Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes! Just thaw it slightly first and add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Can I substitute the heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half for a lighter version, though it won’t be quite as rich.

What’s the best way to serve this dish?

It’s amazing over rice, egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or even with a warm baguette for dipping.

Can I make this with chicken thighs instead?

Absolutely! Thighs work wonderfully—they stay juicy and flavorful in the crockpot.

Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken: 3 Easy Steps

Description

This Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken is the ultimate comfort food — rich, cheesy, and incredibly easy to make. Juicy chicken, tender broccoli, and a velvety cheddar sauce come together in your slow cooker for a cozy, satisfying meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional: cooked bacon bits or a pinch of smoked paprika for extra flavor

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:
Place chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. Sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Add the Creamy Base:
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Drizzle olive oil on top, then stir in Dijon mustard.
Slow Cook:
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easy to shred.
Add the Broccoli:
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the broccoli florets. Cook until tender but still bright green.
Shred and Add Cheese:
Shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks. Stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Serve and Enjoy:
Spoon into bowls, top with extra cheese if desired, and serve with crusty bread, rice, or noodles for a complete meal.

Notes

For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Frozen broccoli can be used — add during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Add cooked bacon bits or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 410 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 520 mg
Fat: 27 g
Saturated Fat: 14 g
Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 8 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 34 g
Cholesterol: 130 mg