I love making this Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli recipe when I want a comforting meal with minimal effort. The chicken becomes tender and flavorful as it cooks slowly in a rich homemade teriyaki sauce, while the broccoli adds freshness and color to the dish. I enjoy serving it over rice for an easy dinner that tastes better than takeout.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like how simple this recipe is because the slow cooker does most of the work for me. The homemade teriyaki sauce creates a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, and the chicken stays juicy and tender throughout cooking. I also appreciate that this recipe is great for meal prep and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts
1 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup brown sugar
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons water
3 cups broccoli florets
Sesame seeds for garnish
Green onions, sliced
Cooked rice for serving

Directions

I place the chicken into the slow cooker.
I whisk together the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar in a bowl.
I pour the sauce over the chicken.
I cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours until the chicken is tender.
I remove the chicken and shred it with two forks.
I whisk the cornstarch and water together to make a slurry.
I stir the slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker and let it cook for another 10 to 15 minutes until thickened.
I return the shredded chicken to the sauce.
I add the broccoli florets and cook for another 15 to 20 minutes until tender.
I serve the chicken and broccoli over rice with sesame seeds and green onions.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours
Total Time: About 5 hours

Variations

I sometimes add sliced carrots, snap peas, or bell peppers for extra vegetables. When I want a spicier version, I mix in red pepper flakes or sriracha. I also enjoy using pineapple chunks for a sweeter tropical flavor. For a lighter option, I serve the chicken over cauliflower rice.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I reheat the chicken and broccoli in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. I sometimes add a splash of water if the sauce becomes too thick during storage.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken in the slow cooker?

I prefer thawed chicken for safer and more even cooking, but I can use frozen chicken if my slow cooker allows it.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

I simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make this recipe gluten-free.

What type of chicken works best?

I enjoy using chicken thighs because they stay extra tender, but chicken breasts also work well.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

I often mix the sauce ingredients the night before to save time the next day.

How do I keep the broccoli from getting mushy?

I always add the broccoli near the end of cooking so it stays bright and slightly crisp.

Conclusion

I love how easy and flavorful this Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli recipe is for busy days. The rich homemade teriyaki sauce, tender chicken, and fresh broccoli create a satisfying meal that I can make with very little hands-on effort. It is one of my favorite slow cooker dinners for both family meals and meal prep.