Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe is a delightful dish that combines savory flavors with tender chicken and fresh broccoli. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, it offers an easy way to prepare a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With minimal prep time and the convenience of a slow cooker, this recipe stands out for its simplicity and taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: Just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the work.
- Flavorful Dish: A blend of garlic, ginger, and sauces creates a rich flavor profile that everyone will love.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein from chicken and fiber from broccoli, it’s a nutritious choice for dinner.
- Family-Friendly: This recipe serves six, making it perfect for families or meal prepping.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal, or enjoy it on its own.
Tools and Preparation
To get started on your slow cooker chicken and broccoli journey, you’ll need some essential tools to make the cooking process smooth.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Measuring Cups
- Mixing Spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow Cooker: The heart of this recipe, allowing you to cook food low and slow for maximum flavor.
- Cutting Board: Provides a safe surface for chopping your ingredients efficiently.
- Knife: A good knife ensures that you can easily cut the chicken and vegetables into uniform pieces.
Ingredients
For this incredible Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
Chicken & Broth Ingredients
- 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
Sauce Ingredients
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup oyster sauce
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
Vegetable Ingredients
- 500g (1.1 lb) broccoli florets, room temperature
Thickening Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch
- 3 Tbsp water
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Slow Cooker Base
In your slow cooker, add the following ingredients:
1. Place the chunks of chicken breast, onions, garlic, and ginger.
2. Pour in the chicken stock, followed by the soy sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.
Step 2: Cook
Set your slow cooker to low heat:
– Cook for 4-6 hours until the chicken is tender.
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce
While your chicken cooks, prepare the thickening agent:
1. In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch with the water.
2. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking.
Step 4: Add Broccoli
Once thickened:
– Add in the room temperature broccoli florets.
Step 5: Final Cooking Stage
Switch your slow cooker to high:
– Cook for roughly 30 minutes or until the broccoli is hot.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
After cooking, serve your delicious dish over rice or noodles if desired. Enjoy every bite of this flavorful Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
This slow cooker chicken and broccoli recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
Over Steamed Rice
- Steamed jasmine or basmati rice pairs perfectly with the rich sauce of this dish, soaking up all the flavors.
In a Wrap
- Use tortillas to create a tasty wrap. Add some extra veggies for crunch and a drizzle of spicy sauce.
On a Bed of Noodles
- Serve the chicken and broccoli over cooked egg noodles or rice noodles for a comforting meal.
With Quinoa
- For a healthier option, serve alongside quinoa. It adds protein and a nutty flavor that complements the dish.
As a Salad Topping
- Chop the chicken and broccoli into bite-sized pieces and use them as toppings for fresh greens drizzled with your favorite dressing.
With Crusty Bread
- A side of crusty bread can be perfect for dipping into the flavorful sauce left on your plate.
How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
To ensure your slow cooker chicken and broccoli turns out perfectly every time, consider these tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, ginger, and broccoli will enhance the flavors significantly.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Depending on your slow cooker, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Check the chicken for doneness.
- Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add bell peppers or snap peas for extra color and nutrition.
- Taste Before Serving: Always taste before serving; adjust soy sauce or sugar to suit your preference.
- Thicken Sauce Wisely: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it cook longer after adding cornstarch.
- Store Properly: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Pairing side dishes with this slow cooker chicken and broccoli recipe can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options:
- Fried Rice: A classic accompaniment that complements the flavors well; try adding peas and carrots.
- Garlic Bread: The buttery garlic flavor balances nicely with the savory chicken dish.
- Asian Slaw: A crunchy slaw with sesame dressing adds freshness and texture to your meal.
- Miso Soup: This light soup can cleanse the palate between bites of rich chicken and broccoli.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness contrasts beautifully with savory flavors in your main dish.
- Steamed Green Beans: Lightly seasoned steamed green beans provide a crisp texture without overpowering flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can make your Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe even better. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using the wrong cut of chicken: Always opt for chicken breast or thighs for the best texture. Dark meat will alter the dish’s overall flavor.
- Overcrowding the slow cooker: If you fill it too much, the chicken won’t cook evenly. Stick to recommended amounts for perfect results.
- Skipping the browning step: Browning enhances flavor. Lightly sear the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker for a richer taste.
- Not measuring sauces accurately: Precision is key in cooking. Use exact measurements for soy sauce and oyster sauce to maintain balance in flavors.
- Adding broccoli too early: Broccoli cooks quickly and can become mushy. Add it in the last 30 minutes to retain its vibrant color and crunch.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best freshness.
Freezing Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Best consumed within 2-3 months for optimal taste.
Reheating Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in a covered dish until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container. Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring occasionally until warm.
- Stovetop: In a skillet over low heat, add a splash of water or broth and stir until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions regarding this delicious recipe:
Can I use frozen chicken for this slow cooker recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but increase cooking time by an hour. Ensure it’s fully cooked before serving.
How do I customize my Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe?
You can add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra flavor. Adjust sauces according to your taste preferences.
Is this recipe healthy?
This recipe is relatively healthy, high in protein from chicken and packed with nutrients from broccoli. Adjust sugar levels if desired.
What can I serve with this dish?
Serve over rice or quinoa for a complete meal. It also pairs well with steamed noodles or cauliflower rice.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with different vegetables or sauces to suit your family’s tastes. Give it a try, and enjoy a comforting meal that everyone will love!
Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Experience the delightful flavors of our Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe, a perfect solution for busy weeknights or family gatherings. This comforting dish combines tender chicken and bright broccoli with a rich, savory sauce made from garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. With minimal prep time and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can create a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve it over rice, noodles, or even in wraps for a versatile dining experience that everyone will love.
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
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch
- 3 Tbsp water
Instructions
- Add chicken chunks, onions, garlic, ginger, and chicken stock to the slow cooker.
- Pour in soy sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce, and sesame oil; mix well.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours until chicken is tender.
- Mix cornstarch with water; stir into slow cooker during the last hour.
- Add broccoli florets and switch to high; cook for an additional 30 minutes or until heated through.
- Serve over rice or noodles as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
