Get ready for a rich, cheesy, and incredibly easy one-pot meal that will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation. This Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken is the definition of comfort food, combining tender, shredded chicken and perfectly cooked broccoli in a luscious, savory cheddar cheese sauce. It’s a true “set it and forget it” meal that requires just minutes of prep time, making it the perfect solution for a busy weeknight. Served over rice, pasta, or potatoes, this is a hearty and satisfying dinner that everyone will love.
Why This is the Ultimate “Dump and Go” Dinner
This recipe is a game-changer for easy, flavorful meals. Here’s why it’s so fantastic:
- Incredibly Easy: This is a true “dump and go” recipe. You simply layer the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it do all the work.
- Rich and Cheesy Sauce: The combination of condensed soup and a generous amount of sharp cheddar cheese creates a foolproof, savory, and wonderfully creamy sauce.
- Tender, Flavorful Chicken: The chicken becomes incredibly moist and tender in the slow cooker, making it easy to shred and perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- A Complete and Hearty Meal: With protein and vegetables all in one pot, it’s a satisfying and easy dinner solution.
Your Simple Ingredient Checklist
This recipe uses a handful of simple, comforting ingredients for its signature cheesy flavor.
The Ingredient Lineup:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups of fresh or frozen broccoli florets
- 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can of condensed cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- Seasonings: 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
Step-by-Step Slow Cooker Instructions
Get ready for the easiest, cheesiest chicken dinner ever.
Part 1: Layer the Crockpot and Cook
- Layer the Ingredients: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the condensed cream soup over the chicken. Add the broccoli florets on top.
- Add Seasonings and Broth: Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the contents. Carefully pour in the chicken broth.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. The dish is done when the chicken is fully cooked through and tender.
Part 2: The Cheesy Finish
- Shred the Chicken: Once the cooking time is up, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. It should be very tender and pull apart easily.
- Make it Cheesy: Stir the shredded chicken into the sauce. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Serve Hot: Serve the creamy broccoli cheddar chicken immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What should I serve with this Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Chicken? This dish is incredibly versatile. It is fantastic served over a bed of fluffy white rice, egg noodles, or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all the delicious sauce. For a lower-carb option, it’s also delicious served over cauliflower rice or on its own.
2. Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts if you’re in a pinch. There is no need to thaw them first. Just place them directly in the slow cooker and add about an extra hour to the total cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.
3. Will the broccoli get mushy during the long cooking time? If you prefer your broccoli to be more crisp-tender, you can add it during the last 30-45 minutes of the cooking time instead of at the beginning. If using fresh broccoli, it will hold its shape better than frozen broccoli during the long cook time.
4. How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions gently in a saucepan on the stovetop over low heat, or in the microwave until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce as it will thicken upon refrigeration.
Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken
Equipment
- Slow cooker
- two forks for shredding chicken
- Mixing spoon
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 10.5 oz can condensed cream of chicken or mushroom soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Spread the condensed cream soup on top. Add broccoli florets on top of the soup.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Pour chicken broth evenly over everything.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Shred chicken with two forks directly in the slow cooker.
- Stir shredded chicken into sauce. Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
- Serve hot over rice, pasta, or potatoes.