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Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken & Broccoli - Easy, Saucy, and Weeknight-Friendly

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 2 to 2.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (thighs stay juicier)
  • Broccoli: 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh is best; frozen works in a pinch)
  • Soy sauce: 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • Water or chicken broth: 1/2 cup
  • Brown sugar or honey: 1/3 to 1/2 cup, to taste
  • Rice vinegar: 2 tablespoons (or apple cider vinegar)
  • Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
  • Ginger: 1 tablespoon fresh grated (or 1 teaspoon ground)
  • Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon (optional but recommended)
  • Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons
  • Cold water: 2 tablespoons (for the slurry)
  • Red pepper flakes: Pinch, for gentle heat (optional)
  • Sesame seeds: For garnish (optional)
  • Green onions: Sliced, for garnish
  • Cooked rice: For serving (white, brown, or jasmine)

Method
 

  1. Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, water or broth, brown sugar or honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if using.
  2. Load the crockpot: Place chicken in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the top, making sure the chicken is mostly covered.
  3. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on Low for 4–5 hours or on High for 2.5–3.5 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  4. Steam the broccoli: About 20 minutes before serving, steam the broccoli until crisp-tender. You can also microwave it with a splash of water for 2–3 minutes. This keeps it bright and not soggy.
  5. Thicken the sauce: Remove the chicken to a plate and shred or slice. Whisk the cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry. Stir it into the liquid in the crockpot, cover, and cook on High for 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  6. Combine: Return the chicken to the crockpot and add the broccoli. Toss to coat everything in the sauce.
  7. Finish and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning—add a splash more soy sauce for salt, or a bit more honey/brown sugar for sweetness. Serve over rice and sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.