Slow Cooker Chicken & Broccoli
This slow cooker chicken and broccoli is the ultimate crockpot hack! Tender chicken, a flavorful sauce, veggies, and totally gluten-free.
Table of contents
Why you’ll love this slow cooker chicken and broccoli
Is there anything better than a slow cooker meal on a busy weeknight? I love set-it-and-forget-it meals like my slow cooker Greek chicken, but of course, it’s even better when you have added veggies!
I have another recipe for chicken and broccoli, and though it’s delicious, it’s a bit more hands-on.
This slow cooker version is the best of both worlds… flavorful AND easy. Here’s why you’re going to love it…
- Quick and easy! From start to finish, this recipe is done with very minimal prep time and it’s totally hands off. No standing over a stove!
- Gluten and soy free. Traditional chicken and broccoli is made with soy sauce, which isn’t gluten-free. There’s no need to modify this recipe to make it gluten-free; it’s already done for you!
Recipe Ingredients
See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.
| Ingredient | What it does | Potential swap |
| Chicken breast | The main source of protein! | Chicken thighs. |
| Frozen Broccoli | A must if you’re going to be having chicken and broccoli. I use frozen because frozen broccoli is preblanched and has a better texture! I find it best to let it sit out for about 20 minutes before adding it to the slow cooker. | Fresh broccoli will also work |
| Carrots | This adds more veggies and texture to the recipe. | Another veggie like bell peppers. |
| Onion, garlic and ginger | This adds more flavor to the dish. | You can also use dried/powdered instead of fresh to add flavor. |
| Arrowroot starch | Helps to thicken the sauce. | Tapioca starch |
| Coconut aminos | This is the soy sauce substitute in the recipe! | You can also use a low sodium tamari. |
| Coconut sugar | This adds a hint of sweetness | Honey |
| Rice vinegar | This adds acid to the dish. | You can also use apple cider vinegar. |
How to make slow cooker chicken and broccoli
Here are the simple steps, with photos, to make this recipe. Find full instructions in the recipe card.
Step one. Whisk together the ingredients for the sauce.
Step two. Add the chicken and carrots to the slow cooker and pour over the sauce.
Step three. Cover and cook on low to cook the chicken through.
Step four. Add the broccoli and cover for another 30 minutes or so.
Step five. Thicken the sauce with arrowroot starch and add the green onion.
Step six. Serve with a side of rice or cauliflower rice!
Michelle’s tips & tricks
- Check the broccoli for tenderness. I find that everyone has a very different preference for broccoli when it comes to meals like this! I like mine a touch softer, and others like it to still have more of a bite to it. Check your broccoli around the 20 minute mark to see how it’s progressing, and adjust your cook time from there!
- Use an instant-read thermometer. This will ensure that your chicken is cooked to a safe temperature!
- Cut your chicken into uniform pieces. Uneven pieces will risk some chicken being over/undercooked. Make sure they’re all the same size!
Can you safely cook raw chicken and broccoli together?
Yes, it’s perfectly safe to cook raw chicken and broccoli together in the same slow cooker. The key is to cook everything up to the safe temperature of 165F. You can always use a meat thermometer to confirm!
How long does it take to cook cubed chicken in a slow cooker?
The time varies depending on both temperature and the thickness of your chicken. For whole chicken breast, it will take 3-4 hours on high, or 6-7 hours on low. However, cubed chicken will take less time for a total of around 3-4 hours, depending on how small it’s cubed. I always recommend using a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken is cooked to 165°F!
More gluten free slow cooker recipes to try…
- Slow Cooker Greek Chicken
- The Easiest Multi-Purpose Slow Cooker Shredded Beef
- Slow Cooker Orange Beef
If you tried this Slow Cooker Chicken & Broccoli or any other recipe on my blog please leave a star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks for visiting!
Slow Cooker Chicken & Broccoli
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Ingredients
For the sauce
- ½ cup coconut aminos
- ⅓ cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp coconut sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tsp rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 thumb ginger, grated
For the chicken and broccoli
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1 tsp avocado oil
- Salt and pepper
- 2 carrots, cut on a diagonal
- ¼ yellow onion, sliced thin
- 2 cups broccoli florets, frozen (see notes)
- 1 tbsp arrowroot starch
- 2 tbsp green onion, chopped
Equipment
Instructions
- To prepare the sauce, whisk all of the ingredients together and set aside.
- Lightly spray or brush the interior of your slow cooker with oil.
- Add the chicken breast, carrots, and onion. Season with salt and pepper and add 1 tsp of avocado oil. Toss to coat.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables and cover the slow cooker for 3.5-4 hours on low.
- Remove the lid and add the broccoli florets. Whisk the arrowroot starch with about 1 tbsp of water (or chicken broth) and add it to the slow cooker. Lightly stir and cover for 30 minutes to allow the broccoli to soften and the sauce to thicken.
- Remove the lid and gently stir to coat the chicken and vegetables in the sauce, adding more arrowroot and water mixture if a thicker sauce is desired. Use a thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken is 165 F.
- Serve the chicken and broccoli with a side or rice or cauliflower rice and top with green onion!
Thank you for sharing this recipe
Can you make this in an instant pot? I no longer have a slow cooker.