Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken (Printable)
Tender chicken with broccoli in a rich cheddar cream sauce, slow-cooked to perfection.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
→ Vegetables
02 - 3 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 head)
03 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Dairy
05 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
06 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
07 - 1/2 cup sour cream
08 - 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
→ Pantry
09 - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
10 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
11 - 1/2 tsp paprika
12 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
13 - 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
14 - 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
# Directions:
01 - Arrange chicken breasts in an even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker insert.
02 - Scatter chopped onions, minced garlic, and broccoli florets over the chicken.
03 - In a medium bowl, whisk together chicken broth, softened cream cheese, sour cream, milk, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper until completely smooth and creamy.
04 - Evenly pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring all ingredients are coated.
05 - Cover and cook on high setting for 4 hours or on low setting for 6–7 hours, until chicken registers 165°F internally and is tender throughout.
06 - Thirty minutes before serving, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot or slice into bite-sized pieces.
07 - Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated into the creamy sauce.
08 - If a thicker consistency is desired, combine cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to create a slurry. Stir into the slow cooker and cook for an additional 15–20 minutes until sauce thickens.
09 - Taste the dish and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with additional cheddar cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The creamy cheese sauce develops this incredible depth that stovetop versions just cannot match
- Coming home to dinner already done feels like giving yourself a gift after a long day
- Leftovers reheat beautifully and somehow taste even better the next night
02 -
- Dairy can separate if cooked too long on high so watch the clock and shred the chicken during that final 30 minutes
- Sharp cheddar melts better than mild varieties and gives you way more flavor bang for your buck
03 -
- Cutting broccoli into uniform florets ensures everything finishes cooking at the same time
- Room temperature cream cheese incorporates much faster than cold straight from the fridge