Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
This Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli is a simple, hearty meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a savory sauce come together effortlessly in your slow cooker, making dinner a breeze.
This dish has been a staple in our family for years. It’s not only delicious but also allows us to spend more time together at the dinner table. The slow cooking process makes the chicken incredibly tender and infuses the broccoli with flavor. It’s a recipe that parents and kids alike can enjoy!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Tender, juicy chicken cooked to perfection in a rich sauce
- A healthy dose of broccoli for a nutritious meal
- Minimal prep time, making it perfect for busy evenings
A Perfect Family Meal
Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli is more than just a meal; it's a gathering. This dish is designed to bring everyone together around the dinner table, creating an atmosphere of warmth and connection. With its comforting flavors and satisfying textures, it appeals to both kids and adults alike, making it an ideal choice for family dinners.
Moreover, the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting for you. Set it and forget it, allowing the ingredients to meld together beautifully while you focus on other tasks or spend quality time with your loved ones. This recipe truly embodies the essence of a stress-free weeknight dinner.
Nutritional Benefits
In addition to being delicious, this dish is packed with nutritional benefits. Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall health. Meanwhile, broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse, loaded with vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants, contributing to a well-balanced diet.
The combination of these two main ingredients not only makes for a mouthwatering meal but also ensures you're fueling your body with essential nutrients. This recipe is a great way to introduce more vegetables into your family's diet without compromising on flavor.
Versatility and Variations
One of the best aspects of the Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli is its versatility. While the recipe as written is fantastic, feel free to customize it to suit your family's preferences. Add in your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for an even more colorful dish.
You can also modify the sauce to add a little kick by incorporating red pepper flakes or substituting the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. This recipe is a canvas for your culinary creativity, allowing you to create a meal that is uniquely yours.
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Broccoli
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
In a large bowl, mix the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. Add the chicken breasts and coat them well with the mixture.
Cook in the Crockpot
Place the chicken in the crockpot, add salt and pepper to taste, and cook on low for 6 hours.
Add the Broccoli
About 30 minutes before serving, add the broccoli florets to the crockpot and cover. Allow to cook until the broccoli is tender.
Thicken the Sauce
If desired, mix the cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry and stir it into the sauce to thicken.
Serve hot over rice or noodles for a complete meal!
Storage Tips
Leftovers from the Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it a fantastic option for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a quick and nutritious lunch or dinner on busier days.
To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. If the sauce thickens too much in the fridge, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish over a bed of rice or quinoa for a complete meal that is both filling and satisfying. The grains will soak up the delicious sauce, enhancing the overall flavor experience.
For a low-carb option, consider serving it over cauliflower rice or alongside a fresh green salad. Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
Making It Ahead
This recipe is perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare the chicken and sauce mixture the night before and store it in the refrigerator. In the morning, just add the marinated chicken to the crockpot and let it cook while you go about your day.
If you plan to add broccoli, consider adding it during the last half hour of cooking, or you can steam it separately to maintain its vibrant color and crispness before serving. This flexibility makes it a go-to recipe for busy families.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just add an extra hour to the cooking time.
→ Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas would be great additions.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients the night before and store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook.
Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli
This Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli is a simple, hearty meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a savory sauce come together effortlessly in your slow cooker, making dinner a breeze.
Created by: Elodie Brooks
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chicken and Broccoli
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, mix the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. Add the chicken breasts and coat them well with the mixture.
Place the chicken in the crockpot, add salt and pepper to taste, and cook on low for 6 hours.
About 30 minutes before serving, add the broccoli florets to the crockpot and cover. Allow to cook until the broccoli is tender.
If desired, mix the cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry and stir it into the sauce to thicken.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 720mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 30g