Slow Cooker Orange Chicken and Broccoli is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken with a sweet, tangy orange sauce and fresh broccoli. The chicken simmers in the slow cooker with a flavorful sauce made from orange juice, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of honey or brown sugar for sweetness. As the chicken cooks, it becomes incredibly tender, absorbing the vibrant flavors of the sauce. The broccoli is added near the end, so it stays crisp and bright, balancing out the richness of the sauce.
I first made Slow Cooker Orange Chicken and Broccoli when I was looking for a no-fuss dinner that still tasted like something you’d get at a restaurant. The combination of the zesty orange sauce and the tender chicken was fantastic, and the broccoli added just the right amount of freshness. What I love most about this dish is how easy it is to prepare—just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work! Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a family dinner.
Perfect for:
- Busy weeknights
- Family dinners
- Meal prep
- Chicken lovers
- Citrus flavor fans
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why Slow Cooker Orange Chicken and Broccoli will quickly become a favorite at your dinner table:
- Perfectly Tender Chicken: The slow cooking process ensures the chicken is juicy and tender.
- Easy to Prepare: Just toss the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the work.
- Citrus Flavor: The bright, tangy orange sauce adds a refreshing twist to your chicken dinner.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with lean chicken and fresh broccoli, making it a balanced meal.
- Great for Meal Prep: This recipe keeps well in the fridge, perfect for making ahead.
- No Need to Watch It: Set it and forget it while the slow cooker works its magic.
- Customizable Sweetness: Adjust the level of sweetness in the sauce to match your taste.
- One-Pot Meal: The chicken and broccoli cook together, reducing cleanup time.
- Family-Friendly: A dish that both adults and kids will love.
- Quick and Convenient: Ready to serve with minimal prep and cooking time.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 4 hours (including slow cooking time)
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 3-4 hours on low or 2 hours on high
- Servings: 4-6 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 12g
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
For the Broccoli:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Highlights
- Orange Juice: The star ingredient for a bright, citrusy sauce.
- Soy Sauce: Adds a savory depth to the dish, balancing the sweetness of the orange juice.
- Honey: Natural sweetness to enhance the flavor of the orange sauce.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to a silky consistency.
- Fresh Broccoli: The perfect vegetable side to complement the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Chicken and Sauce:
- Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, and ginger.
- Add Chicken: Place the chicken thighs or breasts in the slow cooker.
- Pour Sauce: Pour the orange sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure it’s evenly coated.
- Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Prepare the Broccoli:
- Steam Broccoli: About 30 minutes before the chicken is done, steam the broccoli until tender but still bright green, or add it to the slow cooker for the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Season: Season the steamed broccoli with salt and pepper to taste.
Thicken the Sauce:
- Make Slurry: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to form a slurry.
- Add to Sauce: After removing the chicken, pour the slurry into the slow cooker and stir to thicken the sauce. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes until the sauce reaches a smooth, glossy consistency.
Serve:
- Shred Chicken: Shred the chicken using two forks and return it to the slow cooker, mixing it with the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the shredded orange chicken over the steamed broccoli, spooning extra sauce over the top.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Slow Cooker Orange Chicken and Broccoli:
- With Steamed Rice: Serve over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice for a complete meal.
- As a Bowl: Make an Asian-inspired bowl with rice, orange chicken, and broccoli.
- With Noodles: Pair with cooked noodles for a satisfying twist.
- With Sesame Seeds: Garnish with toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
- As a Meal Prep: Portion into individual containers for easy, grab-and-go lunches.
- With Quinoa: A nutritious alternative to rice, pairing well with the chicken and broccoli.
- With a Side Salad: Serve alongside a simple green salad for added freshness.
- With Steamed Vegetables: Complement the dish with additional steamed vegetables like carrots or snap peas.
- With Asian Pickles: Add a side of pickled vegetables for extra crunch and flavor.
- With a Drizzle of Soy Sauce: Add an extra layer of umami flavor with a dash of soy sauce before serving.
Additional Tips
- For Tender Chicken: If using chicken breasts, be sure to monitor cooking time closely to avoid overcooking.
- For More Sauce: Double the sauce ingredients if you like extra sauce to pour over rice or noodles.
- Adjust Sweetness: Add more honey or orange juice for a sweeter dish, or balance with a little extra soy sauce for a saltier profile.
- Use Chicken Thighs for Juiciness: Chicken thighs will stay juicier and more flavorful than breasts during the slow-cooking process.
- Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Recipe Variations
- Crispy Chicken: Sear the chicken in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker for a crispy texture.
- Add Pineapple: Include pineapple chunks for a tropical flavor addition.
- With Sweet Potatoes: Add cubed sweet potatoes to the slow cooker for a hearty addition.
- Vegan Version: Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version.
- Low-Sodium Version: Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the sodium content of the dish.
- Orange Ginger Sauce: Add extra grated ginger for a more intense ginger flavor.
- Orange Lime Chicken: Add lime juice to the sauce for a citrusy twist.
- Garlic Butter Version: Stir in a tablespoon of butter into the sauce for a rich, buttery finish.
- With Bell Peppers: Include sliced bell peppers in the slow cooker for a colorful addition.
Special Equipment
- Slow Cooker: The key to making this dish effortless and delicious.
- Steamer Basket: To steam the broccoli to perfection.
- Whisk: For blending the sauce ingredients together.
- Forks: To shred the chicken easily.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise ingredient amounts.
FAQ Section
- Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it may require additional cooking time. Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in the slow cooker, and store the meal in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, freeze the chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. - Can I use broccoli florets from frozen?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but fresh broccoli will provide better texture. - Can I skip the broccoli?
Yes, the recipe can be made without the broccoli. You can substitute with another vegetable like snap peas or carrots. - Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes, add chili flakes, fresh chili peppers, or hot sauce to the sauce for extra heat. - Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts work well, but be careful not to overcook them as they can dry out faster than thighs. - How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
Slow cooking on low will help keep the chicken moist. Avoid overcooking, especially if using breasts. - Can I use a pressure cooker?
Yes, use the pressure cooker function to cook the chicken in about 20-25 minutes. - Can I skip the cornstarch?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can use arrowroot powder or flour as an alternative.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Orange Chicken and Broccoli is a simple, flavorful dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with a tangy-sweet orange sauce and perfectly cooked broccoli. The chicken is slow-cooked in a sauce made with orange juice, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of honey or brown sugar, allowing the flavors to meld and infuse into the meat. The result is a rich, citrusy glaze that coats the chicken beautifully.
Toward the end of cooking, broccoli is added to the slow cooker, keeping it crisp-tender and vibrant. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or quinoa, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal. It’s an effortless way to enjoy takeout-style flavors at home, with the added benefit of using fresh, simple ingredients.
I can’t wait to see how your Slow Cooker Orange Chicken and Broccoli turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!