Description
Craving a cheesy, comforting dinner that makes itself? This crockpot miracle combines tender chicken and broccoli in a rich cheddar sauce for the ultimate hands-off meal your family will beg for again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tbsp water (if using cornstarch)
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in a single layer in the slow cooker and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Add diced onions and minced garlic over and around the chicken, then pour in the chicken broth.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until chicken reaches 165°F.
- Shred the chicken using two forks directly in the slow cooker.
- Add softened cream cheese cubes and stir until they begin to melt. Cover and cook for 15 more minutes.
- Add broccoli florets, pushing them slightly into the liquid. Cover and cook for 30 minutes on high.
- Optional: Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, add to the slow cooker, and cook for 15 more minutes to thicken.
- Stir in grated cheddar cheese in batches until completely melted and sauce is smooth. Adjust seasoning if needed.