Imagine coming home after a long day to a kitchen filled with the mouthwatering aroma of tender, perfectly seasoned chicken swimming in a creamy, cheesy sauce, with vibrant broccoli florets that practically melt in your mouth. This Creamy Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli recipe isn't just another dinner—it's a lifesaver for busy families, meal preppers, and anyone craving a delicious, hassle-free meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Get ready to transform your weeknight dinners from mundane to magnificent with this incredibly easy, one-pot wonder that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breast
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by patting them dry with paper towels and seasoning generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both sides.
- Lightly spray the inside of your 6-quart crockpot with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts flat on the bottom of the crockpot, creating a single layer without overlapping.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup and chicken broth until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the soup mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are mostly covered.
- Cover the crockpot and set to cook on LOW heat for 3-4 hours, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, add fresh broccoli florets on top of the chicken, allowing them to steam gently.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken and broccoli during the final 10-15 minutes of cooking.
- Once cooking is complete, carefully remove chicken and shred using two forks, then return to the crockpot and mix with the sauce and broccoli.
- Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.
- Serve hot, optionally over rice or with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.
Tips
- For extra flavor, consider seasoning your chicken with additional herbs like dried thyme or rosemary.
- Use fresh broccoli florets for the best texture and nutrition; frozen can work in a pinch but may become softer.
- To prevent dry chicken, avoid overcooking and use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature.
- For a lighter version, substitute cream of chicken soup with low-fat cream of chicken or Greek yogurt.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with the chicken broth before adding to the crockpot.
- Let the dish rest after cooking to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to fully develop.
- For added nutrition, you can include other vegetables like cauliflower or carrots alongside the broccoli.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 293kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
