Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
This Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli is a delicious and easy meal that your whole family will love. Perfect for busy weeknights!
This crockpot chicken and broccoli dish combines tender chicken with fresh broccoli in a savory sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. It's the perfect dish for busy families!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Tender chicken cooked to perfection in a savory sauce
- Fresh broccoli that retains its vibrant color and crunch
- Set it and forget it – perfect for busy weeknights
Crockpot Cooking Made Easy
Crockpot cooking is a game changer for busy families. With just a few minutes of prep time, you can have a wholesome, home-cooked meal ready when you walk through the door. The slow cooking method allows flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in tender meats and vibrant vegetables that retain their crunch. It's the perfect solution for hectic weeknights when you want to serve your loved ones something nutritious without spending hours in the kitchen.
This Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli recipe exemplifies the ease of slow cooking. You simply season the chicken, mix the sauce, and let the crockpot do the rest. This hands-off approach means you can focus on other tasks or spend quality time with your family while dinner cooks itself!
Healthy and Delicious
Eating healthy doesn't have to mean sacrificing flavor. This chicken and broccoli dish is a perfect example, marrying lean protein with fresh vegetables in a savory sauce. The use of low-sodium chicken broth and honey not only enhances the taste but also keeps the dish light and satisfying. Plus, you can feel good knowing you’re serving a meal that’s not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients.
Broccoli, known for its health benefits, adds a lovely crunch and a dose of vitamins. When added in the last 30 minutes of cooking, it retains its bright green color and crisp texture, making it a visually appealing and nutritious component of the meal.
Customizing Your Dish
One of the best aspects of crockpot meals is their versatility. While this recipe is a family favorite, feel free to customize it to suit your preferences. You can substitute the broccoli with other vegetables like snap peas or bell peppers, or add some heat with red pepper flakes. Experimenting with different veggies not only changes the flavor profile but also keeps the meal interesting and can help you sneak in more nutrients.
Additionally, if you're looking to make this dish even heartier, consider serving it over brown rice or quinoa. This will soak up the delicious sauce and transform the dish into a complete meal that will satisfy even the hungriest of appetites.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Broccoli
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure to wash the broccoli thoroughly before adding it to the crockpot.
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place them in the crockpot.
Mix the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and sesame oil.
Add to Crockpot
Pour the sauce over the chicken in the crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.
Add Broccoli
In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets. Stir to coat them in the sauce.
Thicken the Sauce
To thicken, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the crockpot. Cook for an additional 10 minutes.
Serve hot over rice or noodles if desired!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving this Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli, pairing it with a side of steamed rice or cauliflower rice is highly recommended. The fluffy grains or low-carb alternative will soak up the savory sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors. For a truly wholesome meal, add a side salad topped with your favorite dressing to complement the dish’s richness.
If you want to elevate your dinner presentation, garnish the dish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions before serving. This not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the overall flavor, making your meal look as good as it tastes.
Storage and Leftovers
Leftovers are a blessing when it comes to crockpot meals. Store any remaining chicken and broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, ensuring the chicken is heated through before serving again. This makes for a quick lunch option or an easy dinner on a busy evening.
If you're not planning to eat the leftovers within a few days, consider freezing them. Place the chicken and broccoli in freezer-safe bags or containers, and they can last up to three months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for a delicious meal that tastes just as good as the first time!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but increase the cooking time by about 1 hour.
→ Can I substitute other vegetables?
Absolutely! You can add bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for variety.
→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients and store them in the fridge until you're ready to cook.
→ What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or noodles.
Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli
This Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli is a delicious and easy meal that your whole family will love. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Created by: Freya Cooper
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chicken and Broccoli
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place them in the crockpot.
In a bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and sesame oil.
Pour the sauce over the chicken in the crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.
In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets. Stir to coat them in the sauce.
To thicken, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the crockpot. Cook for an additional 10 minutes.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 30g