This Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli dish is a real winner! Tender chicken cooks in a tasty sauce with fresh broccoli, making it both healthy and simple.
Plus, it practically cooks itself! I love tossing everything in, letting it do its thing, and enjoying a yummy meal later. Perfect for busy days! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for ease of shredding. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you could try turkey breast or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets add a nice crunch. If you’re short on fresh, frozen broccoli works just as well. Just be sure to thaw it before adding to the slow cooker.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is great to control the salt level in the dish. If you’re gluten-free, opt for tamari instead, which has a similar flavor profile.
Honey: Honey gives a wonderful sweetness. For a vegan alternative, use maple syrup or agave nectar. Both will work nicely in this recipe.
Ginger and Garlic: Fresh ginger and minced garlic really brighten the dish. If you don’t have fresh, powdered versions can be used, but fresh is always better for flavor.
Sesame Oil: This ingredient adds great aroma. If you don’t have it, you can use a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil, but keep in mind you might lose some flavor.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Shredded Chicken?
Shredding chicken after cooking is key to the texture of this dish. To get tender, easily shredded chicken, it’s important to cook it properly in the slow cooker. Make sure to do the following:
- Cook chicken on low heat for 4-6 hours. This gentle cooking breaks down the fibers, making it super easy to shred.
- When it’s time to shred, simply remove the chicken and use two forks to pull it apart. It should fall apart nicely if cooked right.
- To keep everything moist, return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps the chicken absorb some of that tasty sauce.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
For Thickening:
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
For Garnishing:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds
- Cooked white rice (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires a total of about 4 to 6 hours for cooking in the slow cooker, plus just 15 minutes of prep time. You’ll need about 30 minutes after adding the broccoli for a tasty meal that’s perfect for any day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. This will be the base of your delicious dish!
2. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and sesame oil. This mixture will give your dish a wonderful flavor!
3. Combine the Ingredients:
Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker, making sure the chicken is well-coated. It’s going to soak up all those yummy flavors!
4. Slow Cook the Chicken:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and easily shredded with a fork when it’s done. So cozy!
5. Add the Broccoli:
About 30 minutes before serving, add the broccoli florets to the slow cooker. Cover it back up and let them cook until tender.
6. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred it into pieces. It will be super tender!
7. Thicken the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a few tablespoons of the sauce from the slow cooker to create a slurry. Stir this back into the slow cooker to thicken up your sauce nicely.
8. Combine Everything:
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stir everything to combine, and let it cook for another 10 to 15 minutes. This will make sure everything is piping hot!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the chicken and broccoli over cooked white rice, adding garnishes of sliced green onions and sesame seeds for that extra touch. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just be sure to extend the cooking time by 1-2 hours on low. The chicken should cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Always ensure that the chicken is cooked through before shredding.
What Can I Substitute for Soy Sauce?
If you’re looking for a soy sauce alternative, consider using tamari for a gluten-free option, or coconut aminos for a soy-free choice. Both will provide a similar savory flavor, but keep in mind that coconut aminos are sweeter, so you might want to reduce the amount of honey slightly.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Dish a Day Ahead?
Absolutely! You can prep the chicken and sauce the day before and store it in the fridge overnight. On cooking day, just pour it into the slow cooker and set it to cook. This can enhance the flavors even more!
