Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken: Cozy, Cheesy, and Effortless

If you love the cozy, indulgent flavors of broccoli cheddar soup, then you’re going to fall head over heels for Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken. It’s everything you want in a warm, cheesy, slow-cooked meal without the fuss.

This dish is perfect for:

• Busy weeknights
• Feeding a hungry family
• Meal prepping
• Cold-weather comfort food

If you’re a fan of slow-cooked chicken dishes, you’ll also love this cozy favorite from our recipe box, the Crockpot Marry Me Chicken with Creamy Sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken

This recipe is ideal for:

• Busy parents
• Budget-conscious cooks
• Meal prep enthusiasts
• Anyone obsessed with broccoli cheddar soup

And if you enjoy set-it-and-forget-it meals, this is just as simple as our flavorful Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole.

Ingredients Needed For Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy masterpiece:

Main Ingredients

• 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp chili powder
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• ¾ cup salsa verde
• ¼ cup water
• 1 cup milk (or heavy cream for richness)
• 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

Optional Garlic Thyme Butter Topping

• 3 tbsp salted butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves

For Serving

• Cooked rice or creamy polenta
• Crusty bread (for mopping up that creamy sauce!)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Layer and Cook the Chicken

• Add sliced onions to the bottom of your crockpot.
• Place chicken on top and sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
• Pour in salsa verde and water.
• Cover and cook:
  • LOW: 3–4 hours
  • HIGH: 1–2 hours

Step 2: Add the Creamy Goodness

• Once chicken is cooked, shred it slightly with two forks.
• Stir in:
  • Milk or cream
  • Cream cheese
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Broccoli florets
• Turn heat to HIGH and cook for another 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Thyme Butter (Optional but Delicious)

• In a small skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
• Add garlic and thyme and sauté until butter is golden and thyme is crispy (about 4–5 minutes).
• Drizzle over the finished chicken dish for added richness.

How to Serve Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken

Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken is a one-pot dream. But if you want to stretch it out or turn it into a full meal, try these ideas:

Serve Over:

• White or brown rice
• Creamy polenta
• Mashed potatoes
• Egg noodles

Low-Carb Options:

• Cauliflower rice
• Zucchini noodles
• Spaghetti squash

Toppings & Extras:

• Fresh basil or parsley
• Cracked black pepper
• Crumbled bacon
• More cheddar cheese (because why not?)

Want more ideas for cozy bowls? Try this Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl for a sweet and spicy twist on dinner.

Recipe Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some easy twists:

• Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce.
• Low-Fat Option: Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese.
• Vegetarian Twist: Swap chicken for canned chickpeas or tofu.
• Keto-Friendly: Skip the rice and use more broccoli or leafy greens.
• Extra Cheesy: Add mozzarella or white cheddar for a gooey stretch.

Instant Pot or Oven Version

Instant Pot:

1. Add onions and seasoned chicken to the pot with salsa verde and water.
2. Cook on High Pressure for 6 minutes.
3. Quick release, then stir in milk, cheese, and broccoli. Sauté for 6–8 minutes until creamy.

Oven-Baked Casserole:

1. Pre-cook chicken and broccoli.
2. Mix with cheese sauce in a baking dish.
3. Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes until bubbly.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This dish stores beautifully and is great for meal prep!

Fridge:

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer:

• Let it cool completely.
• Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months.

Reheat:

• Microwave on medium power, stirring halfway.
• Or gently warm on stovetop with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.

Looking for another great dish that freezes well? Check out our Easy Taco Soup.

Nutrition and Health Highlights

• Approx. 612 calories per serving
• High in protein from chicken
• Rich in calcium and vitamin C from cheese and broccoli
• Moderate in carbs (depending on how you serve it)

FAQs About Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Adding cheese too early (it can break)
• Overcooking broccoli (add it last!)
• Forgetting to season the chicken
• Not using enough liquid, don’t skip the salsa verde or milk

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a warm, hearty meal that’s both simple and satisfying, Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken is the perfect choice. This recipe delivers everything you love about comfort food, cheesy goodness, tender chicken, and wholesome broccoli, all made effortlessly in your slow cooker.

Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or just looking for an easy dinner idea, this Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite. It’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make with pantry staples.

Want more cozy meals like this slow cooker broccoli cheddar chicken? Browse our other easy dinner recipes and discover new family favorites.

Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken: Cozy, Cheesy, and Effortless

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• Author: MERIEM
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken is the ultimate cozy comfort food. Packed with tender chicken, rich cheddar cheese, fresh broccoli, and a creamy sauce, this slow-cooker recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping ahead.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
2 lbs boneless chicken breasts or thighs
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp chili powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
¾ cup salsa verde
¼ cup water
1 cup milk or heavy cream
8 oz cream cheese, cubed
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
3 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
Optional: 3 tbsp salted butter, 2 garlic cloves (minced), 1 tsp fresh thyme (for garlic butter topping)

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Instructions

Place the sliced onions in the bottom of the crockpot. Lay the chicken on top and season with garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.

Pour salsa verde and water over the chicken. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

Shred the chicken slightly using two forks, then stir in the milk, cubed cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese.

Add the broccoli florets and cook on high for another 15 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.

Optional: While the cheese is melting, make the garlic butter topping by browning butter in a small skillet with garlic and thyme until golden. Drizzle over the dish before serving.

 

Serve hot over rice, polenta, or mashed potatoes, and garnish with fresh parsley or cracked black pepper.

Notes

You can use frozen broccoli, just add it directly without thawing.
This recipe is flexible substitute chicken thighs for extra flavor or use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a lighter version.
Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 ½ cups (approximate)
• Calories: 612
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 880mg
• Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 48g
• Cholesterol: 155mg

Keywords: Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken, slow cooker chicken, cheesy chicken and broccoli