This crockpot chicken and broccoli is my answer to busy nights when I I need dinner fast and I’m trying to avoid takeout. In the morning, toss the chicken in the crockpot and whisk together a quick honey garlic sauce. Then, let the slow cooker do the work while you get on with your day. As a result, dinner is basically done before the after-school chaos even starts.
What I love most about this healthy crockpot chicken and broccoli is that it tastes like takeout, but I know exactly what went into it. Instead of a heavy, salty sauce, I use low-sodium soy sauce, chicken bone broth, and just a little honey for sweetness. In addition, the broccoli goes in at the very end, so it stays bright green and tender instead of mushy. Best of all, it only takes about 10 minutes of prep, and my whole family actually eats it. Serve it over rice or cauliflower rice, and you have an easy, high-protein dinner on the table with almost no effort.
Ingredients in Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli
1.25 lb chicken breast, cut into chunks
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken bone broth
1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce (gluten-free as needed)
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 tsp ginger paste or fresh chopped ginger
4 cups broccoli florets
3 tbsp cornstarch, divided
2 tbsp water
For serving: cooked rice or cauliflower rice
How to Make Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli
- Add the chicken to the crockpot.
- Whisk together the sesame oil, broth, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and 1 tbsp of the cornstarch. Then pour the sauce over the chicken.
- Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours.
- Make a slurry by mixing the remaining 2 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water.
- Stir the slurry into the crockpot and mix well.
- Add the broccoli on top, cover, and cook on HIGH for 30 minutes, until the broccoli is tender.
- Serve over rice or cauliflower rice.
Nutrition Facts: This recipe makes 5 Servings of Chicken and Broccoli: Calories: 280 Total Fat: 7 g Saturated Fat: 2 g Carb: 19 g Fiber:3 g Sugar 8 g Protein: 38 g Sodium: 711 mg
(Nutrition is for the chicken and broccoli only and does not include rice.)
Variations of Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli
This slow cooker chicken and broccoli is easy to change up based on what your family likes and what you have on hand.
Chicken Breasts vs. Chicken Thighs: I use chicken breast to keep this recipe lean. However, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well too and stay extra tender.
Shred It Instead: Prefer shredded chicken? Simply cook the chicken breasts whole, then shred them with two forks before you add the broccoli.
Fresh or Frozen Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives you the best texture. That said, frozen florets work in a pinch. Just thaw them first and pat them dry so the sauce doesn’t get watery.
Add More Veggies: Toss in sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or shredded carrots along with the broccoli for extra color and fiber.
Make It Gluten-Free: Swap the soy sauce for gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Also, double-check the label on your broth.
Swap the Sweetener: Out of honey? Use maple syrup or a little brown sugar instead.
Turn Up the Heat: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce. On the other hand, if you’re cooking for kids, leave the spice out and let everyone add their own at the table.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli
Can I put raw chicken in the crockpot?
Yes! Raw chicken cooks safely in the crockpot. Just make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
Can I use frozen chicken?
For food safety, thaw your chicken in the refrigerator first. Frozen chicken takes too long to heat up in a slow cooker, which gives bacteria time to grow.
Why do I add the broccoli at the end?
Broccoli cooks much faster than chicken. If it goes in at the beginning, it turns soft and mushy. Instead, adding it for the last 30 minutes keeps it bright green and tender.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
The cornstarch slurry does most of the work, and the sauce continues to thicken as it cools. If you still want it thicker, mix 1 more tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and stir it in. Then cook on HIGH for another 10 to 15 minutes.
Is crockpot chicken and broccoli healthy?
Absolutely! This version is high in protein and uses low-sodium soy sauce and just a little honey. As a result, it’s much lighter than most takeout. As a dietitian, I love recipes like this because you get lean protein and a veggie in one pot.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Regular soy sauce contains wheat, so use gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos instead. Everything else is naturally gluten-free, but check the label on your broth to be sure.
Can I make this crock pot chicken and broccoli ahead of time?
Yes. Whisk the sauce and cut up the chicken the night before, then store them separately in the fridge. In the morning, just add everything to the crockpot and go.
How to Store and Reheat Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli
This recipe makes great leftovers, so it’s perfect for meal prep lunches during the week.
Store: Let the chicken and broccoli cool, then transfer it to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. For easy grab-and-go lunches, portion it over rice right in the container.
Freeze: Freeze for up to 3 months. Keep in mind that broccoli gets softer after freezing. For the best texture, freeze the chicken and sauce on their own, then add fresh broccoli when you reheat. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheat: Warm a single portion in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, reheat a larger batch on the stove over medium heat. If the sauce thickened in the fridge, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
What to Serve with Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli
This easy chicken and broccoli recipe already has your protein and veggie covered, so all you need is a simple base or side:
- Rice: White, brown, or jasmine rice soaks up all that honey garlic sauce. Short on time? Microwave rice pouches work great.
- Cauliflower Rice: A lighter, lower-carb option that adds an extra serving of veggies.
- Quinoa: Adds a little more protein and fiber to your bowl.
- Rice Noodles or Whole Wheat Spaghetti: Toss the noodles right in the sauce for a lo mein-style dinner the kids will love.
- Edamame: A quick, high-protein side that takes just a few minutes to steam.
- Cucumber Salad: Something cool and crunchy balances out the warm, savory sauce.
Finally, top each bowl with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for that better-than-takeout finish.
Looking for more easy crockpot dinners? Try our Crockpot White Bean Chicken Chili or Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup for another high-protein dinner with just 10 minutes of prep. Love this combo? Our Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Casserole is another family favorite.
Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli
Ingredients
- 1.25 lbs Chicken breast Skinless and boneless, cut into chunks
- 1 Tbsp Sesame oil
- 1.5 Cups Low-sodium chicken bone broth
- 1/3 Cup Low-sodium soy sauce (gluten free as needed)
- 2 Tbsp Honey
- 1 tsp Ginger paste or fresh chopped ginger
- 1 Tbsp Garlic minced or jarred
- 4 Cups Broccoli florets
- 3 Tbsp Cornstarch divided
- 2 Tbsp Water
Instructions
- Add chicken to crockpot.
- Whisk sesame oil, broth, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger + 1 tbsp cornstarch, then pour over chicken.
- Cook on LOW 6–8 hrs or HIGH 4 hrs.
- Make a slurry: Mix 2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water; Stir slurry stir into crockpot, mix well.
- Add broccoli on top, cover, cook 30 minutes on HIGH until tender.
- Serve over rice or cauliflower rice.
Nutrition
About the Author: Rachel Roberts Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist
Rachel Roberts is a Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist in Rhode Island, a Certified Personal Trainer, business owner, mom, wife, and self-proclaimed foodie with over 20 years of experience in the field of health and wellness. She believes that healthy eating should not be complicated or time-consuming. Follow her on YouTube, Facebook, or Instagram for more Dietitian approved recipes and healthy lifestyle tips to improve your health.
Need some help getting your health on track? Rachel and her team of Registered Dietitians and Nutritionists help people lose weight and achieve their health and wellness goals! Meet in person with one of our Nutritionists in RI. We also offer online nutrition coaching sessions to people in RI, MA, CT and FL. Click here to schedule a consultation. In most cases our nutritionists are 100% covered by health insurance.
