This slow cooker chicken with sweet potatoes and broccoli is a comforting, hearty meal that's packed full of flavor. The combination of tender chicken, sweet potatoes, and broccoli cooked in a savory garlic and herb sauce makes it a perfect meal for any day of the week.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe should be readily available in your kitchen. The key is in the blend of spices, which includes paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. If you don't usually keep these on hand, they can easily be found in the spice section of your local supermarket. Another ingredient to be aware of is the chicken thighs. While you can substitute with chicken breast, the thighs have more flavor and stay juicy even after slow cooking.
Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli
Sweet potatoes: These root vegetables have a naturally sweet taste that contrasts well with the savory chicken. They also add a good dose of vitamins and fiber to the dish.
Chicken broth: This forms the base of our slow cooking sauce, providing moisture and flavor to the dish.
Garlic: It adds a depth of flavor and aroma to the dish.
Paprika: This spice gives a sweet-peppery flavor.
Brown sugar: It adds a hint of sweetness to balance out the spices.
Onion powder: It gives an extra oniony flavor.
Thyme and Rosemary: These herbs add an aromatic hint to the dish.
Cayenne pepper: Adds a spicy kick to the dish.
Chicken thighs: They have more flavor and remain tender after slow cooking.
Olive oil: Used for searing the chicken, which locks in the flavor.
Broccoli florets: They add a nice crunch and are a good source of vitamins.
One reader, Elinore Sprouse says:
This slow cooker chicken with sweet potatoes and broccoli recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are incredible, and the chicken is so tender. The sweet potatoes and broccoli complement each other perfectly. It's a wholesome and delicious meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. Highly recommend trying it out!
Techniques Required for Making Slow Cooker Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli
How to sear the chicken: In a large pot over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Dab the skin side of the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper. Sear the chicken in the hot oil, skin side down, until golden, about 4 minutes. This step helps to lock in the juices and adds flavor to the chicken.
How to check for doneness: To ensure the chicken and sweet potatoes are fully cooked, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should register at least 165°F to be safe to eat.
How to serve: Plate the chicken, sweet potatoes, and broccoli, and spoon a few spoonfuls of the sauce from the slow cooker over the chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
How To Make Slow Cooker Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli
Turn that simple chicken recipe into a highly delicious and unforgettable dish by adding heaps of broccoli and sweet potatoes. You’ll never enough of it!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2 ½lbsweet potatoes,peeled and diced into 1 1/4-inch cubes
- ¼cupchicken broth
- 1 ½tbspgarlicminced
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2tsppaprika
- 2tsppacked light brown sugar
- 1tsponion powder
- 1 1tspdried thymeor 1 Tbsp. fresh minced
- ¾ tspdried rosemaryor 2 ½ tsp. minced fresh
- ¼ tspcayenne peppermore or less to taste for desired heat level
- 6largechicken thighsbone-in, skin-on, trimmed
- 1 ½tbspolive oil
- 16ozfrozen broccoli florets
- Fresh parsleychopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
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Spray a 6-quart slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. Place sweet potatoes in slow cooker in an even layer, pour over chicken broth then sprinkle with half of the garlic and season with salt and pepper.
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In a small mixing bowl whisk together paprika, brown sugar, onion powder, thyme, rosemary and cayenne pepper. Sprinkle half of the spice mixture evenly over potatoes, set remaining aside.
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Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Dab skin side of 3 pieces of the chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
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Sear in oil, skin side down, until golden, about 4 minutes. Transfer to slow cooker over the sweet potato layer. Repeat with the remaining pieces of chicken.
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Sprinkle remaining spice mixture and garlic evenly over chicken, then cover slow cooker and cook on low heat until sweet potatoes are tender and center of chicken registers 165 on an instant-read thermometer.
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Add broccoli either during the last 30 minutes of cooking or steam in bag as directed on package, season with salt. Plate chicken, sweet potatoes and broccoli and serve with a few spoonfuls of the sauce from the slow cooker.
Nutrition
- Calories: 1196.20kcal
- Fat: 57.84g
- Saturated Fat: 13.93g
- Trans Fat: 0.21g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 28.17g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 10.80g
- Carbohydrates: 114.42g
- Fiber: 16.62g
- Sugar: 24.74g
- Protein: 56.97g
- Cholesterol: 243.63mg
- Sodium: 2447.92mg
- Calcium: 282.62mg
- Potassium: 2731.32mg
- Iron: 8.67mg
- Vitamin A: 3491.96µg
- Vitamin C: 101.01mg
Helpful Technique Tip for Slow Cooker Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli
When searing the chicken thighs, it's crucial to pat them dry with a paper towel before adding them to the hot oil. This removes excess moisture from the skin, allowing it to crisp up nicely in the pan. Also, don't move the chicken around while it's searing. Let it sit undisturbed for about 4 minutes to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust. This not only adds flavor but also locks in the juices, keeping the chicken moist and tender during the slow cooking process.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and measure out spices the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
Use pre-cut ingredients: Consider using pre-cut sweet potatoes and broccoli to save time on prep work.
Multi-task: While the slow cooker is doing its job, use that time to prepare other dishes or complete other tasks in the kitchen.
Invest in a slow cooker: A slow cooker can be a time-saving kitchen appliance, allowing you to set it and forget it while the meal cooks.
One-pot meals: Look for recipes that allow you to cook everything in one pot or slow cooker to minimize cleanup time.
Substitute Ingredients For Slow Cooker Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli Recipe
sweet potatoes - Substitute with butternut squash: Butternut squash has a similar sweet and nutty flavor to sweet potatoes and will hold up well in the slow cooker.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can provide a similar depth of flavor and works well with the other ingredients in the recipe.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic, providing a milder flavor and convenience.
paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a rich, smoky flavor that can enhance the dish in a different way.
light brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can add a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor similar to brown sugar.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and a high smoke point, making it suitable for cooking in a slow cooker.
frozen broccoli florets - Substitute with frozen cauliflower florets: Cauliflower can be a good substitute for broccoli, providing a similar texture and absorbing the flavors of the dish.
Presenting Slow Cooker Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli
Elevate the plating: When presenting this dish, focus on creating a visually stunning plate. Arrange the chicken, sweet potatoes, and broccoli in an artful and appealing manner, ensuring that each component is showcased beautifully.
Incorporate vibrant colors: Utilize the natural colors of the sweet potatoes and broccoli to add vibrancy to the plate. The contrast of the orange sweet potatoes and the green broccoli will create an eye-catching presentation.
Garnish with fresh parsley: Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness. The vibrant green parsley will enhance the overall visual appeal of the dish.
Balance the elements: Pay attention to the balance of the components on the plate. Ensure that each element is proportionally represented, creating a harmonious and visually appealing presentation.
Use high-quality serving ware: Select elegant and sophisticated serving ware to present the dish. Opt for minimalist designs that allow the vibrant colors of the food to take center stage.
Create a focal point: Arrange the chicken as the focal point of the dish, with the sweet potatoes and broccoli complementing it. This will draw attention to the main protein while showcasing the accompanying vegetables.
Emphasize the natural beauty of the ingredients: Let the natural beauty of the sweet potatoes and broccoli shine through. Avoid over-manipulating the ingredients and instead highlight their inherent appeal.
Consider negative space: Embrace negative space on the plate to create a sense of balance and elegance. Allow the empty space to enhance the overall presentation of the dish.
Essential Tools for Making Slow Cooker Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli
- Slow cooker: A slow cooker is an electrical appliance that cooks food at a low temperature over a long period of time. It's perfect for slow-cooking meats, vegetables, and stews.
- Large pot: A large pot is essential for searing the chicken thighs before adding them to the slow cooker. It's also useful for boiling, simmering, and cooking larger quantities of food.
- Instant-read thermometer: An instant-read thermometer is used to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it's cooked through. It's a crucial tool for food safety.
- Non-stick cooking spray: Non-stick cooking spray is used to prevent food from sticking to the slow cooker, making cleanup easier.
- Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is used to combine the spices and seasonings before sprinkling them over the sweet potatoes and chicken.
- Paper towels: Paper towels are used to pat dry the chicken thighs before seasoning and searing them in the large pot.
- Steamer: A steamer is used to steam the broccoli florets if not adding them directly to the slow cooker. It's a healthy way to cook vegetables while retaining their nutrients.
- Spoon: A spoon is used to serve the chicken, sweet potatoes, and broccoli, along with a few spoonfuls of the sauce from the slow cooker.
Storing and Freezing Slow Cooker Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli
- To store leftovers, allow the chicken, sweet potatoes, and broccoli to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- When reheating, ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.
- To freeze, place the cooled chicken, sweet potatoes, and broccoli in separate freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the containers with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal quality.
- To reheat from frozen, thaw the chicken, sweet potatoes, and broccoli in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat the chicken and sweet potatoes in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or in the microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally.
- Steam or microwave the broccoli until heated through and tender-crisp.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the entire meal in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How To Reheat Leftover Slow Cooker Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli
- To reheat leftover slow cooker chicken with sweet potatoes and broccoli, start by removing the chicken, sweet potatoes, and broccoli from the slow cooker and placing them in separate microwave-safe containers.
- For the chicken, sprinkle a little chicken broth or water over the top to help keep it moist during reheating. Cover the container with a damp paper towel and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through.
- To reheat the sweet potatoes, add a splash of chicken broth or water to the container and cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the sweet potatoes are hot and steamy.
- For the broccoli, place it in a microwave-safe container with a tablespoon of water. Cover the container with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap and microwave on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until the broccoli is heated through and tender-crisp.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the entire meal in a skillet on the stovetop. Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sweet potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through and slightly crispy on the edges.
- Next, add the chicken to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is heated through and the skin is crispy. If the chicken seems dry, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to the skillet to help keep it moist.
- Finally, add the broccoli to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is heated through and tender-crisp. Season the entire dish with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Interesting Fact About Slow Cooker Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli
The recipe includes sweet potatoes, a versatile root vegetable that is high in fiber and an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A and potassium.
Is Making Slow Cooker Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli Cost-Effective?
This slow cooker chicken with sweet potatoes and broccoli recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The combination of affordable ingredients such as chicken thighs, sweet potatoes, and frozen broccoli makes it a budget-friendly option. The use of a slow cooker also helps in tenderizing the meat, making it suitable for cheaper cuts of chicken. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-20, making it an economical and satisfying meal. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Is This Slow Cooker Chicken Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?
This slow cooker chicken with sweet potatoes and broccoli recipe is a healthy and well-balanced meal. Here's why:
- Lean protein: Chicken thighs provide a good source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.
- Nutrient-dense vegetables: Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins A and C, while broccoli is rich in vitamins C and K, as well as fiber and antioxidants.
- Low in calories: This recipe is relatively low in calories, making it a good choice for those watching their weight.
- Healthy cooking method: Using a slow cooker allows the flavors to develop without the need for excessive oil or fat.
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Opt for skinless chicken thighs to reduce the overall fat content of the dish.
- Increase the amount of broccoli or add other non-starchy vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to boost the fiber and nutrient content.
- Reduce the amount of brown sugar used in the spice mixture to lower the total sugar content.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt intake.
- Serve the dish with a side of quinoa or brown rice for added fiber and complex carbohydrates.
By incorporating these minor adjustments, you can elevate the nutritional value of this already healthy slow cooker meal, making it an even better choice for those looking to maintain a balanced diet without compromising on taste.
Editor's Opinion on Slow Cooker Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli
The combination of tender chicken, sweet potatoes, and vibrant broccoli in this slow cooker recipe creates a harmonious and satisfying dish. The blend of spices adds depth and warmth to the chicken, while the sweet potatoes provide a comforting sweetness. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a rich and flavorful meal. This recipe is a wonderful option for a hearty and nutritious dinner, and the ease of using a slow cooker makes it a convenient choice for busy days.
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Why trust this Slow Cooker Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli Recipe:
This recipe offers a delicious combination of chicken, sweet potatoes, and broccoli, providing a balanced and nutritious meal. The use of garlic, paprika, and thyme infuses rich flavors, while the slow cooking method ensures tender and juicy chicken with perfectly cooked sweet potatoes and broccoli. The inclusion of chicken broth adds depth to the dish, and the carefully selected spices and herbs guarantee a satisfying dining experience. Trust in this recipe for a wholesome and flavorful meal that will surely impress your taste buds.
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