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Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Recipe

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4.3 from 53 reviews

This Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken recipe is a comforting and hearty slow-cooked dish featuring tender chicken breasts or thighs simmered in a rich, cheesy sauce with fresh broccoli, salsa verde, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for an easy, home-cooked meal with minimal prep and maximum flavor.

  • Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Protein & Vegetables

  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 3-4 cups chopped broccoli

Seasonings & Spices

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 clove garlic, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh thyme leaves

Dairy & Fats

  • 3/4 cup salsa verde
  • 1/2 cup milk or cream
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 6 tablespoons salted butter

Garnish

  • Fresh basil for serving

Instructions

  1. Layer Ingredients in Crockpot: In the bowl of your slow cooker, start by layering the chopped onion, then add the chicken breasts or thighs on top. Sprinkle the chicken evenly with garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, and season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Pour over the salsa verde along with 1/4 cup of water. Cover the crockpot with the lid.
  2. Slow Cook the Chicken: Cook the contents on low heat for 3 to 4 hours or on high heat for 1 to 2 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
  3. Add Cheeses, Milk, and Broccoli: Increase the heat on the crockpot to high. Stir in the milk or cream, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese until well combined. Add the chopped broccoli on top, then cover and cook for an additional 15 minutes or until the sauce turns creamy and the broccoli is tender.
  4. Prepare Brown Butter with Garlic and Thyme: While the chicken finishes cooking, melt the salted butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and fresh thyme leaves, cooking and stirring gently until the butter is browned and the thyme leaves are crisp, approximately 4 minutes. Remove from heat.
  5. Serve: Plate the creamy broccoli cheddar chicken, then drizzle the brown butter with garlic and thyme over the top. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy your comforting and cheesy slow-cooked meal!

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts depending on preference; thighs tend to be juicier.
  • Use full-fat cream cheese and cheddar for the creamiest results.
  • Feel free to adjust the salsa verde amount for more or less tang and heat.
  • If you prefer a less spicy dish, reduce or omit the chili powder.
  • For the best texture, add the broccoli towards the end to avoid overcooking.
  • This recipe can also be made using an Instant Pot with adjusted cooking times as described in the instructions.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://recipesvibe.com/crockpot-creamy-broccoli-cheddar-chicken-recipe/