Let me tell you, this Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Delight has been a game changer in my kitchen. As a mom of three with a bustling New York schedule, I love meals that practically cook themselves while still tasting like I’ve been in the kitchen all day. This slow-cooked favorite checks every box—creamy, cheesy, cozy, and oh-so satisfying. If you’ve got picky eaters or simply crave a warm dinner that makes the house smell like heaven, this one’s for you.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Delight
- It’s hearty enough to feed the whole family.
- Your slow cooker does most of the work while you go about your day.
- The combo of broccoli, cheddar, and chicken feels like comfort food in a bowl.
- It reheats beautifully, so leftovers are never a problem.
What Does Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Delight Taste Like?
Imagine the coziness of broccoli cheddar soup, then make it heartier with tender shredded chicken. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, with just the right touch of garlic and onion seasoning. Each bite feels like a hug in food form—especially when you ladle it over rice or serve with crusty bread.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Delight
One of my favorite things about this Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Delight is how it uses everyday ingredients that are easy to find, but when they come together in your slow cooker, the result tastes like pure comfort food magic. Let’s walk through everything you’ll need and why each ingredient plays such an important role:
- Chicken Breasts (2 lbs)
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of this dish. They cook down until tender enough to shred, soaking up all the creamy, cheesy flavor. You can use thighs if you want extra juiciness, but I find chicken breast works beautifully here. - Broccoli Florets (4 cups)
Fresh broccoli gives a nice bite and keeps some texture even after hours in the slow cooker. Frozen broccoli works too—just add it in the last hour so it doesn’t get mushy. The broccoli balances out the richness of the cheese and cream, making this dish feel hearty but not heavy. - Cheddar Cheese (2 cups, shredded)
Sharp cheddar is best for flavor because it cuts through the creaminess and adds a bold, tangy note. Shred your own if possible—bagged cheese has coatings that don’t melt quite as smoothly. If you’ve tried my Crockpot Mac and Cheese Recipe, you know how important good cheese is for creamy results. - Condensed Cream Soup (1 can)
Cream of chicken soup is my go-to here, but cream of mushroom or cream of celery work well if you want to switch things up. This ingredient acts as the base that gives your chicken that irresistible creamy texture. - Chicken Broth (1 cup)
A splash of broth keeps everything moist and helps the chicken slow cook into tenderness. It also adds depth of flavor so the dish doesn’t feel overly rich. - Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon)
Garlic is subtle here but adds an earthy background flavor that ties everything together. - Onion Powder (1 teaspoon)
A partner to garlic, onion powder layers in a bit of savory sweetness without needing to chop onions. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you don’t want extra steps. - Salt and Pepper (to taste)
These pantry staples round everything out. I usually wait to adjust seasoning at the end since the cheese and soup already add some saltiness.
Why This Ingredient Combo Works
Each of these ingredients contributes to that signature flavor of Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Delight—the chicken gives protein and structure, the broccoli adds freshness, the cheddar delivers creamy tang, and the soup and broth bring it all together into a meal you’ll want to make again and again.
How to Make Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Delight (Step by Step)
Making this dish couldn’t be simpler, but I like to think of it as building layers of flavor in your slow cooker. Here’s how you can bring this comforting family favorite to life:
Step 1: Start with the Chicken
Place 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts directly into the bottom of your crockpot. Try to spread them out in an even layer so they cook uniformly. This will make shredding easier later.
Tip from my kitchen: If you’ve ever tried my Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Tortellini, you know that laying chicken flat instead of piling it up helps it cook more evenly. Same principle here!
Step 2: Spread the Cream Soup
Open one can of condensed cream soup (cream of chicken is my favorite, but feel free to swap flavors) and spoon it over the chicken. Use the back of your spoon to spread it out a bit so every piece of chicken gets coated. This is the creamy base that makes the final dish so irresistible.
Step 3: Add the Broccoli
Pile in 4 cups of broccoli florets. If you’re using fresh, just scatter them on top. If you’re using frozen, no need to thaw—just add them during the last hour of cooking so they don’t get too soft. The broccoli not only adds nutrients but also soaks up the cheesy sauce beautifully.
Step 4: Season Generously
Sprinkle 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, plus salt and pepper over everything. This step may seem small, but it’s what builds that deep, comforting flavor. Think of it as seasoning in layers rather than just at the end.
Step 5: Add the Broth
Carefully pour in 1 cup of chicken broth, aiming around the sides so you don’t wash the seasonings off the top. This liquid keeps the chicken juicy and creates steam inside the crockpot to help the broccoli tenderize.
Step 6: Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic
Place the lid on and set your crockpot:
- Low for 6–8 hours if you want the chicken to cook gently while you’re at work or out running errands.
- High for 3–4 hours if you’re short on time but still want that slow-cooked comfort.
By the time you peek inside, your kitchen will smell like a cozy hug—just like when I make my kids’ favorite Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken.
Step 7: Shred and Stir in the Cheese
Once the chicken is fully cooked and tender, grab two forks and shred it right in the crockpot. Then stir in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts into the sauce, turning everything into a creamy, cheesy masterpiece.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Your Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Delight is ready to shine! Spoon it over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes for a heartier meal, or serve it simply with warm crusty bread. If you want a pop of freshness, sprinkle a little chopped parsley on top.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Delight
- Frozen broccoli hack: Add it in the last hour to prevent it from going too soft.
- Cheese matters: Always shred cheese yourself—pre-shredded has coatings that don’t melt as smoothly.
- Thicker texture: If you like it thicker, stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water in the last 30 minutes.
- Serving ideas: Over rice, pasta, or baked potatoes. My kids even scoop it up with tortilla chips!
- Freezer friendly: Cool, portion, and freeze—just reheat gently so the cheese stays creamy.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze portions for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but add an extra hour on low.
What’s the best cheese for this recipe?
Sharp cheddar for flavor, but mixing in mozzarella gives it a fun stretchy melt.
Can I swap the cream soup?
Absolutely—cream of mushroom or celery both work well.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Delight is everything I love about slow cooking—simple ingredients, hands-off prep, and a meal that feels like a warm hug at the end of the day. If you’re looking for something your family will ask for again and again, this one is worth bookmarking. Go ahead, let your crockpot work its magic, and enjoy every creamy, cheesy spoonful.
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Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Delight Recipe: Easy Comfort Food
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Savor the irresistible creamy broccoli cheddar chicken delight, slow-cooked to perfection in your crockpot for a comforting, flavor-packed meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
2 lbs chicken breast
4 cups broccoli florets
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
1 can condensed cream soup
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
1. Place two pounds of chicken breasts into your slow cooker, evenly spaced.
2. Pour in the condensed cream soup and spread it evenly over the chicken.
3. Add the broccoli florets on top, distributing evenly.
4. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the contents.
5. Pour in one cup of chicken broth.
6. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
7. Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot.
8. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy.
9. Garnish as desired and serve warm.
Notes
Use sharp cheddar for bolder flavor or a blend of cheeses for variety.
Add cooked rice or pasta for a heartier dish.
Frozen broccoli can be used but may be softer in texture.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for later.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 calories
- Sugar: 5 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
Keywords: crockpot chicken, broccoli cheddar, creamy chicken, slow cooker dinner, easy family meal
