There’s something magical about slow-cooked meals, the kind that fill your home with the scent of warmth and patience. My love for this Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Chicken recipe began one cold evening when I was missing my nonna’s creamy soups. She always believed that a good meal didn’t need fancy steps; just love, time, and the right ingredients. So, I took her philosophy into my kitchen and created a dish that marries her simplicity with the cozy charm of a slow cooker. This recipe turns chicken, broccoli, and cheddar into a creamy, soul-hugging dinner that’s as comforting as a Sunday at home.
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Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Recipe
This Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Chicken checks every comfort-food box. It’s rich, cheesy, and effortlessly easy; perfect for busy days when you still crave a homemade meal. The chicken becomes tender as it simmers slowly in a velvety cheddar sauce, while the broccoli adds that earthy bite balancing the richness. If you loved my Broccoli Cheddar Soup, this will quickly become your next go-to. It’s also family-friendly, freezer-friendly, and a sneaky way to add veggies without complaints from picky eaters. And unlike complicated stovetop dinners, your slow cooker does the heavy lifting, you just come home to dinner ready to serve.
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Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Chicken
Tender chicken slow-cooked in a rich cheddar sauce with broccoli; a cozy, creamy meal that’s simple and satisfying.
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
4 oz cream cheese
1 cup chicken broth
1 tsp minced garlic
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then place in crockpot.
2. Add chicken broth, garlic, and chunks of cream cheese.
3. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours.
5. Shred chicken, stir in broccoli, and cook an additional 30 minutes.
6. Serve warm over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
For a thicker sauce, add more cream cheese or reduce broth slightly.
Use frozen broccoli for convenience, but add it near the end to prevent overcooking.
Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Ingredients
The magic lies in simple, wholesome ingredients that turn into something extraordinary by the end of the day.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken breasts | 1.5 lbs |
| Fresh broccoli florets (or frozen) | 3 cups |
| Cheddar cheese (shredded) | 2 cups |
| Cream cheese | 4 oz |
| Chicken broth | 1 cup |
| Minced garlic | 1 tsp |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste |
You can also swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or Colby for a smoother, mild flavor. For more comfort-food ideas, check out this Creamy Garlic Chicken.
How to Make the Perfect Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Chicken
Making this slow cooker broccoli cheddar chicken couldn’t be simpler. Start by seasoning your chicken with salt and pepper. Place it in your crockpot, then pour in chicken broth and minced garlic. Add chunks of cream cheese and top with shredded cheddar. Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours, or until the chicken is fork-tender. Once done, shred the chicken directly in the pot and stir in your broccoli. Cook for an additional 30 minutes to let the flavors blend beautifully. The broccoli softens, and the sauce becomes thick, cheesy, and perfect over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes. For another cozy slow cooker dinner, try the Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies.
Tips and Variations
This recipe is wonderfully flexible. Add cooked bacon bits for a smoky twist or toss in a handful of shredded carrots for sweetness. For a thicker sauce, reduce the broth slightly or stir in an extra spoon of cream cheese at the end. Want to make it low-carb? Serve it over cauliflower rice or alongside roasted vegetables. To make this dish extra hearty, stir in cooked pasta before serving.
If you love slow-cooked flavor combinations, you’ll enjoy my Crockpot Pot Roast with Potatoes and Carrots, another comforting dinner that’s big on flavor and low on effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking so it doesn’t become mushy.
2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Thighs make it richer and juicier.
3. How do I thicken the sauce?
Remove the lid near the end and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes, or add a cornstarch slurry.
4. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Chicken is more than just a meal, it’s a reminder of how simple ingredients and a little patience can create something truly comforting. Whether you’re feeding your family or meal-prepping for the week, this slow-cooked classic never fails to please. For even more satisfying slow-cooker recipes, browse my Crockpot Recipes collection. From my kitchen to yours, may every spoonful taste like home.
Loved this recipe? Follow me on Pinterest for more comforting dishes and easy weeknight favorites you’ll want to save.
