Ingredients and preparation
To create a delicious Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Crock Pot dish, you’ll need a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully in the slow cooker. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you begin:
- Chicken breasts: 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed of excess fat.
- Broccoli florets: 3 cups of fresh or frozen broccoli florets, washed and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Cheddar cheese: 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a rich, cheesy flavor.
- Chicken broth: 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth to keep the dish moist and flavorful.
- Cream of chicken soup: 1 can (10.5 oz) of condensed cream of chicken soup for a creamy base.
- Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon for a subtle, savory kick.
- Onion powder: 1 teaspoon to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning the chicken and sauce.
- Cooked rice: Optional, for serving alongside the dish.
Before you start cooking, take a few minutes to prepare the ingredients. Trim and clean the chicken breasts, ensuring they are ready to cook. If you’re using fresh broccoli, cut it into small, even florets for consistent cooking. Shred the cheddar cheese if it’s not pre-shredded, as freshly grated cheese melts better. Finally, measure out your seasonings and liquids to streamline the cooking process.
Step-by-step cooking instructions
Once your ingredients are prepped and ready, it’s time to bring everything together in the crock pot. Follow these simple steps to create a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Crock Pot dish:
- Step 1: Layer the chicken. Place the trimmed chicken breasts at the bottom of your crock pot. Season them generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to ensure the chicken is well-flavored as it cooks.
- Step 2: Add the creamy base. Pour the can of condensed cream of chicken soup over the chicken breasts, spreading it evenly to coat the chicken. Then, add the chicken broth, ensuring the liquid surrounds the chicken but doesn’t completely submerge it. This will keep the dish moist while allowing the flavors to concentrate.
- Step 3: Cook the chicken. Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be tender and fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Step 4: Add the broccoli. About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, add the broccoli florets to the crock pot. Spread them evenly over the chicken and sauce. Replace the lid and allow the broccoli to steam and cook until tender but still vibrant green.
- Step 5: Stir in the cheese. Once the broccoli is cooked, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Gently stir the cheese into the sauce, ensuring it melts evenly and creates a creamy, cheesy consistency. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes with the lid on to fully incorporate the cheese.
- Step 6: Shred the chicken (optional). If you prefer a shredded chicken texture, use two forks to shred the chicken breasts directly in the crock pot. Stir the shredded chicken into the sauce for a more cohesive dish.
At this point, your Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Crock Pot dish is ready to serve. The chicken should be tender, the broccoli perfectly cooked, and the sauce rich and cheesy. For best results, serve it warm over a bed of cooked rice or enjoy it on its own as a hearty, comforting meal.
Tips for serving and storage
To make the most of your Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Crock Pot dish, consider these tips for serving and storing the meal to maintain its flavor and freshness:
- Serving suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve it over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the creamy, cheesy sauce. For a low-carb option, try serving it over cauliflower rice or alongside roasted vegetables. A slice of crusty bread or a warm dinner roll can also complement the dish, perfect for sopping up every bit of the sauce.
- Garnish for added flavor: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions over the top before serving for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. A light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese can also enhance the cheesy flavor profile.
- Portioning for leftovers: If you have leftovers, divide the dish into individual portions before storing. This makes reheating easier and ensures the flavors remain evenly distributed.
- Storage instructions: Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you plan to keep it longer, freeze the portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Be sure to label the containers with the date for easy tracking.
- Reheating tips: To reheat, place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating. Alternatively, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened during storage.
- Avoid overcooking broccoli: If you plan to store leftovers, keep in mind that broccoli can become mushy when reheated multiple times. To prevent this, consider removing any excess broccoli before storing and adding fresh broccoli when reheating, if desired.
With these tips, you can enjoy your Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Crock Pot dish fresh out of the slow cooker or as a convenient, flavorful meal later in the week. Proper storage and reheating will ensure every bite remains as delicious as the first!