Print

Creamy Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli Cheddar Casserole

creamy crockpot chicken and broccoli cheddar casserole - featured image
Print Recipe

A comforting and easy slow cooker casserole featuring tender chicken, broccoli, and a creamy cheddar cheese sauce. Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners with minimal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 3 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: 2 cups cooked rice or pasta

Instructions

  1. Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts and pat dry. Place them in the bottom of the slow cooker.
  2. Spread the fresh or thawed broccoli florets evenly over the chicken.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy with no lumps.
  4. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli in the slow cooker. Use a spatula to gently smooth out the top but avoid stirring at this stage.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours (or HIGH for 2 to 3 hours) until chicken reaches 165°F and broccoli is tender but not mushy.
  6. Carefully remove the chicken breasts with tongs and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir gently to combine.
  7. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and incorporated. If adding cooked rice or pasta, fold it in now.
  8. Cover and cook for an additional 15 to 20 minutes on LOW to let the cheese fully melt and flavors meld.
  9. Serve hot, optionally topped with toasted breadcrumbs for extra crunch.

Notes

[‘Use softened cream cheese for smooth sauce blending.’, ‘Layer chicken first and broccoli on top to prevent sogginess.’, ‘Drain excess moisture from broccoli to avoid watery casserole.’, ‘Add cheese only near the end to prevent scorching.’, ‘Check chicken doneness with a meat thermometer.’, ‘Optional cooked rice or pasta can be added for extra heartiness.’, ‘Can be prepared ahead and refrigerated overnight; add 30 minutes to cooking time if cooking from cold.’, ‘For dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese, cheddar, and milk with plant-based alternatives.’, ‘Frozen broccoli should be thawed and drained before use.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot chicken casserole, slow cooker chicken, broccoli cheddar casserole, easy dinner, comfort food, creamy chicken casserole

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/creamy-crockpot-chicken-and-broccoli-cheddar-casserole-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-dinner/