Healthy Chicken Crockpot Dinner
Hola, friend! If you’ve ever found yourself craving Chinese takeout on a busy weeknight but wanting something lighter and homemade, this Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli is about to be your new favorite recipe.
It’s that perfect blend of sweet, savory, and satisfying, all made effortlessly in your slow cooker. The chicken turns tender and juicy as it soaks up a rich garlic-soy glaze, while fresh broccoli keeps every bite crisp and vibrant.
This easy, healthy dinner proves that comfort food can be both nourishing and convenient, no delivery required.
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time: | 5 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cook Time: | 4 hours |
| Total Time: | 4 hours |
| Servings: | 4 |
| Serving Size: | 1 portion |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Cuisine Type: | Asian-inspired |
| Best Season to Serve: | All year round |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Better than takeout: You get all the rich flavor of your favorite restaurant dish with healthier ingredients and no extra oil.
- Set-it-and-forget-it ease: The slow cooker handles everything while you go about your day.
- Family-friendly: Sweet, savory, and mild enough for even picky eaters to enjoy.
- Great for meal prep: Makes perfect leftovers that taste just as good the next day.
- Balanced and healthy: Lean chicken breast, fresh broccoli, and a simple homemade sauce make this one of the best chicken crockpot recipes for clean eating.
Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli
- Total Time: 4 hours
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli is a healthy, easy slow cooker dinner packed with flavor. Tender chicken and crisp broccoli simmer in a savory garlic soy glaze that tastes better than takeout, all with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 3 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 6 cups broccoli, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and paprika.
2. In the crockpot, combine chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and hoisin sauce. Add the seasoned chicken and toss to coat.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is tender.
4. Remove 1/4 cup of sauce from the crockpot and mix it with the cornstarch until smooth. Pour it back into the crockpot and stir to combine.
5. Add the broccoli on top, cover, and cook on HIGH for 20 minutes, until the sauce thickens and broccoli is tender-crisp.
6. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.
Notes
Add broccoli at the end of cooking to keep it crisp-tender.
Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt.
For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat easily in a skillet or microwave.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dinner, Slow Cooker
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 423
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 830
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 38
- Cholesterol: 110
Ingredients
- 3 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 6 cups broccoli, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Ingredient Tips Table
| Ingredient | Tip |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | Cut evenly to ensure uniform cooking and tender bites. |
| Soy sauce | Use low-sodium for a lighter, less salty flavor. |
| Brown sugar | Balances the salty soy and creates that signature takeout-style glaze. |
| Hoisin sauce | Adds depth and subtle sweetness; optional but highly recommended. |
| Sesame oil | A small amount goes a long way for authentic aroma. |
| Cornstarch | Mix separately with sauce before adding back to the crockpot for a smooth, thick glaze. |
| Broccoli | Add near the end of cooking so it stays crisp-tender, not mushy. |
| Garlic powder | Enhances flavor without the hassle of mincing fresh cloves. |
| Chicken broth | Keeps the chicken moist and creates the perfect base for the sauce. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Season the chicken: In a bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and paprika. Toss chicken pieces until evenly coated.
- Prepare the sauce: In the crockpot, whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and hoisin sauce until combined.
- Load the crockpot: Add the seasoned chicken to the sauce and stir to coat evenly.
- Slow cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or HIGH for 2 to 3 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Thicken the sauce: Remove ¼ cup of the sauce from the crockpot and whisk in the cornstarch. Pour it back into the crockpot and stir to combine.
- Add broccoli: Add broccoli florets on top, cover, and cook on HIGH for about 20 minutes, until the sauce thickens and the broccoli becomes tender-crisp.
- Serve and garnish: Spoon over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles. Top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a restaurant-style touch.
Helpful Tips
- Always thicken the sauce before adding broccoli for best results.
- Use fresh broccoli if possible, as frozen may release extra water.
- Double the sauce if you like extra to drizzle over rice or noodles.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick of spice.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Marinate ahead: Let the chicken soak in the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking for deeper flavor.
- Don’t overcook broccoli: Add it only during the last 20 minutes so it keeps a fresh crunch.
- Taste before serving: Adjust salt or sweetness to your preference right before plating.
- Store sauce separately: If meal prepping, keep the sauce and chicken together but store broccoli separately to maintain texture.
Recipe Variations
- Crockpot Chicken and Vegetables: Add carrots, bell peppers, or snow peas for a colorful twist.
- Spicy version: Stir in chili paste or Sriracha with the sauce.
- Honey garlic version: Swap brown sugar for honey and add minced garlic for a sticky-sweet glaze.
- Frozen chicken option: If using frozen chicken, extend the cooking time by 1 to 2 hours on LOW.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
This Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli is a meal prep dream. Combine the raw chicken and sauce ingredients in a freezer bag, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then cook as directed. To store leftovers, refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
If you love easy slow cooker meals that taste like takeout, you’ve got to try my Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken. It’s sweet, savory, and perfectly tender, a simple crockpot family dinner that pairs beautifully with this Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli for a weeknight meal rotation your family will crave.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this healthy chicken crockpot meal over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or noodles. For a low-carb option, try cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for color and crunch.
Pairing Ideas
Pair this dish with a crisp glass of white wine or a refreshing sparkling water with lime. It also goes beautifully with side dishes like spring rolls, vegetable stir-fry, or Asian cucumber salad for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid overcooking the broccoli when reheating to keep it tender and bright green.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, just add it during the last 10 minutes of cooking so it doesn’t become mushy.
Can I substitute chicken thighs for breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs stay extra tender and flavorful in the slow cooker.
What can I use instead of hoisin sauce?
You can use oyster sauce or a mix of soy sauce with a little honey and vinegar.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but make sure your crockpot is large enough and add 30 minutes to the cooking time.
How do I make it gluten-free?
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and check that your hoisin is gluten-free.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Try snow peas, bell peppers, or even baby corn for a takeout-style veggie medley.
How can I make it more saucy?
Simply double the broth and sauce ingredients for extra glaze to pour over rice.
Nutrition Info
| Serving Size: | 1 portion |
|---|---|
| Calories: | 423 kcal |
| Protein: | 38 g |
| Carbohydrates: | 18 g |
| Fat: | 22 g |
| Fiber: | 3 g |
| Sugar: | 8 g |
| Sodium: | 830 mg |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli is everything you need for a quick, healthy dinner with the flavors you crave. Sweet, savory, and perfectly tender, it’s proof that homemade takeout-style dinners can be simple, satisfying, and stress-free. Give it a try this week and enjoy a meal that practically cooks itself.
