken broth, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and a touch of maple syrup. The result is a cozy crockpot chicken and broccoli dinner with just the right mix of salty, sweet, and aromatic flavor.

It is a great option when you want a homemade meal without spending a long time at the stove. Add everything to the slow cooker, let it cook, then thicken the sauce at the end with a quick cornstarch slurry. Spoon the chicken, broccoli, and sauce over rice, then finish with sesame seeds for a simple dinner that feels complete.

This easy slow cooker chicken and broccoli is also flexible. You can add the broccoli at the beginning for softer broccoli, or wait until the last 30 minutes if you like it crisp-tender. Either way, the sauce brings everything together and makes this a dependable weeknight main dish.

Ingredients

Here is what you need to make this slow cooker chicken and broccoli, along with simple substitutions when available.

• 3 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts – The main protein for the dish. Chicken thighs or turkey breast may be used instead.
• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets – Adds color, texture, and freshness. If using frozen broccoli, add it during the last hour of cooking.
• 2 cups chicken broth – Keeps the chicken moist and helps create the sauce. Vegetable broth or beef broth can also be used.
• 1/3 cup soy sauce – Adds a deep, savory flavor to the sauce.
• 1 Tablespoon pure maple syrup – Adds gentle sweetness to balance the salty soy sauce. Honey or agave can be used as an alternative.
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil – Gives the sauce a light nutty flavor. Olive oil can be used for a milder taste.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances the overall flavor.
• 1 teaspoon pepper – Adds a mild, warm kick.
• 1 Tablespoon minced garlic – Fresh garlic gives the sauce bold flavor. Use 1 teaspoon garlic powder if needed.
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger – Adds warmth and depth. You may substitute 1 Tablespoon freshly grated ginger.
• 1 Tablespoon dried onion flakes – Adds savory onion flavor. Use 1/2 small finely diced fresh onion if preferred.
• 2 Tablespoons corn starch + 3 Tablespoons water – Creates a slurry that thickens the sauce at the end of cooking.

How To Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli

This recipe comes together in a few easy steps. Add the chicken and broccoli to the slow cooker, whisk the sauce, cook until tender, then thicken the sauce before serving.

Let me show you how:

1. Spray the slow cooker with nonstick spray to help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the broccoli florets on top.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, maple syrup, sesame oil, salt, pepper, garlic, ginger, and onion flakes. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli.
   
4. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours, or on low for 5–6 hours. If you prefer crisp-tender broccoli, wait and add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
5. In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch and water together until smooth. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker, cover, and cook for another 5–10 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
6. Serve the slow cooker chicken and broccoli over rice. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and enjoy.
   

Make It A Meal

Serve this crockpot chicken and broccoli over white rice for a classic pairing. It also works well with noodles, quinoa, or cauliflower rice if you want a different base. A simple dessert, such as Chocolate Rice Krispies treats, makes an easy finish after dinner.

Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli

By Jenna Harrison

This slow cooker chicken and broccoli is a savory, slightly sweet, and easy dinner made with tender chicken, broccoli, and a flavorful sauce. Serve it over rice for a cozy main dish any night of the week.

Prep: 10 mins

Cook: 3 hrs

Total: 3 hrs 10 mins

Servings: 8 people

Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

• 3 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1 Tablespoon pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 Tablespoon dried onion flakes
• 2 Tablespoons corn starch
• 3 Tablespoons water

For Serving:

• White rice
• Sesame seeds

Instructions

• Spray the slow cooker with nonstick spray.
• Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the broccoli on top.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, maple syrup, sesame oil, salt, pepper, garlic, ginger, and onion flakes. Pour the sauce over the chicken and broccoli.
• Cover and cook on high for 3 hours, or on low for 5–6 hours. For crisper broccoli, add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Whisk the cornstarch and water together in a small bowl to make a smooth slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker, cover, and cook for 5–10 minutes more, or until the sauce thickens.
• Serve over rice and garnish with sesame seeds.

Notes

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freeze: Cool completely, divide into portions, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheat: Warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of broth if the sauce needs loosening.

Make ahead: Prep the sauce and chicken the night before, then add everything to the slow cooker in the morning.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 cup, Calories: 243 kcal, Carbohydrates: 9 g, Protein: 39 g, Fat: 5 g, Saturated Fat: 1 g, Sodium: 1262 mg, Potassium: 831 mg, Fiber: 1 g, Sugar: 3 g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: American

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Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe FAQs

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