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Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken

Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken - featured image
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This Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken is the ultimate easy comfort dinner, featuring tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a velvety cheddar cheese sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy Sundays, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s naturally gluten-free and can be adapted for low-carb or vegetarian diets.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5–2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into large chunks or left whole
  • 3 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces (about 10 oz)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium or homemade)
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 cup milk or half-and-half (optional, for thinning sauce)
  • Extra cheddar cheese or chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cut chicken breasts into large chunks or leave whole for juicier results. Chop broccoli into bite-sized florets.
  2. Place chicken in the bottom of a 4–6 quart crockpot. Sprinkle with onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme (if using), salt, and black pepper.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, chicken broth, and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until mostly smooth (a few lumps are fine).
  4. Pour the creamy sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2.5–3 hours, until chicken is cooked through and shreds easily.
  6. About 30 minutes before serving, add broccoli florets and the remaining 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Push broccoli into the sauce.
  7. Cover and cook for another 20–30 minutes, until broccoli is bright green and just fork-tender.
  8. Uncover, stir well, and shred chicken if desired. Adjust seasoning and add a splash of milk or half-and-half if you prefer a thinner sauce.
  9. Serve hot in bowls or over rice, mashed potatoes, or cauliflower rice. Garnish with extra cheddar or parsley if desired.

Notes

For best results, add broccoli during the last 30 minutes to keep it crisp-tender and vibrant. Hand-shred cheese for a smoother sauce. Adjust sauce thickness with milk or broth as needed. Easily adapted for low-carb, keto, vegetarian, or dairy-free diets. Leftovers thicken in the fridge—add a splash of milk or broth when reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot, slow cooker, broccoli cheddar chicken, creamy chicken, comfort food, gluten-free, low carb, easy dinner, family meal

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/crockpot-creamy-broccoli-cheddar-chicken-best-easy-comfort-dinner/