Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken (Printable)
Tender chicken with broccoli in a rich, creamy cheddar 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 whole milk or 2% milk
→ 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
# How To Cook:
01 - Arrange the chicken breasts in an even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker insert.
02 - Scatter the chopped onions, minced garlic, and broccoli florets evenly over the chicken.
03 - In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, softened cream cheese, sour cream, milk, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and black pepper until completely smooth and well combined.
04 - Pour the prepared sauce mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring all ingredients are coated.
05 - Cover and cook on HIGH setting for 4 hours or LOW setting for 6 to 7 hours, until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
06 - About 30 minutes before serving, shred or slice the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and thoroughly incorporated.
07 - For a thicker consistency, whisk the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir into the slow cooker and cook for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the sauce thickens.
08 - Taste the dish and adjust salt or pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with additional cheddar cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- Set it and forget it cooking that makes you look like you put in way more effort than you actually did
- The sauce thickens into this incredible cheese gravy that my family literally fights over
02 -
- The first time I made this I forgot to shred the chicken before serving and it was still delicious but shredding it lets every piece soak up that sauce
- Frozen broccoli works in a pinch but fresh holds up better during the long cook time
03 -
- Shred your own cheese because the store-bought stuff just doesnt melt the same way
- Start checking it at the 3 hour mark on high because every slow cooker runs a little differently