This Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli is better than takeout and practically cooks itself! Tender, juicy bite-sized chicken pieces are simmered in a savory, sweet, and sticky garlic-ginger soy glaze, then tossed with vibrant crisp-tender steamed broccoli florets and served over a fluffy bed of white jasmine rice.
With just 10 minutes of hands-on prep, your crockpot does all the heavy lifting. It’s a wholesome, family-friendly dinner with perfectly cooked broccoli that never turns soggy or mushy. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for the ultimate weeknight meal!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Better-than-takeout flavor: Authentic savory-sweet garlic ginger teriyaki glaze with zero MSG
- Effortless slow cooker meal: Only 10 minutes of prep—let the slow cooker do the rest!
- Never mushy broccoli: Steamed or added at the very end so the broccoli stays bright green and crisp-tender
- Healthier & budget-friendly: Made with lean chicken breast, fresh veggies, and wholesome pantry staples!
If you love easy slow cooker and skillet chicken dinners like our Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders or our Broccoli Chicken Casserole, this Chinese-American classic is an absolute weeknight winner.
Key Ingredients & Smart Substitutions
Here are the simple, flavorful ingredients you’ll need:
- Chicken: 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized 1-inch pieces).
- Fresh Broccoli: 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (cut into bite-sized pieces).
- Soy Sauce: 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free).
- Sweeteners: 1/3 cup honey (or brown sugar) for natural sweetness and gloss.
- Aromatics: 4 cloves minced garlic and 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger.
- Sesame Oil & Broth: 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil and 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth.
- Cornstarch Slurry: 2 tablespoons cornstarch whisked with 3 tablespoons cold water (to thicken the glaze).
- Garnish & Serving: Toasted white sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and warm cooked white jasmine rice.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli (Step-by-Step)
1. Whisk Sauce & Load Slow Cooker: Place the diced chicken into the bottom of a 4-to-6 quart slow cooker. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, chicken broth, minced garlic, grated ginger, and toasted sesame oil. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken.
2. Slow Cook Until Tender: Cover and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours or on HIGH for 1.5 to 2 hours until the chicken is tender and thoroughly cooked through.
3. Thicken Sauce & Add Broccoli: In a small dish, whisk cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker. Add the fresh broccoli florets, stir gently to submerge in sauce, cover, and cook on HIGH for 20 to 25 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender and the sauce is glossy and thick.
4. Garnish & Serve: Serve the saucy chicken and crisp-tender broccoli over warm bowls of fluffy white jasmine rice. Garnish generously with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- The secret to perfect broccoli: Never cook broccoli in the slow cooker for hours!
- Adding fresh broccoli during the last 20-25 minutes allows it to steam gently in the sauce while retaining its crisp texture and vibrant emerald color
- Microwave steaming shortcut: If in a rush, steam broccoli in the microwave for 2 minutes and fold it directly into the thickened sauce right before serving!
What to Serve with Chicken and Broccoli
- Grains: Steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, fried rice, or quinoa.
- Noodles: Chow mein noodles, udon noodles, or ramen noodles.
- Sides: Crispy vegetable egg rolls, potstickers, or edamame.
Storage & Meal Prep Instructions
To Store: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To Reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1.5 to 2 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the glaze.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Thaw frozen broccoli florets, pat dry thoroughly with a paper towel, and stir in during the last 15 minutes of cooking so they heat through without becoming waterlogged.
Can I make this spicy?
Yes! Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of sriracha chili sauce or 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper chili flakes into the sauce mixture.
More Takeout & Chicken Favorites to Savor Next
- Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders — 15-minute juicy pan-seared chicken tenders in garlic butter.
- Broccoli Chicken Casserole — Creamy baked casserole with fresh broccoli and cheddar cheese.
- Creamy Chicken Stew — Hearty one-pot chicken stew with potatoes and peas.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli
- Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Slow cooker chicken and broccoli is a comforting, flavorful dish that delivers a delightful mix of tender chicken and vibrant broccoli. This easy recipe transforms simple ingredients into a delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With minimal prep work, you can enjoy the savory aroma filling your kitchen while you unwind after a long day. Serve this dish over rice or quinoa for a wholesome dinner that will impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- Toasted white sesame seeds and sliced green onions (for garnish)
- Cooked jasmine rice (for serving)
Instructions
- Load Slow Cooker: Place diced chicken in slow cooker. Whisk together soy sauce, honey, chicken broth, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Pour over chicken.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours (or HIGH for 1.5 to 2 hours) until chicken is tender.
- Add Broccoli & Thicken: Whisk cornstarch with cold water and stir into slow cooker. Add fresh broccoli florets, cover, and cook on HIGH for 20 to 25 minutes until broccoli is crisp-tender and sauce is thick.
- Garnish & Serve: Serve hot over fluffy white jasmine rice, sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds and green onions!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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