Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe by Pioneer Woman for Busy Nights

Slow cooker chicken and broccoli cascades into a culinary symphony that beckons hungry souls with its irresistible charm.

This effortless recipe whispers comfort through every tender morsel and vibrant floret.

Aromatic spices dance alongside succulent chicken, weaving a tapestry of flavor that elevates ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Protein-packed and nutritionally balanced, the dish promises a delightful escape from mundane meal preparations.

Each ingredient sings its own note, creating a harmonious melody that dances across taste buds.

The slow cooker works its magic, transforming simple components into a luxurious feast that feels like a warm, delicious embrace.

Unleash this weeknight wonder and watch your dinner table come alive with excitement and satisfaction.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 5 hours

Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 4

What You’ll Need for Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken And Broccoli

• Garlic: Choose fresh, firm cloves without green sprouts for intense flavor.
• Ginger: Select plump, smooth roots with tight skin and minimal fibrous parts.
• Soy Sauce: Look for authentic, traditionally brewed varieties with rich umami profile.
• Honey: Opt for raw, unfiltered honey with deeper nutrient content.
• Rice Vinegar: Pick clear, bright liquid with balanced acidic notes.
• Ketchup: Select organic brands with minimal preservatives.
• Sriracha Sauce: Choose authentic Thai-style sauce with balanced heat.
• Sesame Oil: Seek cold-pressed, dark varieties with robust nutty aroma.
• Salt: Use fine sea salt for even distribution.
• Black Pepper: Grind whole peppercorns for maximum freshness.

• Chicken Breasts: Select boneless, skinless cuts with consistent thickness and minimal fat.

• Cornstarch: Use pure, non-GMO cornstarch for smooth texture.
• Cold Water: Filtered water ensures clean taste.
• Broccoli Florets: Pick bright green, compact clusters with firm stems.

• Green Onions: Choose crisp, bright green stalks with white tender bases.
• Sesame Seeds: Select raw, untoasted seeds for optional toasting.

• Brown Rice: Select whole grain, organic varieties with nutty flavor.

Tools to Cook Up Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken And Broccoli

• Mixing bowl: Medium-sized, perfect for blending sauce ingredients.
• Whisk: Essential for combining and smoothing sauce components.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure liquid and dry ingredients.
• Slow cooker: Large appliance for tender, hands-off cooking.
• Small bowl: Used for cornstarch slurry mixture.
• Two forks: Ideal for shredding cooked chicken.
• Cutting board: For chopping garlic, green onions, and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Needed for mincing garlic and chopping green onions.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps stir and mix ingredients in slow cooker.

How to Prepare Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken And Broccoli

• Craft The Flavor Foundation

Create a vibrant sauce by blending all the zesty ingredients in a mixing bowl. Whisk them together until they form a harmonious blend that promises mouthwatering deliciousness.

• Set Up The Slow Cooking Magic

Place chicken in the slow cooker and shower it with the prepared sauce. Make sure every inch of chicken gets a flavorful coating for maximum taste explosion.

• Transform Into Tender Perfection

Let the slow cooker work its magic on low heat. Cook until the chicken becomes so tender it practically melts in your mouth, typically around 3-4 hours.

• Elevate The Sauce Texture

Thicken the cooking liquid by stirring in a quick cornstarch mixture. Drop fresh broccoli florets on top to add a pop of green and nutrition.

• Final Flavor Fusion

Continue cooking until broccoli reaches a vibrant, crisp state. Shred the chicken directly in the cooker and mix everything together for a complete flavor experience.

• Plate And Celebrate

Serve the saucy chicken and broccoli over steamed rice. Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds for a restaurant-worthy presentation that will make your taste buds dance.

Smart Tips and Tasty Twists for Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken And Broccoli

Play with different hot sauces like chili garlic or gochujang for a unique heat profile that matches your spice tolerance.

Swap chicken breasts for thighs for a richer, more tender result that absorbs sauce more deeply and provides extra moisture.

Prepare the sauce and chicken mixture the night before, store in the refrigerator, and start slow cooking in the morning for an effortless dinner ready when you return home.

Leftovers can be stored in airtight containers for up to 4 days, making this recipe perfect for meal prepping and enjoying delicious lunches throughout the week.

Plating and Pairing Tips for Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken And Broccoli

• Elevate Your Rice Base: Swap traditional brown rice with jasmine or cauliflower rice for a delightful texture and flavor variation that adds excitement to your meal.
• Create Crunchy Toppings: Sprinkle crushed cashews or sliced almonds over the dish to introduce a satisfying crunch and nutty undertone that complements the tender chicken.
• Customize Heat Levels: Add extra sriracha or red pepper flakes for spice lovers, or keep it mild for those who prefer gentler flavors, making this recipe adaptable for different taste preferences.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Scatter fresh cilantro or Thai basil leaves on top to brighten the dish with a burst of aromatic freshness that cuts through the rich, savory sauce.

Storage Tips and Make-Ahead Ideas for Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken And Broccoli

• Preserve Flavor Freshness: Store leftover chicken and broccoli in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The sauce helps keep the meat moist and delicious.
• Batch Cooking Brilliance: Prepare double the recipe and freeze portions in sealed freezer bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a skillet or microwave for quick weeknight meals.
• Meal Prep Magic: Portion out individual servings with brown rice for grab-and-go lunches. These containers will stay fresh and tasty for 3-4 days, making busy mornings a breeze.
• Reheating Rescue: Warm refrigerated leftovers in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and maintain the chicken's tender texture.

Hearty Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken And Broccoli Recipe

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4.5 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken and broccoli slow cooker recipe brings comfort to dinner tables with minimal effort. Rich flavors blend seamlessly, providing hearty satisfaction you can enjoy without complicated preparation.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (907 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 4)
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
• 2 tbsps rice wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp Sriracha
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, minced
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• kosher salt, to taste
• black pepper, to taste
• cooked brown rice, for serving
• green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
• toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Sauce Preparation: Whisk garlic, ginger, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ketchup, Sriracha, and sesame oil in a mixing bowl until thoroughly blended, creating a vibrant and complex flavor profile.
2. Chicken Setup: Place chicken in the slow cooker, season with salt and pepper, then drench with the prepared sauce, ensuring complete coverage and deep marination for maximum flavor absorption.
3. Slow Cooking Process: Set slow cooker to low temperature and allow chicken to simmer and tenderize for 3.5 to 4 hours, developing rich, succulent textures and deep flavor layers.
4. Sauce Enhancement: Create a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with cool water, then gently incorporate into the cooking liquid to achieve a glossy, thickened sauce consistency.
5. Broccoli Integration: Add broccoli florets to the slow cooker, letting them cook and infuse with the sauce’s complex flavors for 45 to 60 minutes until perfectly tender-crisp.
6. Final Assembly: Shred or chop chicken, return to the slow cooker, and fold gently through the sauce to ensure uniform coating and flavor distribution.
7. Plating: Serve over steamed brown rice, garnish with green onions and toasted sesame seeds, creating a visually appealing and delectable meal presentation.

Notes

• Marinate Strategically: Allow chicken to absorb sauce flavors by letting it sit in the mixture for at least 30 minutes before slow cooking, enhancing overall taste depth.
• Control Sauce Thickness: Adjust cornstarch slurry gradually to achieve desired sauce consistency, preventing potential over-thickening or lumpy texture.
• Timing Matters: Add broccoli during the last hour of cooking to maintain its vibrant color, crisp texture, and prevent mushy vegetables.
• Flavor Boosting Tip: Toast sesame seeds briefly in a dry skillet before sprinkling to intensify their nutty aroma and elevate the dish’s complexity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg