Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli with Soy Garlic Sauce
This comforting slow cooker meal combines tender chicken breasts with crisp-tender broccoli in a savory soy garlic sauce. The hands-off cooking method makes it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a nutritious dinner ready when you walk through the door. The cornstarch creates a light sauce that coats the chicken and vegetables beautifully, while the garlic powder adds warmth without overpowering the dish. Serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
Instructions
- 1
Lightly grease the slow cooker with olive oil
- 2
Sprinkle chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper
- 3
Place seasoned chicken breasts in the slow cooker and add chicken broth and soy sauce
- 4
Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours
- 5
Add broccoli florets to the slow cooker in the last 30 minutes
- 6
Mix cornstarch with water and stir into the slow cooker
- 7
Cook for an additional 30 minutes until sauce thickens and broccoli is tender
Tips
Don't add the broccoli too early or it will become mushy - the last 30 minutes is perfect for crisp-tender texture.
Mix the cornstarch with a small amount of cold water before adding to prevent lumps in your sauce.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before shredding or slicing to retain maximum juiciness.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days in airtight containers.
Can be assembled the night before and refrigerated, then cooked the next day.
Serve hot over rice, quinoa, or egg noodles with the cooking liquid as sauce.
Common Mistakes
Don't overcook the broccoli or it will become mushy and lose its bright color.
Mix cornstarch with cold water before adding to prevent lumpy sauce.
Substitutions
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, but add it during the last 15 minutes instead of 30 to prevent overcooking since frozen broccoli cooks faster.
How long will leftovers keep in the refrigerator?
Properly stored leftovers will keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator in airtight containers.
Can I freeze this dish?
The chicken freezes well but the broccoli may become mushy when thawed. Consider freezing just the chicken and sauce.