Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken is a cheesy, comforting slow cooker recipe that makes weeknight dinners stress-free and satisfying. With tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a velvety cheddar cheese sauce, this dish tastes like your favorite broccoli cheddar soup transformed into a hearty main course.
It’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare, all you need to do is load the slow cooker, let it work its magic, and come back to a cheesy, creamy chicken dinner. Perfect for busy families, cozy weekends, or even potluck gatherings, this recipe combines all the classic flavors of comfort food in one dish.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for juicier results)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
- Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Season with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Add Base Ingredients
- Pour cream of chicken soup and chicken broth over chicken.
- Stir lightly to combine.
Step 3: Slow Cook
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Step 4: Shred Chicken & Add Cheeses
- Remove chicken, shred with two forks, then return to crockpot.
- Stir in cream cheese and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
Step 5: Add Broccoli
- Stir in broccoli florets during the last 30 minutes of cooking so they stay tender-crisp.
Step 6: Serve
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Variations
- Rice Version: Stir in 2 cups cooked rice before serving for a complete meal.
- Pasta Bake: Mix with cooked pasta, top with extra cheddar, and broil until bubbly.
- Healthier Twist: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and cheddar.
- Bacon Upgrade: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top before serving.
Cooking Notes
- Fresh broccoli gives the best texture; if using frozen, add near the end.
- Chicken thighs add more flavor and stay tender in the slow cooker.
- Sauce thickens as it cools,add a splash of broth if too thick.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors meld.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
- Pair with garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Add a light side salad to balance out the richness.
Tips
- Shred chicken while it’s warm,it mixes into the sauce more easily.
- Use freshly shredded cheddar for smoother melting.
- Double the recipe for meal prep or larger gatherings.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.
Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 5–6 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, 6 servings)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 36g
- Sodium: 710mg
FAQs
Q1: Can I use frozen chicken?
- Not recommended, always thaw chicken before adding to the crockpot for food safety.
Q2: Can I substitute another cheese?
- Yes, mozzarella or Colby Jack melt well, though cheddar gives the best flavor.
Q3: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
- Yes, replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth.
Q4: How do I prevent broccoli from turning mushy?
- Add it only in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Q5: Can I turn this into a soup?
- Yes, add 1–2 extra cups of broth and reduce cheese slightly for a broccoli cheddar chicken soup.
Conclusion
Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken is a cheesy, hearty, and comforting one-pot meal that brings the flavors of broccoli cheddar soup into a full dinner. With tender chicken, melted cheddar, and fresh broccoli, it’s a slow cooker classic that’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to please the whole family. Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or cozy fall and winter evenings, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.