Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
Enjoy a delicious and effortless meal with this Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli recipe. Perfect for busy nights!
This Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli is a wholesome and satisfying dish that brings the family together around the dinner table. With tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a savory sauce, it's a meal that's sure to please everyone!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Tender chicken slow-cooked to perfection
- Nutritious broccoli adds a pop of color and flavor
- Simple ingredients make it easy to prepare
- Perfect for meal prep and leftovers!
The Benefits of Slow Cooking
Slow cooking is an excellent way to enhance the flavors of your ingredients while saving time in the kitchen. By allowing the chicken to simmer for several hours, the meat becomes incredibly tender and infused with the savory notes of the broth and soy sauce. This method not only brings out the best in your ingredients but also allows for a hands-off cooking experience, making it perfect for busy families.
Another advantage of slow cooking is its ability to preserve the nutritional value of your ingredients. Cooking at lower temperatures helps retain vitamins and minerals, especially in vegetables like broccoli. This means that not only are you serving a delicious meal, but you're also providing a healthy option for your family.
Meal Prep Made Easy
This Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli recipe is ideal for meal prep enthusiasts. You can easily double the recipe to create extra servings for the week ahead. Simply store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days, or freeze them for longer storage. Reheating is a breeze; just microwave until warmed through, and your meal is ready in minutes.
Additionally, the versatility of this dish allows you to customize it according to your family's preferences. Feel free to swap out broccoli for other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas, or add additional spices to create your own flavor profile. This adaptability makes it not only a favorite but also a staple in your meal rotation.
A Family-Friendly Favorite
One of the standout features of this recipe is its appeal to all ages. Kids love the tender chicken and the vibrant green broccoli, while adults appreciate the savory sauce that ties everything together. It's a great way to introduce children to nutritious vegetables without any complaints at the dinner table. The familiar flavors and comforting texture make it a meal that everyone can agree on.
Serving this dish is also a breeze. You can pair it with rice, quinoa, or even noodles to create a complete meal. The sauce is perfect for drizzling over your chosen side, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor. This recipe not only satisfies hunger but also creates a sense of togetherness during family meals.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups of broccoli florets
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
Gather all ingredients before starting your crockpot.
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. Season with salt and pepper.
Mix the Sauce
In a separate bowl, combine chicken broth, soy sauce, garlic, and cornstarch. Stir until smooth.
Combine and Cook
Pour the sauce over the chicken in the crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
Add the Broccoli
In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets on top of the chicken. Cover and continue cooking.
Serve
Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks and mix with the broccoli. Serve warm.
Serve with rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Tips for Perfectly Cooked Chicken
To achieve perfectly cooked chicken, it's important to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, as they cook evenly and become tender when slow-cooked. Ensure that the chicken is arranged in a single layer at the bottom of the crockpot for even cooking. Avoid overcrowding, as this can lead to uneven results.
If you prefer a more robust flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the sauce for a few hours before cooking. This extra step infuses the meat with even more flavor and can elevate the dish to new heights.
Customization Ideas
Feel free to add your favorite spices or herbs to the sauce for an extra flavor boost. Ginger, sesame oil, or even red pepper flakes can add a unique twist to the dish. If you're looking for a creamy texture, you can stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese just before serving.
For a complete meal, consider serving this dish over a bed of rice or alongside crusty bread. This allows you to soak up the delicious sauce while adding a satisfying element to your dinner.
Storing and Reheating
To store leftovers, make sure to let the dish cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. This will help maintain its freshness and flavor. In the refrigerator, it should last for up to four days, while freezing can extend its shelf life to several months.
When reheating, it's best to do so gently to avoid drying out the chicken. You can microwave individual portions or reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Enjoy your delicious meal all over again!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to increase the cooking time.
→ Can I substitute the broccoli?
Absolutely! You can use any vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas.
→ 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 chicken and sauce the night before and cook in the morning.
Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli
Enjoy a delicious and effortless meal with this Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli recipe. Perfect for busy nights!
Created by: Nora Ellis
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups of broccoli florets
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. Season with salt and pepper.
In a separate bowl, combine chicken broth, soy sauce, garlic, and cornstarch. Stir until smooth.
Pour the sauce over the chicken in the crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets on top of the chicken. Cover and continue cooking.
Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks and mix with the broccoli. Serve warm.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 23g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 40g