If you’re searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that practically makes itself, look no further than this Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and rich, melty cheese all gently cooked low and slow in the crockpot. This dish delivers warm, creamy flavors with minimal effort, making it a true weeknight hero. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping a cozy solo dinner, it’s a one-pot wonder that never fails to satisfy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each adding its own special touch to the overall flavor, texture, and hearty feel of the Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Recipe.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 1/2 pounds, cut into chunks): the star protein that becomes tender and juicy after hours of slow cooking.
- Broccoli florets (4 cups, fresh or frozen): these add vibrant color and a fresh, slightly crunchy texture balancing the creamy cheese.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): brings richness and a silky base to the crockpot mixture.
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup): helps keep the dish moist and infuses extra savory flavor.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): enhances the dish with a subtle, aromatic punch.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): provides just the right amount of mild heat and seasoning.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups, divided): creates that gooey, cheesy goodness that makes every bite special.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): brings extra creaminess and binds the ingredients beautifully.
- Cooked white rice (2 cups, optional for serving): a cozy, neutral base to soak up all the delicious sauce.
How to Make Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Main Ingredients
Start by placing the chicken chunks and broccoli into your crockpot. Pour in the condensed cream of chicken soup and chicken broth. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper over the top. Give everything a good stir so all the flavors start mingling early on. This easy base sets the stage for a seriously delicious dish.
Step 2: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken reaches perfect tenderness and the flavors are deeply melded together. The slow cooking time is what transforms simple ingredients into a comforting, cozy meal.
Step 3: Add the Cheeses for Creaminess
About 30 minutes before serving, add in the softened cream cheese and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir it all together until well blended, then cover again so the cheeses can melt smoothly into the sauce. This step is where the magic happens — turning the dish irresistibly rich and creamy.
Step 4: Final Touch with Extra Cheese
Just before serving, give the crockpot mixture one last stir and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese on top. This final touch adds extra cheesiness right before plating, making every spoonful so satisfying.
How to Serve Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh pop of flavor and color, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or a handful of sliced green onions over the top. These simple garnishes brighten the rich, creamy dish and add a lovely hint of freshness with every bite.
Side Dishes
This crockpot favorite pairs beautifully with fluffy white rice, which I highly recommend for soaking up the extra cheesy sauce. For a lighter, low-carb option, cauliflower rice works just as well. You can also serve with a crisp green salad or warm, crusty bread to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to switch things up? Try spooning the cheesy chicken broccoli mix over baked potatoes, or use it as a filling for warm tortillas or pita pockets to create hearty wraps. You could even layer it into a casserole dish with extra cheese and breadcrumbs on top, then bake it for a golden crust—a fun twist on the classic Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Recipe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, they’ll keep deliciously for 3 to 4 days, making for easy and tasty next-day meals.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. Stir occasionally to keep everything creamy and evenly heated. Adding a splash of broth or milk can help revive the sauce’s luscious texture if it thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli in this Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works great and can be added at the beginning with the chicken. If you prefer fresh broccoli with a bit more bite, add it in during the last hour of cooking to keep it crisp-tender.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can make some adjustments by using dairy-free cream cheese and shredded cheese alternatives. Just be sure they melt well to maintain that signature creamy texture of the Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Recipe.
Can I prepare this dish without the crockpot?
While the slow cooker really brings out the best in flavors and textures, you can simulate it by baking everything covered at 350°F in a casserole dish for about 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring halfway through. Just keep an eye to avoid drying out the chicken.
What are some good ways to add extra vegetables to the dish?
Feel free to toss in finely chopped carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms along with the chicken at the start of cooking. Just remember these might alter the overall cooking time slightly, so keep the crockpot covered and check for tenderness.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Certainly! While cheddar is classic here, swapping in Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a sharp gouda will add lovely variations. Just pick cheeses that melt well to keep the creamy consistency you expect.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Recipe is one of those gems you’ll turn to again and again when you want a fuss-free, comforting meal that feels like a big warm hug. Its creamy, cheesy goodness paired with tender chicken and vibrant broccoli makes it a true family favorite. Give it a try and let it brighten up your dinner routine—you won’t regret it!
Print
Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli is a comforting and easy-to-make slow cooker recipe that features tender chunks of chicken combined with nutritious broccoli and smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfect for a hassle-free weeknight dinner, it can be served over white rice or a low-carb alternative for a satisfying meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Chicken and Broccoli Mix
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
Cheese Sauce
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
Serving Option
- 2 cups cooked white rice (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: Add the chunked chicken, broccoli florets, condensed cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper into the crockpot. Stir gently to mix all ingredients evenly.
- Cook Slow and Low: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours, or alternatively on high heat for 2 to 3 hours. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked through and tender, and the broccoli is cooked to your liking.
- Add Cheeses: About 30 minutes before serving, add the softened cream cheese and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the crockpot. Stir well until combined and creamy. Cover again and continue cooking until the cheeses are fully melted and integrated into the mixture.
- Final Touch and Serve: Stir the cheesy chicken and broccoli mixture once more right before serving. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese on top as a garnish. Serve the dish warm over cooked white rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option if preferred.
Notes
- For a low-carb alternative, omit the white rice or substitute with cauliflower rice.
- If using frozen broccoli, add it at the beginning with the chicken for convenience. If using fresh broccoli, add it during the last hour of cooking to maintain a firmer texture.
