If you are craving a comforting and flavorful dinner that practically cooks itself, let me introduce you to the Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Recipe. This dish combines the creamy richness of cheddar cheese and cream cheese with tender chicken and vibrant broccoli, all infused with aromatic herbs and a hint of spice. It’s a comforting meal that brings together simple ingredients to create an irresistible, cozy plate perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients ensures that every bite of your Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Recipe is full of flavor, creaminess, and a lovely balance of textures and colors.
- Yellow onion: Adds a natural sweetness and depth when slow-cooked beneath the chicken.
- Chicken breasts or thighs (2 pounds): The heart of the dish, providing tender, juicy protein.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses savory notes that complement the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a hint of smoky warmth and lovely color to the chicken.
- Chili powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives just the right touch of subtle heat without overwhelming the creaminess.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- Salsa verde (3/4 cup): Brings a tangy, slightly spicy twist that brightens up the dish.
- Milk or cream (1/2 cup): Creates the luscious base for the sauce, enriching every bite.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, room temperature): Adds the signature creamy, smooth texture that holds everything together.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Gives that bold, cheesy flavor and gooey texture that makes this dish irresistible.
- Chopped broccoli (3–4 cups): Provides vibrant color and a satisfying crunch, making it deliciously wholesome.
- Salted butter (6 tablespoons): Used to make the browning butter topping that elevates the dish with nutty richness.
- Chopped garlic (1 clove): Fresh and aromatic, perfect for infusing the brown butter.
- Fresh thyme leaves (1/4 cup): Adds herby brightness, especially when crisped in the brown butter.
- Fresh basil: A garnish that brings a fresh, peppery note to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Layer and Season the Ingredients
Start by placing the chopped yellow onion in the bottom of your slow cooker. Then, arrange the chicken breasts or thighs evenly on top. Sprinkle the chicken with garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, and season generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Pour the salsa verde over everything along with 1/4 cup of water, which helps keep the chicken moist as it cooks and blends the flavors.
Step 2: Slow Cook the Chicken
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, or if you’re short on time, cook on high for 1 to 2 hours. During this time, the chicken will become incredibly tender, soaking up all those lovely spices and salsa verde, creating a flavorful base for your creamy sauce.
Step 3: Add Cream Cheese, Cheddar, Milk, and Broccoli
Once the chicken is cooked, turn the heat to high. Stir in the milk, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese until the mixture becomes luxuriously creamy. Then, fold in the chopped broccoli and cover again. Let it cook for about 15 more minutes, until the broccoli softens just enough and the sauce thickens into the signature creamy cheddar sauce you’re craving.
Step 4: Prepare the Brown Butter and Herb Topping
While the cheese sauce is finishing, melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and fresh thyme leaves. Cook this mixture until the butter starts to brown slightly and the thyme crisps up—about 4 minutes. This brown butter drizzle will add a nutty, aromatic finish to your Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Recipe.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the creamy chicken and broccoli onto plates, then generously drizzle the brown butter and herb topping over the top. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, and dive into a meal that tastes like it took hours of care but was effortless to make!
How to Serve Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is a fantastic finishing touch for this dish, adding a pop of color and a fragrant, slightly peppery flavor that contrasts perfectly with the creamy cheddar sauce. A sprinkle of additional shredded cheddar or even some thinly sliced green onions can also brighten each bite.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or a warm crusty bread to soak up every bit of that creamy sauce. For a lighter balance, a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette can add refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing dinner, serve the creamy broccoli cheddar chicken over buttered egg noodles or creamy polenta. You can also stuff it into warm tortillas for a decadent chicken wrap, making for an easy and satisfying lunch or dinner option with all the flavors you love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making it perfect for next-day meals. Just give it a good stir before reheating to re-incorporate the creamy sauce.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Recipe for up to 2 months. To do so, allow it to cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Reheating
Reheat in a covered skillet over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Adding a splash of milk or cream can help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much in the fridge. Microwave reheating works well too—just cover and stir every 30 seconds for even warming.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs, but you will need to increase the cooking time by about 1 to 2 hours on low in the crockpot to ensure it’s fully cooked and tender.
Is there a way to make this recipe low-carb?
Absolutely! This dish is naturally low in carbs if you serve it without sides like rice or potatoes. You can also swap milk for a lower-carb alternative like unsweetened almond milk to reduce carbs further.
Can I substitute the cheddar cheese for another type?
You can try other cheeses such as Monterey Jack or Gruyère for a different flavor profile, but cheddar gives this recipe its classic tangy and sharp essence that’s hard to beat.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
To go dairy-free, substitute dairy-based cheeses and milk with plant-based alternatives like vegan cream cheese, vegan cheddar-style shreds, and unsweetened almond or oat milk. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes! The recipe adapts wonderfully to an Instant Pot. Cook the chicken and onion under high pressure for 6 minutes, then add the dairy ingredients and broccoli, switching to sauté mode until creamy and heated through. Finish with the brown butter and thyme topping just like in the crockpot method.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Recipe enough for those busy nights when you want a warm, hearty, and downright delicious meal waiting for you. It feels like a hug on a plate—comforting with delightful layers of flavor, creamy textures, and vibrant veggies. Give it a try; soon it will be your go-to recipe for effortless weeknight dinners that everyone will love!
Print
Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 to 4 hours (slow cooker low) or 1 to 2 hours (slow cooker high)
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes (slow cooker low)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender chicken simmered in a creamy, cheesy sauce with fresh broccoli. Infused with salsa verde and warm spices like garlic powder, paprika, and chili powder, it’s a perfect family-friendly dish that requires minimal prep and delivers delicious, melt-in-your-mouth results. Topped with nutty browned butter and fragrant fresh basil, it’s a hearty and satisfying dinner ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3/4 cup salsa verde
- 1/2 cup milk or cream
- 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3–4 cups chopped broccoli
- 6 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 clove garlic, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh thyme leaves
- Fresh basil, for serving
Instructions
- Layer and season chicken: In the bowl of your slow cooker, layer the chopped onion first, then add the chicken on top. Sprinkle the chicken evenly with garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Pour the salsa verde and 1/4 cup water over the chicken.
- Slow cook the chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1-2 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Add creamy ingredients and broccoli: Increase the heat on the slow cooker to high. Stir in the milk or cream, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese until well combined. Then add the chopped broccoli on top.
- Finish cooking the sauce: Cover and cook for an additional 15 minutes, or until the sauce is creamy and the broccoli is tender but still bright green.
- Prepare brown butter topping: Meanwhile, melt the salted butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and fresh thyme leaves. Cook for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the butter is browned and nutty and the thyme leaves become crisp.
- Serve and garnish: Spoon the creamy chicken and broccoli mixture onto plates. Drizzle with the browned butter and thyme mixture and sprinkle fresh basil on top. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Use either chicken breasts or thighs depending on your preference; thighs will be more tender and juicy.
- To make this recipe in an Instant Pot, follow the alternative method: cook on high pressure for 6 minutes and use the sauté function to finish the sauce and broccoli.
- For a richer sauce, use cream instead of milk.
- Fresh broccoli is preferred for best texture, but frozen broccoli can be used; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Brown butter and fresh herbs add a deep, savory flavor that really elevates the dish, so don’t skip this step.
