Imagine a dish that combines the bold, tingling spices of Szechuan cuisine with the tender, melt-in-your-mouth chicken and crisp broccoli - all prepared effortlessly in your slow cooker. This Slow Cooker Szechuan Chicken Broccoli is not just a meal; it's a culinary adventure that brings the vibrant flavors of Chinese cuisine directly to your dining table with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Szechuan sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by cutting chicken breast into even strips, approximately 1-inch thick, ensuring uniform cooking.
- Wash broccoli florets thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, Szechuan sauce, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Whisk ingredients together until well blended.
- Place chicken strips into the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer to promote even cooking.
- Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated.
- Cover slow cooker and set to low heat setting. Cook for
- 5 to 4 hours, allowing chicken to become tender and absorb sauce flavors.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets on top of the chicken, allowing them to steam gently.
- Check chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure complete cooking.
- Once done, gently stir to combine chicken and broccoli, coating with remaining sauce.
- Serve hot over steamed rice or cauliflower rice, garnishing with optional sesame seeds or green onions.
Tips
- Meat Preparation: Cut chicken into uniform strips to ensure even cooking and consistent tenderness throughout the dish.
- Sauce Intensity: Adjust the amount of Szechuan sauce to control spice levels. For those who love heat, add an extra tablespoon; for milder palates, reduce slightly.
- Broccoli Texture: Add broccoli during the last 30 minutes of cooking to maintain its bright green color and prevent overcooking.
- Temperature Check: Always verify chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety, using a meat thermometer for precision.
- Flavor Enhancement: For an extra depth of flavor, consider marinating chicken in the sauce mixture for 30 minutes before slow cooking.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or with a side of Asian-style slaw for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 85mg
