If you’re looking for a dinner that wraps you in a cozy hug, look no further than this Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli. Creamy, melty, and packed with vibrant broccoli and tender chicken, it’s the kind of comforting one-pot meal that makes busy evenings feel like a treat. With just a handful of straightforward ingredients, you’ll get a hearty slow cooker dish that’s guaranteed to bring everyone back to the table for seconds. Trust me, it will quickly become a favorite in your easy dinner rotation!

Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps it simple, but each ingredient brings something special to both the flavor and texture of your Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli. From juicy chicken to gooey cheese, here’s what you’ll need, plus a few tips to get the most out of every bite:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (1 1/2 pounds): Go with what you love—breasts are lean, while thighs are extra juicy and flavorful!
Fresh broccoli florets (4 cups): Brings color, crunch, and a boost of nutrients; cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): Adds easy, savory creaminess; feel free to use a reduced-sodium version if you prefer.
Milk (1 cup): Thins out the sauce just enough for perfect consistency.
Sour cream (1/2 cup): Delivers tang and richness, making the cheesy sauce ultra luscious.
Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups, divided): Use most in the sauce for flavor throughout, then sprinkle the rest on top for gooey, melty bliss.
Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Simple, but essential for depth of flavor.
Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): You’ll taste the cozy, savory undertone this adds.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Adjust to your liking, especially if you’re using a low-sodium soup.
Cooked rice (2 cups, for serving): The perfect hearty base to soak up all that creamy, cheesy sauce.
Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Sprinkling on top adds a pop of color and a breath of freshness.

How to Make Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli

Step 1: Layer the Chicken

Start by laying your chicken breasts or thighs right in the bottom of your crockpot. There’s no need to cut them beforehand—just let the slow cooker do its magic! Arranging them in a single layer helps them cook evenly and makes shredding easier later on.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Cheesy Sauce

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk it all together until it’s smooth and velvety. This sauce is what transforms classic chicken and broccoli into decadent Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli.

Step 3: Pour and Slow Cook

Pour that dreamy sauce all over the chicken, using a spatula to make sure everything is good and coated. Pop the lid on and set your slow cooker to low for 4-5 hours or high for 2.5-3 hours. The aroma that fills your kitchen will be the first hint of how delicious this meal will be.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Once the cooking time is up and your chicken is tender, carefully remove the lid and use two forks to shred the chicken right in the crockpot. It should come apart easily and soak up all that cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Add the Broccoli

Stir in the fresh broccoli florets, making sure they’re well submerged in the sauce. Pop the lid back on and turn the setting to high, then let everything cook for another 20-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the broccoli is just tender but still bright green—no mushy veggies here!

Step 6: Finish with More Cheese

Give the mix a good stir, then sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese right on top. Let it sit for a few minutes with the lid back on or just until that final layer of cheese is melted and irresistible. Now your Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli is ready to be served!

How to Serve Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli

Garnishes

Don’t skip the finishing touches! A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley does wonders for color and adds just the right touch of freshness to balance out all that creamy cheese. Add a little more pepper or a dash of red pepper flakes if you love a slight kick.

Side Dishes

This dish is truly a full meal on its own, especially when served over steaming hot rice. But if you’re feeding a crowd or just love variety, pair it with crusty garlic bread, a crisp garden salad, or even roasted veggies for a bit of extra color and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

While serving Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli over rice is classic and comforting, try spooning it into baked potatoes, ladling it over cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option, or even serving it in bread bowls for a fun (and edible) twist. Leftovers also make fantastic lunches stuffed into wraps or used as a creamy topping for nachos!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any cooled Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli leftovers into airtight containers and pop them in the fridge. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 4 days, and the flavors might even get better as they mingle!

Freezing

This meal freezes like a dream. Portion leftovers into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. For best texture, freeze before adding the broccoli—or use slightly undercooked broccoli, as it will soften a bit more after thawing.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally to make sure the cheese gets melty again. If using frozen portions, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just add the frozen broccoli toward the end as directed, but check for doneness a little earlier—it cooks faster than fresh, so keep an eye on the texture.

Is it possible to make Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup and double-check that your other ingredients, especially the rice and spices, are gluten-free as well.

What kind of cheese works best for this recipe?

Cheddar is classic and gives this meal its signature flavor and melt, but feel free to experiment with blends like Monterey jack or Colby for a little twist.

Can I assemble everything in advance and start the slow cooker later?

You sure can! Layer all ingredients (except the broccoli and last bit of cheese) in your slow cooker insert and refrigerate overnight. The next day, just pop it into the cooker, add a few extra minutes of cook time, and finish the recipe as usual.

What can I use instead of rice for serving?

If you’re out of rice or want something different, serve Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli over noodles, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or even cauliflower rice. It’s a flexible base-friendly dish!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving comfort, convenience, and a cheesy finish, you’ll absolutely love making this Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli. It’s the kind of recipe that brings everyone to the table with a smile, and it’s so flexible you can make it your own every time you cook. I can’t wait for you to give it a try—let me know how you serve it up!

Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Recipe

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4.8 from 7 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 delicious and easy one-pot meal that the whole family will love. Tender chicken cooked in a creamy, cheesy sauce with fresh broccoli, served over rice and garnished with parsley.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Broccoli:

4 cups fresh broccoli florets

Sauce:

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup milk
1/2 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste

Additional:

2 cups cooked rice (for serving)
Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

Place Chicken in Crockpot: Put the chicken in the bottom of the crockpot.
Make Sauce: Whisk together cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Pour over the chicken.
Cook Chicken: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2.5-3 hours until chicken is tender.
Add Broccoli: Shred the chicken, stir in broccoli florets, and cook for another 20-30 minutes until broccoli is tender.
Finish and Serve: Stir everything, top with remaining cheddar cheese, let it melt, and serve hot over rice. Garnish with parsley.

Notes

For added texture, stir in cooked rice at the end instead of serving it underneath.
You can substitute fresh broccoli with frozen, but reduce the second cook time slightly to avoid overcooking.

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