Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli has become my go-to for those nights when I need a delicious meal without a lot of fuss. I remember the first time I made it; the aroma of savory chicken and melting cheese filled my kitchen, promising a truly comforting experience. It’s so easy to throw everything into the slow cooker, and the result is this incredibly creamy crockpot chicken broccoli cheese that my whole family devours. If you’re looking for an effortless yet satisfying dinner, this easy crockpot chicken broccoli cheese is a lifesaver. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli
This recipe is a winner for so many reasons! It’s incredibly flavorful, making it a crowd-pleaser for any meal.
- Amazing Taste: It’s packed with savory chicken, tender broccoli, and rich, melty cheese for pure comfort food bliss.
- Super Quick Prep: You can have this ready to go in just 15 minutes of prep time.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses common, affordable ingredients that are easy on your wallet.
- Family Favorite: Even picky eaters will love this creamy dish!
- Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy-ish Option: Loaded with protein and veggies, it’s a satisfying meal you can feel good about.
- Versatile: This slow cooker cheesy chicken broccoli is adaptable to your preferences.
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup makes this a dream to prepare and enjoy.
Ingredients for Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli
Gathering these ingredients is the first delicious step towards an amazing meal. I love that most of these are pantry staples, making this crockpot chicken broccoli with cheddar a go-to for busy evenings.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts – these cook up so tender in the slow cooker
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen) – fresh gives the best texture, but frozen works in a pinch!
- 1 medium onion, diced – adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – essential for that savory aroma and taste
- 4 cups chicken broth – the base for our creamy soup
- 1 cup heavy cream – this is what makes it luxuriously creamy
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – sharp cheddar is my favorite here for that classic flavor
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme – a little herb magic
- 1 teaspoon salt – to enhance all the flavors
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – for a touch of warmth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening) – if you like a really thick soup
- 2 tablespoons water (if using cornstarch) – to make a slurry
How to Make Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli
Getting this comforting meal on the table is surprisingly simple, making it a fantastic cheesy chicken broccoli slow cooker recipe for any night of the week. The slow cooker does most of the heavy lifting, allowing you to relax while the flavors meld beautifully.
- Step 1: Place the 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. This ensures they cook evenly and become wonderfully tender.
- Step 2: Layer the diced onion and minced garlic over the chicken. The garlic will become fragrant as it cooks, infusing the broth with its delicious aroma.
- Step 3: Pour in the 4 cups chicken broth, making sure the chicken is mostly submerged. Sprinkle the chicken and broth mixture with 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- Step 4: Add the 4 cups broccoli florets on top of the chicken and broth mixture. Don’t worry if it looks like a lot; it will cook down.
- Step 5: Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen, signaling that this cheesy chicken broccoli slow cooker recipe is almost ready!
- Step 6: Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot. Place them on a cutting board and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
- Step 7: Stir in the 1 cup heavy cream and the 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese. Stir gently until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is creamy and luscious. This is where the magic happens!
- Step 8: If you prefer a thicker consistency, mix the 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the crockpot. Continue to cook on high for another 10-15 minutes, or until the soup has thickened to your liking.
- Step 9: Give everything one final stir before serving. Enjoy the rich, cheesy goodness of your homemade Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli!
Pro Tips for the Best Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli
Want to elevate your slow cooker game? Here are a few tricks I’ve picked up that make this Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli absolutely sing!
- For the creamiest texture, ensure your dairy ingredients (heavy cream) are at room temperature before adding them.
- Don’t overcook the broccoli; add it during the last hour of cooking if you prefer it crisper.
- Shredding the chicken while it’s still warm makes it much easier to pull apart.
- Taste and adjust seasonings right at the end – a little extra salt or pepper can make all the difference.
What’s the secret to perfect Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli?
The secret to a truly perfect and simple cheesy chicken broccoli crockpot is using good quality cheddar cheese and not overcooking the broccoli. Shredding the chicken and stirring in the cream and cheese at the end creates that luxurious, creamy finish. For more tips on achieving creamy textures, check out this creamy polenta recipe.
Can I make Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can! For crockpot cheesy chicken broccoli for meal prep, you can assemble everything in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Just add it to the cooker in the morning. Cooked portions also store well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli?
A common pitfall is overcooking the chicken, which can make it dry. To avoid this, check it after 3 hours on high or 5 hours on low. Also, don’t add the cheese too early; stir it in at the end to prevent it from separating or becoming oily. Learning about proper cooking temperatures can help prevent these issues; you can find more information on food safety temperature zones.
Best Ways to Serve Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli
This comforting dish is so versatile, and I love finding new ways to enjoy it! When I’m wondering what to serve with crockpot cheesy chicken broccoli, I often think about what will complement its creamy, cheesy goodness.
- It’s fantastic on its own as a hearty soup, but I also love serving it over fluffy rice or with crusty bread for dipping.
- For a more substantial meal, consider pairing it with a simple side salad or some steamed green beans to add a fresh crunch.
- Sometimes, I’ll even stir in some cooked pasta or noodles right at the end for a complete one-pot meal that’s incredibly satisfying. Try it with shrimp alfredo for a different creamy pasta experience.
Nutrition Facts for Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli
This hearty and delicious meal offers a good balance of protein and vegetables. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving:
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
How to Store and Reheat Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli
This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli is fantastic for leftovers, making it a perfect option for an easy weeknight crockpot chicken broccoli cheese meal later in the week. Once it’s cooled down slightly, I like to portion it into airtight containers. It should stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days.
If you want to store it for longer, it freezes beautifully! You can keep it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to reheat is gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. Just add a splash of chicken broth or milk if it seems a bit thick after storing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli
Can I make Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli with rice?
Absolutely! To make a delicious crockpot chicken broccoli and rice cheese dish, you can add about 1 cup of uncooked white rice along with the chicken broth in Step 3. The rice will cook in the flavorful liquid. You might need to add a little extra broth, about 1/2 cup, to ensure the rice cooks properly and the dish remains moist.
What kind of chicken should I use for Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are my go-to for this recipe because they cook quickly and shred easily. However, you can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They tend to stay even more moist and tender in the slow cooker, though they might take a bit longer to cook through. For other chicken recipes, check out this baked lemon rosemary chicken.
My Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli is too thin, what can I do?
If your soup isn’t as thick as you’d like, don’t worry! The easiest fix is to use the cornstarch slurry as noted in Step 8. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth, then stir it into the crockpot and cook on high for another 10-15 minutes until it thickens. You can also try simmering it uncovered on the stove for a bit to let some of the liquid evaporate.
Can I use frozen broccoli in my Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen broccoli! Add it in Step 4, just like you would fresh broccoli. Keep in mind that frozen broccoli might become a little softer than fresh, so if you prefer a firmer texture, you can add it during the last 30-60 minutes of cooking instead.
Variations of Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli You Can Try
This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli is so adaptable, it’s almost like having multiple recipes in one! I love experimenting with different flavors and dietary needs, and this dish always delivers.
- Healthy Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Cheese: For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even a can of evaporated milk. You can also use a reduced-fat cheddar cheese. Adding extra vegetables like spinach or carrots boosts the nutritional profile even further.
- Low Carb Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Cheese: If you’re watching your carbs, this recipe is a dream. Skip the rice or pasta and load up on extra broccoli or cauliflower florets. You can also use unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a creamier, low-carb base.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño (seeds removed for less heat) along with the onions and garlic for a delightful spicy twist.
- Creamy Chicken Broccoli Casserole: For a thicker, casserole-like consistency, reduce the chicken broth by a cup and consider adding a can of cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup. This transforms it into a hearty cheesy chicken broccoli casserole slow cooker favorite. For another hearty casserole, try this cheesy hamburger potato soup.
Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli: Easy & Delicious
- Total Time: 6 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Soup is a comforting and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy cheese, perfect for a weeknight meal or casual gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water (if using cornstarch)
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic over the chicken.
- Pour in chicken broth, ensuring chicken is covered.
- Sprinkle with dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Add broccoli florets over the mixture.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
- Remove chicken, shred it with two forks, and return to the crockpot.
- Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- For a thicker soup, mix cornstarch with water, add to the crockpot, stir, and cook for 10-15 minutes more.
- Stir once more before serving.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh broccoli.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference.
- Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda.
- Add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or spinach.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth for reduced sodium intake.
- For a spicy version, add jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
- Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
- Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or basil at the end.
- For a low-carb option, use unsweetened almond milk and cauliflower.
- Add cooked pasta or rice before serving for a heartier meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2-6 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Fat: 30g
- Protein: 30g