Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Crockpot Recipes
When life gets busy, nothing beats the convenience of a slow cooker. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, you can create hearty, wholesome meals that the whole family will love. One of the best options for weeknights is healthy chicken and broccoli crockpot recipes. This dish brings together tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a flavorful Asian-inspired ginger sauce, making it a complete meal you can feel good about serving. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a hungry family, or just craving a lighter comfort food option, this crockpot chicken and broccoli is a true winner.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious slow cooker recipe:
For the Sauce:
- ⅔ cup water
- ⅓ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce (plus more to taste)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (plus more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
For the Chicken and Broccoli:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 heads broccoli, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- ½ cup chopped green onions
For Serving:
- Cooked brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice
- Toasted sesame seeds
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a mixing bowl or large liquid measuring cup, whisk together the water, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. This sauce will be the base of your dish, giving it that savory-sweet Asian flavor.
Step 2: Start the Crockpot
Pour about one-third of the sauce into the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Place the chicken breasts on top, then pour the remaining sauce evenly over them.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on LOW for 2 hours. This allows the chicken to start soaking up the flavors.
Step 4: Add Broccoli and Thicken Sauce
While the chicken cooks, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. After 2 hours, stir the slurry into the liquid in the slow cooker. Add the broccoli florets on top of the chicken. Switch the crockpot to HIGH and cook for another 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the chicken reaches 165°F and the broccoli is tender.
Step 5: Finish the Dish
Remove the chicken, let it cool slightly, then cut it into bite-sized pieces. Stir the broccoli and sauce to smooth everything together. Return the chicken to the slow cooker, drizzle with sesame oil, and mix in the green onions.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds for a little crunch and extra flavor.
About the Recipe
Why This Dish Works
This crockpot chicken and broccoli recipe checks all the boxes: it’s healthy, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make. By using lean chicken breasts and fresh broccoli, you get a high-protein, fiber-rich meal with fewer calories than traditional takeout. The ginger-soy sauce adds depth without being heavy, while the honey balances everything with a touch of sweetness.
Variations You Can Try
- Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a squirt of sriracha for more heat.
- Different Veggies: Swap the broccoli for snow peas, green beans, or bok choy for variety.
- Protein Swap: Use chicken thighs for a richer flavor, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Low-Sodium Version: Opt for coconut aminos instead of soy sauce if you’re watching sodium levels.
Helpful Tips
- Use fresh broccoli instead of frozen for the best texture. If using frozen, add it in the last 30 minutes to avoid mushiness.
- Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry—it’s what thickens the sauce and makes it coat the chicken and broccoli beautifully.
- Meal prepping? Store leftovers in individual containers with rice or quinoa for ready-to-go lunches.
Nutrition Insights
Each serving comes in at about 421 calories, 46g protein, 9g fat, and 42g carbs, making it a balanced dinner option. The high protein content keeps you full, while the fiber from broccoli supports digestion. Plus, this dish reheats beautifully, making it a great candidate for meal prep.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking broccoli: Adding it too early can lead to mushy vegetables. Stick to the timing in the recipe.
- Not adjusting seasoning: Taste the sauce before serving. You may want to add more soy sauce, honey, or spice depending on your preference.
- Skipping the sesame oil: It adds a deep, nutty flavor that really ties everything together.
Conclusion
If you’ve been searching for healthy chicken and broccoli crockpot recipes, this version is sure to become a household favorite. It’s flavorful, filling, and easy to customize to your family’s tastes. Plus, the convenience of the slow cooker means dinner practically makes itself. Serve it with rice, sprinkle on some sesame seeds, and enjoy a cozy, wholesome meal that’s healthier than takeout.
Give it a try tonight, and don’t forget to share your experience—I’d love to hear how you made it your own!
