Slow Cooker Broccoli Chicken

This Crockpot Broccoli Chicken is one of those really easy dinners that’s perfect when you don’t want to spend ages in the kitchen. Everything cooks together in a creamy, cheesy sauce, then you just add the broccoli towards the end so it doesn’t end up completely overcooked.

I love meals like this because there’s really not much to think about. You can get the chicken and sauce into the crockpot earlier in the day, leave it cooking away, then come back later and finish it off with the broccoli. It’s simple, filling, and definitely the sort of dinner I’m looking for on a busy weeknight.

We usually serve this over rice because it soaks up all that creamy sauce, but mashed potatoes would be really good too. Add a little extra cheddar on top if you fancy it, and dinner is done!

Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – I use chicken breasts for this as they cook up nice and tender and are really easy to shred at the end.

• Cream of chicken soup – This is the easy shortcut that gives you a lovely creamy sauce without having to make one separately.

• Sour cream – This makes the sauce even creamier and adds a little bit of tang too.

• Shredded cheddar cheese – Cheddar adds plenty of cheesy flavor and melts right into the sauce as everything cooks.

• Chicken broth – You only need a little to loosen up the sauce and stop it from being too thick.

• Garlic powder – An easy way to add some extra flavor without having to chop any fresh garlic.

• Onion powder – This gives the sauce a little more flavor and works really well with the garlic.

• Salt – Just a little to bring all of the flavors together.

• Black pepper – I add a small amount, but you can always add a bit more at the end if you like.

• Broccoli florets – Fresh broccoli works really well here, but thawed frozen broccoli is absolutely fine too if that’s what you have.

Recipe Instructions

Full measurements and cooking times can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Step 1: Lightly coat the slow cooker with nonstick spray.

Step 2: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.

Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheese, broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture over the chicken.

Step 4: Cover and cook on Low for 4–6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

Step 5: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred or dice it. Return the chicken to the slow cooker.

Step 6: Add the broccoli, stir everything together, then cover and cook for another 30 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.

Step 7: Give everything a final stir and serve warm.

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Broccoli Chicken

This is quite a rich and creamy dinner, so I like to keep whatever I serve with it pretty simple. You definitely want something that can soak up plenty of that cheesy sauce too!

• Rice – Probably my favorite option and such an easy one for a weeknight.
• Mashed potatoes – Really good if you’re in the mood for proper comfort food.
• Pasta – Spoon the chicken, broccoli, and plenty of sauce straight over your favorite pasta.
• Crusty bread – Perfect for mopping up any sauce left on the plate.
• Baked potatoes – You could even spoon the chicken and broccoli right over the top.
• A simple salad – A nice lighter option if you don’t want another big side.

Storing

If you have any leftovers, let them cool and then pop them into an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for around 3–4 days, so this is a good one to have for lunch the next day too.

You can reheat it in the microwave or gently on the stovetop until it’s hot all the way through. The sauce might thicken up a little in the fridge, so just add a small splash of chicken broth or milk when reheating if you think it needs it.

Variations & Substitutions

There’s plenty of room to change this one around depending on what you have in the fridge. I’d keep the creamy base pretty much the same, but you can easily swap a few of the other ingredients.

• Use chicken thighs – Boneless, skinless chicken thighs would work really well instead of chicken breasts.
• Change the cheese – Try Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a mix of cheeses instead of cheddar.
• Add more veggies – Mushrooms, peas, or cauliflower would all be easy additions.
• Use frozen broccoli – Just thaw it first and add it towards the end so it doesn’t get too soft.
• Add a little heat – A pinch of red pepper flakes or a little cayenne is an easy way to give it a bit of a kick.
• Make it extra cheesy – Sprinkle some extra shredded cheddar over the top just before serving.

FAQs

Can I put raw chicken in the slow cooker?

Yes, you can put raw chicken straight into the slow cooker for this recipe. Just make sure the chicken is fully cooked before shredding or dicing it. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Can I use frozen broccoli in Slow Cooker Broccoli Chicken?

Yes, frozen broccoli works fine. I’d thaw it first and add it towards the end of cooking, otherwise it can get a bit too soft.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a good swap and tend to stay really tender in the slow cooker.

How do I stop broccoli from getting mushy in the slow cooker?

The main thing is not to add it too early. Add the broccoli for the last 30 minutes or so of cooking, which gives it time to become tender without completely falling apart.

Can I use frozen chicken in the slow cooker?

I wouldn’t use frozen chicken for this recipe. It’s best to thaw the chicken completely in the refrigerator before adding it to the slow cooker so it cooks safely and evenly.

What can I serve with Crockpot Broccoli Chicken?

Rice is probably my go-to because it’s so good with all that creamy sauce. Mashed potatoes, pasta, baked potatoes, or some crusty bread are all good options too.

How long does chicken and broccoli take in the slow cooker?

The chicken takes around 4–6 hours on Low. Once it’s cooked and tender, shred or dice it, then add the broccoli and let everything cook for another 30 minutes or until the broccoli is tender.

Can I make Slow Cooker Broccoli Chicken ahead of time?

Yes. You can make the whole thing ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat it until piping hot, adding a splash of broth or milk if the sauce has thickened too much.