Irresistible Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Delight

Why Make This Recipe

If you are looking for a simple, delicious, and hearty meal that the whole family will love, look no further than this irresistible crockpot creamy broccoli cheddar chicken delight. This dish combines tender chicken breasts with fresh broccoli and rich cheddar cheese, resulting in a comforting meal that warms you up on a chilly evening. Utilizing a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it. You’ll come home to a wonderful aroma and a meal that’s ready to go.

This recipe is perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekends. Just imagine throwing everything in the crockpot in the morning and then having a warm, creamy dinner waiting for you in the evening. It takes minimal prep time while delivering maximum flavor, making it suitable for both experienced cooks and kitchen novices.

Moreover, this dish is not only delightful but also customizable. With simple ingredient swaps or additions, you can cater it to your family’s tastes. Plus, it packs a nutritious punch with lean protein from chicken and vibrant green broccoli. It’s so good, you will want to make it again and again!

How to Make Irresistible Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Delight

Making this mouthwatering dish is easy and straightforward. Just follow these steps for a delicious meal that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

To prepare your creamy broccoli cheddar chicken delight, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 lbs Chicken Breast: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the best results.
• 4 cups Broccoli Florets: Fresh broccoli works great, but you can also use frozen if that’s what you have on hand.
• 2 cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded: Choose your favorite sharp or mild cheddar cheese.
• 1 can Cream Soup, condensed: Any brand should do, but make sure it is a cream of chicken or celery.
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder: This will add a lovely depth of flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Onion Powder: Adds a hint of sweetness and enhances the taste.
• Salt and Pepper, to taste: Always adjust seasonings to your preference.
• 1 cup Chicken Broth: You can use low-sodium broth or homemade if available.

Directions

Follow these simple directions to make your creamy broccoli cheddar chicken delight:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by placing two pounds of chicken breasts into your slow cooker. Make sure they are evenly spaced to cook thoroughly. This will ensure that each piece of chicken absorbs all those wonderful flavors.

2. Add the Soup: Next, open your can of condensed cream soup and pour it over the chicken. Make sure to spread the soup evenly across the chicken. This will help keep it moist while cooking.

3. Mix in the Broccoli: Now, add the broccoli florets on top of the chicken. Distribute them evenly so that they can steam properly and become tender. Fresh broccoli will provide a delicious crunch to the final dish.

4. Season: Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over everything. This will infuse your chicken and broccoli with flavor as they cook.

5. Pour in the Broth: Carefully add one cup of chicken broth. This will help create steam in the slow cooker, ensuring everything cooks evenly and stays moist.

6. Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set it to low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours, depending on how much time you have. The longer it sits, the more tender the chicken will become.

7. Add Cheese: Once the cooking time is up, check that the chicken is cooked through. Using two forks, shred the chicken right inside the crockpot. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and becomes creamy. This step is crucial, as it transforms the dish into a cheesy delight.

8. Garnish and Serve: To finish, you can garnish the dish if you like. Some fresh herbs or a sprinkle of extra cheese always works well. Now, serve up this comforting meal and enjoy every bite!

How to Serve Irresistible Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Delight

Serving your creamy broccoli cheddar chicken delight can be done in various delicious ways. You can serve it over a bed of fluffy rice, pasta, or even mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. It also goes well with crusty bread for dipping.

For a lighter option, consider serving it alone in bowls accompanied by a side salad. The bright flavors of a green salad will complement the richness of the dish. If you want to keep it family-style, just place the crockpot at the dinner table and let everyone serve themselves.

Don’t forget to provide extra cheese or chopped herbs on the side for those who love a little extra flavor. This can make the meal even more enjoyable!

How to Store Irresistible Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Delight

If you find yourself with leftovers from this delicious meal, you can easily store them for later enjoyment. Start by letting the dish cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’s best to do this within two hours of cooking to keep the food safe.

You can store it in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. When reheating, make sure to warm it up thoroughly. The microwave or stovetop will both work well, but adding a splash of chicken broth can help bring back its creamy texture.

If you want to keep it for even longer, consider freezing your leftovers. Place them in a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible. When stored properly, it can last in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to eat your frozen leftovers, just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This will help maintain the taste and texture of the dish!

Tips to Make Irresistible Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Delight

• Chicken Options: Feel free to swap the chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer dark meat. They add a different flavor and remain moist during cooking.
• Cheese Choices: While cheddar is delicious, you can combine it with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or even a spicy pepper jack for a kick.
• Additions: Consider adding other vegetables like carrots, peas, or bell peppers. Just make sure they are cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
• Spice Level: If you like your dishes with a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to spice things up.
• Thickening: If you desire a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and add it to the dish during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Variation

You can easily turn this creamy dish into a pasta bake. Just cook your favorite pasta separately, then stir the cooked pasta into the crockpot before adding the cheese. Mix it together well and let it heat through. Then, transfer it to a baking dish and top with breadcrumbs before broiling for a few minutes to get a crispy top.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken breast?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken in this recipe. However, you may need to add additional cooking time, as frozen chicken takes longer to cook.

2. Is there an alternative to cream soup?
You can substitute with a homemade white sauce or a dairy-free equivalent if you need a creamy base without the canned soup.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare all the ingredients the night before and keep them in the fridge. In the morning, just throw everything into the slow cooker.

With these tips and variations, you’re ready to create your own comforting, family-friendly meal with this irresistible crockpot creamy broccoli cheddar chicken delight! Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Delight

A simple and hearty crockpot meal combining tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and rich cheddar cheese, perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekends.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 lbs Chicken Breast, boneless and skinless
• 4 cups Broccoli Florets Fresh or frozen
• 2 cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded Sharp or mild
• 1 can Cream Soup, condensed Cream of chicken or celery
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
• Salt and Pepper, to taste
• 1 cup Chicken Broth Low-sodium or homemade

Method

 

Preparation

1. Start by placing two pounds of chicken breasts into your slow cooker. Make sure they are evenly spaced to cook thoroughly.
2. Open your can of condensed cream soup and pour it over the chicken. Spread the soup evenly across the chicken.
3. Add the broccoli florets on top of the chicken. Distribute them evenly.
4. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over everything.
5. Carefully add one cup of chicken broth.

Cooking

1. Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set it to low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours.
2. Once the cooking time is up, shred the chicken right inside the crockpot using two forks. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts.

Serving

1. Garnish the dish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of extra cheese if desired, and serve hot.

Notes

Feel free to swap chicken breasts for thighs. You can also combine cheddar with other cheeses or add additional vegetables like carrots and bell peppers. For thicker sauce, add cornstarch mixed with water during the last 30 minutes of cooking.