If you’re craving a cozy, flavor-packed dinner that basically makes itself, you’re going to adore Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli. This ultra-comforting casserole brings together juicy chicken, vibrant broccoli, and melty cheddar in a creamy sauce that’ll win over even the pickiest eater. Best of all, it’s a one-pot slow cooker recipe that manages to be both luxuriously cheesy and delightfully healthy, making it the kind of dish that sneaks its way onto your regular dinner rotation without breaking a sweat.

Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli lies in its simple, no-fuss ingredients. Each item serves a crucial role, whether it’s adding richness, heartiness, or that irresistibly gooey cheese pull.

Chicken breasts: Lean and tender, these soak up all the delicious flavors in the slow cooker.
Fresh broccoli florets: They add gorgeous color, freshness, and a dose of nutrients.
Condensed cream of chicken soup: This classic shortcut creates a luxuriously creamy base for the sauce.
Sour cream: It brings a gentle tang and silkiness that elevates the dish.
Milk: Helps to thin the sauce just enough while keeping it rich and satisfying.
Garlic powder: For subtle, savory depth that underscores every bite.
Onion powder: Adds warmth and helps round out the flavors without the effort of chopping onions.
Salt: Essential for waking up all the flavors.
Black pepper: A touch of spice and balance.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Say hello to the star of the show, providing that gooey, melty, cheesy goodness.
Cooked rice (white or brown): The perfect base to soak up every bit of the creamy, cheesy sauce.

How to Make Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli

Step 1: Layer the Chicken

Start by placing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of a greased slow cooker. This ensures every bite is infused with flavor and that the chicken cooks evenly in all that creamy goodness.

Step 2: Mix Up the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This luscious sauce is the backbone of Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli, marrying all the flavors and textures as it bubbles away.

Step 3: Pour, Cover, and Cook

Pour your creamy sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, making sure each piece is fully coated. Pop on the lid and let your crockpot work its magic. Cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is beautifully tender.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. This step lets the meat soak up every drop of that sauce, transforming it into a fork-tender filling.

Step 5: Add Broccoli and Cheese

Stir in the fresh broccoli florets and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Cover the crockpot again and let everything meld together for another 20–30 minutes, until the broccoli is just tender and that cheesy component starts getting melty and irresistible.

Step 6: Finish with More Cheese

Right before serving, give everything a final gentle stir and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese across the top. Wait a few minutes for the cheese to melt into gooey perfection, then serve your Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli piping hot over a bed of fluffy cooked rice.

How to Serve Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli

Garnishes

A little sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top adds not only color but a burst of brightness that pairs beautifully with the rich, cheesy sauce. You could also add a dash of extra black pepper or a tiny drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick.

Side Dishes

Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli is a meal in itself, but if you want to round out your table, consider serving it alongside some warm garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted carrots for a hit of sweetness. These sides add color, crunch, and just the right contrast to the richness of the main dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party twist, serve the cheesy chicken broccoli mixture in individual bread bowls or let guests build their own bowl over rice, quinoa, or even baked potatoes. Leftovers make killer cheesy chicken wraps or even a fun filling for stuffed bell peppers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as they sit, so you might find the dish even tastier the next day! Just be sure to cool your Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli before stashing it away.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Let the Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli cool completely, then pack it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

Reheating

Warm leftovers in the microwave in 1-minute bursts, stirring between each, or gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Add a sprinkle of cheese on top before serving for that fresh-from-the-crockpot feel.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just toss frozen broccoli right in during the last 30 minutes of cooking. It will soften perfectly without getting mushy, making Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli even more weeknight-friendly.

Is there a way to make it lighter?

Yes! Substitute low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cheddar cheese, and use a low-sodium soup to lighten things up. You’ll still get the favorite flavors of Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli, but with a lighter touch.

What’s the best way to shred chicken for this recipe?

Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks for easy cleanup and maximum flavor absorption. The chicken should be so tender that it practically falls apart in the sauce.

Can I prepare Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble everything in your slow cooker insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, just set the insert in the crockpot and cook as usual. Don’t add the broccoli and cheese until 30 minutes before serving.

Which rice is best for serving?

Either white or brown rice works beautifully with Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli, but you can also serve it over cauliflower rice or even pasta for a tasty twist. The creaminess of the sauce soaks into any base you choose!

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli is such a tried-and-true favorite: it’s easy, soul-warming, and downright delicious. Whether you’re looking for a new family comfort food or just want a fuss-free meal to brighten up your week, give this recipe a try—your taste buds will thank you!

Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Recipe

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4.9 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli recipe is a comforting and delicious dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. Tender chicken, broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce come together in the slow cooker for a satisfying meal that is sure to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients

Scale

For the dish:

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups cooked white or brown rice (for serving)

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Instructions

Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of a greased crockpot.
Make the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours until the chicken is tender.
Add broccoli and cheese: Shred the chicken, then stir in the broccoli and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Cook for another 20–30 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
Finish and serve: Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and let it melt. Serve warm over cooked rice.

Notes

For added flavor, stir in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Frozen broccoli can be used—just add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American