I first made this slow cooker chicken and broccoli on a hectic weeknight and kept thinking how comforting and unfussy it felt — just a few pantry staples, the slow cooker doing the heavy lifting, and a saucy finish that tastes better the next day. It’s a great no-fuss family dinner when you want Asian-inspired flavors without standing over a stove, and it pairs perfectly with rice or noodles. If you enjoy hands-off saucy meals, this is an easy crowd-pleaser and a cousin to a slow-cooker orange chicken copycat that uses similar techniques.

What makes this recipe special

This recipe keeps things simple: boneless chicken breasts slow-cooked in a garlicky honey-soy sauce, then finished with bright broccoli. It’s low-effort, wallet-friendly, and flexible enough to suit picky eaters or busy households. The cornstarch in the sauce gives you a glossy finish without extra steps, and adding the broccoli near the end preserves its color and crunch.

"A reliable, saucy slow-cooker meal — tender chicken, bright broccoli, and a sticky-sweet sauce that somehow feels special on any weeknight."

Families who like saucy, hands-off dinners may also enjoy a beef take on this flavor profile like slow-cooker beef and broccoli ramen.

The cooking process explained

Quick overview so you know what to expect:

Layer the chicken in the slow cooker.
Whisk a simple sauce of soy, broth, honey, garlic, and cornstarch and pour it over the meat.
Cook low and slow until the chicken is tender and infused with flavor (about 4–5 hours).
Stir broccoli in during the final 30 minutes to keep it bright and slightly crisp.
This approach means most of your time is hands-off; prep takes about 10 minutes.

Key ingredients

2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless) — cut in half or left whole depending on your slow cooker size.
2 cups broccoli florets — fresh is best; frozen can work but may get softer.
4 cloves garlic, minced — or 1½ teaspoons garlic powder in a pinch.
1/4 cup soy sauce — use low-sodium if preferred.
1/4 cup chicken broth — or water plus a 1/2 teaspoon bouillon.
3 tablespoons honey — maple syrup or brown sugar can substitute.
1 tablespoon cornstarch — arrowroot for a paleo swap.
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions to follow

Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker in a single layer. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, soy sauce, chicken broth, honey, and cornstarch until smooth.
Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure it coats the pieces.
Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours, or until the chicken is tender and reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
About 30 minutes before serving, nestle the broccoli florets on top of the chicken. Replace the lid and continue cooking until the broccoli is bright green and just tender.
Remove the chicken and broccoli to a platter, give the sauce a stir (it will thicken slightly), and spoon the sauce over the top. Serve hot.

Serving suggestions

Best enjoyed spooned over steamed jasmine or basmati rice for a classic pairing. You can also serve it over noodles, cauliflower rice, or quinoa.
Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or a drizzle of toasted sesame oil for extra flavor.
For extra texture, serve with a side of quick pickled cucumbers or shredded cabbage slaw. If you like multi-course slow-cooker meals, pair with simple sides like steamed greens similar to those in a slow-cooker chicken-and-rice dinner.

Storage and reheating tips

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep for up to 3–4 days.
To freeze: place chicken and sauce (leave broccoli out for best texture) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave covered, stirring occasionally. Reheat to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before eating.
If the sauce separates after storing, whisk a small cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon cold water), stir into the hot sauce and simmer briefly to re-emulsify.

Pro chef tips

For more flavor depth, sear the chicken quickly in a hot skillet before adding to the slow cooker. This is optional but adds color and Maillard flavor.
Make your cornstarch slurry off heat: mixing cornstarch into the cold liquid before pouring prevents lumps.
Cut chicken to even thickness for uniform cooking. If using thick breasts, consider halving them horizontally.
Add the broccoli late — about 20–30 minutes before serving — to keep it from turning mushy.
If the sauce is too thin at the end, remove the chicken, switch your slow cooker to high, and stir in a tiny cornstarch slurry until it reaches the desired gloss and thickness. For a quicker thicken, finish sauce on the stovetop.

Recipe variations

Swap chicken breasts for thighs: use bone-in or boneless thighs for juicier results. Adjust cooking time slightly if using bone-in.
Low-sodium / gluten-free: use low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos and reduce honey if you want less sweetness. Arrowroot replaces cornstarch for a paleo option.
Add heat: stir in 1 teaspoon Sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Make it creamy: finish with a tablespoon of tahini or peanut butter for a nutty twist.
Vegetarian: replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas; reduce cooking time for tofu and add broccoli earlier if desired. For more slow-cooker inspiration, check a similar slow-cooker beef recipe technique at slow-cooker beef and broccoli.

Common questions

Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
A: You can, but it adds cooking time and may make the sauce slightly diluted. Thawing first is best for predictable timing and food safety.

Q: How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
A: Mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water to make a slurry and stir it into the hot sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens. Alternatively, finish the sauce in a skillet over medium heat.

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes. Boneless thighs stay juicier and are forgiving in a slow cooker. Bone-in thighs will need a bit longer to reach tenderness.

Q: What’s the safest way to reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave covered until the internal temperature reads 165°F (74°C). If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Q: Will the broccoli get mushy?
A: If left in the slow cooker for the entire time, yes. Add it in the last 20–30 minutes for bright, tender-crisp florets.

Conclusion

This slow cooker chicken and broccoli is a straightforward, family-friendly recipe that delivers savory-sweet flavors with minimal babysitting. For additional slow-cooker ideas and similar crockpot techniques, see Well Plated’s Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli for another reliable version and Show Me the Yummy’s Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli Recipe for a slightly different take. Happy cooking — and don’t forget to tuck the broccoli in late for the best texture.