Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that's not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare? Say hello to the mouthwatering Crock Pot Chicken and Broccoli! This American classic combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with vibrant broccoli florets, all enveloped in a savory sauce that will have your taste buds dancing. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe requires just 15 minutes of prep time and lets your slow cooker do the magic for the next 4 hours. Trust us, once you try this dish, it will become a staple in your meal rotation! Keep reading to discover how to create this culinary delight that your family will love!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken breasts
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by trimming any excess fat and patting them dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger to create a flavorful cooking sauce.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the bottom of the crock pot in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping.
- Pour the prepared sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, making sure each piece is well-coated.
- Cover the crock pot and set to low heat. Cook for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the fresh broccoli florets on top of the chicken, allowing them to steam gently.
- Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the chicken and broccoli from the crock pot and transfer to a serving platter.
- Optional: Thicken the remaining sauce in the crock pot by whisking in a cornstarch slurry and cooking on high for an additional 10 minutes.
- Slice the chicken, arrange with broccoli, and drizzle with the reduced sauce before serving.
Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken: For the best results, opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook evenly and stay juicy, making them perfect for slow cooking.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper! Seasoning the chicken well before cooking enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Sauce it Up: Feel free to customize the sauce by adding a splash of sesame oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. This can add an exciting twist to the traditional flavors.
- Add Freshness: To retain the vibrant color and crunch of the broccoli, add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will ensure it steams perfectly without becoming mushy.
- Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stir it into the remaining sauce in the crock pot for the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Serve with Sides: This dish pairs wonderfully with rice or quinoa, allowing you to soak up that delicious sauce. Consider serving it over a bed of steamed rice for a complete meal.
- Leftovers Love: This recipe yields 4 servings, but it’s perfect for meal prep! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and enjoy a quick, healthy lunch or dinner.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 125mg
