Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

This incredible Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe will certainly impress your family and guests. It’s packed with flavor and is perfect for various occasions, from weeknight dinners to family gatherings. The combination of tender chicken and vibrant broccoli in a savory sauce makes this dish a standout choice for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: Simply toss the ingredients into the slow cooker, set it, and forget it!
• Flavorful Meal: The blend of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and oyster sauce creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will enjoy.
• Healthy Option: Packed with protein and vegetables, this dish supports a balanced diet while satisfying your cravings.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize the recipe by adding other vegetables or adjusting the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
• Feeds a Crowd: This recipe serves six people, making it ideal for family dinners or meal prepping for the week ahead.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, ensure you have the right tools. Having the proper equipment will make preparing this slow cooker chicken and broccoli recipe even smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: The star of this dish! It allows for hands-off cooking while infusing flavors over time.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients efficiently.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts on your chicken and vegetables for even cooking.
• Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining cornstarch and water before adding it to the slow cooker.

Ingredients

This incredible slow cooker chicken and broccoli recipe will certainly impress. It is loaded with flavor and can easily feed a hungry family.

Chicken and Broccoli 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
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup oyster sauce
• 1 Tbsp sesame oil
• 500g (1.1 lb) broccoli florets, room temperature
• 2 Tbsp cornstarch
• 3 Tbsp water

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

In a slow cooker, add the following ingredients:
1. chicken chunks
2. quarter onions
3. crushed garlic
4. minced ginger
5. chicken stock
6. soy sauce
7. brown sugar
8. oyster sauce
9. sesame oil

Step 2: Cook on Low

Set your slow cooker to low heat and let it cook for 4-6 hours. This will allow all the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch with the water. Stir well until smooth. Add this mixture into the slow cooker to thicken up the sauce.

Step 4: Add Broccoli

Carefully add the room temperature broccoli florets into the slow cooker.

Step 5: Finish Cooking on High

Cook on high for roughly 30 minutes or until thickened and the broccoli is hot.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Once cooked, serve your delicious slow cooker chicken and broccoli over rice or noodles if desired! Enjoy your meal!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

Serving your slow cooker chicken and broccoli recipe is all about enhancing its flavors and making it look appealing on the table. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal experience.

With Steamed Rice

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: A fragrant rice that pairs perfectly with the savory sauce.
• Brown Rice: A healthier alternative that adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Butter Lettuce Leaves: Use these crisp leaves to wrap the chicken and broccoli for a fresh bite.
• Romaine Hearts: Their sturdy nature makes them great for holding all the delicious fillings.

Top with Sesame Seeds

• Toasted Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle these on top just before serving for added crunch and flavor.
• Chopped Green Onions: Fresh onions add color and a slight sharpness to each serving.

With Noodles

• Rice Noodles: These light noodles soak up the sauce beautifully, making for a hearty meal.
• Egg Noodles: Their chewy texture complements the dish well, adding satisfaction.

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How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

To ensure your slow cooker chicken and broccoli recipe turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and broccoli will enhance the dish’s flavor and texture.
• Adjust Cooking Time: Keep an eye on cooking times; overcooking can make chicken dry.
• Layer Wisely: Place tougher ingredients like onions at the bottom to ensure even cooking.
• Thicken Sauce: For a richer sauce, let it cook longer or add more cornstarch mixture gradually.
• Season to Taste: Always taste before serving; adjust soy sauce or sugar based on preference.
• Allow Resting Time: Letting the dish sit for a few minutes after cooking can improve flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

Complement your slow cooker chicken and broccoli recipe with these delightful side dishes. They provide balance and variety to your meal.

1. Fried Rice: A classic choice that adds texture and flavor, perfect for soaking up sauces.
2. Quinoa Salad: This nutritious option brings a refreshing element with vibrant veggies.
3. Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is excellent for dipping in any leftover sauce from the main dish.
4. Cucumber Salad: A light salad with cucumbers provides a crisp contrast to the warm dish.
5. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness pairs well with savory flavors of chicken and broccoli.
6. Miso Soup: This warming soup adds depth to your meal while keeping it light.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making this slow cooker chicken and broccoli recipe, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.

• Ingredients: Skipping ingredients can affect flavor. Make sure to include all ingredients listed for the best results.
• Cooking Time: Overcooking can lead to mushy broccoli. Follow the recommended cooking times closely for optimal texture.
• Broccoli Addition: Adding broccoli too early will make it soggy. Wait until the last 30 minutes of cooking for perfect florets.
• Liquid Ratio: Not using enough liquid can cause burning. Ensure you have enough chicken stock and sauces to keep everything moist.
• Mixing Cornstarch: Forgetting to mix cornstarch with water first can lead to lumps. Always dissolve it before adding to the slow cooker.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers: Keep leftovers in airtight containers for freshness.
• Use within 3-4 days: Consume refrigerated leftovers within this time frame for best quality.

Freezing Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

• Cool completely before freezing: Allow the dish to cool down before placing it in the freezer.
• Use freezer-safe containers: Opt for containers or bags that are labeled safe for freezing.
• Freeze for up to 3 months: For optimal taste, use within this time.

Reheating Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warm throughout, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely. Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally until hot.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally 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; just adjust cooking time accordingly, ensuring it cooks through completely.

How do I customize this Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe?

Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.

What can I serve with this recipe?

Serve over rice or noodles for a filling meal that complements the flavors of chicken and broccoli.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute soy sauce with a gluten-free alternative to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

Final Thoughts

This slow cooker chicken and broccoli recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting seasonings. Give it a try; your family will love this easy meal!