Creamy Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe

Crafting a delightful slow cooker cheesy chicken broccoli casserole brings comfort right to your kitchen table.

Cozy meals like this transform ordinary weeknight dinners into something magical.

Families adore hearty recipes that require minimal effort but deliver maximum flavor.

Cheese and tender chicken create a creamy blend that feels like a warm hug.

Broccoli adds a nutritious punch, making this dish both delicious and wholesome.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and rich, melted goodness.

You’ll love how simple ingredients come together to create something truly special.

What’s Great About Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole

• Simplify Cooking Process: Toss ingredients into the slow cooker without complicated prep, making meal preparation a breeze for busy home cooks.
• Nutrition-Packed Comfort Food: Combine protein-rich chicken with nutrient-dense broccoli, creating a wholesome dish that satisfies hunger and supports wellness.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Combination: Blend creamy cheese, savory seasonings, and crispy bread crumb topping for a mouthwatering meal that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Minimal Cleanup Solution: Use a single cooking appliance that reduces dish washing and kitchen mess, giving you more time to enjoy your meal and spend with family.

Everything Needed For Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole

• Chicken: Lean protein that forms the hearty base of the casserole and provides substantial nutrition.

• Broccoli Florets: Fresh vegetable that adds nutritional value and vibrant green color to the dish.

• Heavy Cream, Sour Cream, Milk: Combination of dairy products that create a rich, smooth sauce for the casserole.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds depth of flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Provides a sharp, melty cheese layer that enhances the overall taste.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Dried spices that contribute robust background flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the dish's taste.

• Butter, Bread Crumbs: Create a crispy, golden-brown layer that adds textural contrast to the creamy casserole.

Simple Steps For Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Step 1: Trim and Prep Chicken

Clean the chicken, removing any unwanted fat. Cut into even, bite-sized chunks that will cook perfectly in the slow cooker.

Step 2: Create Chicken Base

Arrange the chicken pieces smoothly across the bottom of the slow cooker, forming a solid foundation for the dish.

Step 3: Prepare Broccoli Layer

Chop broccoli into small, manageable pieces. Spread them evenly over the chicken layer to ensure every bite has vegetable goodness.

Step 4: Whip Up Creamy Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Sour cream
• Whole milk
• Cream of chicken soup
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk until the mixture becomes silky smooth and well-combined.

Step 5: Pour Creamy Mixture

Drizzle the sauce completely over the chicken and broccoli, making sure every inch is covered with the luscious cream blend.

Step 6: Add Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously across the surface, creating a mouth-watering cheesy layer that will melt beautifully.

Step 7: Create Crispy Bread Crumb Topping

Melt butter and mix thoroughly with bread crumbs to develop a golden, crunchy coating.

Step 8: Finish with Bread Crumbs

Scatter the buttery bread crumbs evenly over the cheese layer, adding a delightful textural contrast.

Step 9: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4-5 hours. The chicken will become tender and completely cooked through.

Step 10: Rest and Set

Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes. This helps the sauce settle and allows flavors to blend beautifully.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop out generous portions that capture the delicious layers of chicken, broccoli, and cheesy goodness. Enjoy the comforting meal hot and fresh!

Smart Tips For Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole

• Trim Chicken Precisely: Cut chicken into uniform chunks to guarantee even cooking and perfect texture throughout the dish.
• Layer Strategically: Place chicken pieces at the bottom of the slow cooker to create a stable, flavorful foundation for the casserole.
• Distribute Broccoli Evenly: Chop florets into bite-sized pieces and spread them uniformly to ensure balanced flavor and texture in every bite.
• Create Creamy Perfection: Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly until smooth, eliminating lumps and ensuring consistent seasoning across the entire dish.
• Top with Crunch: Combine melted butter and bread crumbs for a golden, crispy topping that adds delightful texture and rich, buttery flavor to the casserole.

New Ways To Make Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace broccoli with cauliflower florets for a lower-carb alternative that maintains the creamy texture and flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Comfort: Substitute heavy cream and sour cream with coconut cream, use dairy-free cheese, and replace cream of chicken soup with a homemade cashew-based sauce.
• Herb-Infused Version: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage to the cream mixture for an aromatic herb-packed casserole that elevates the classic recipe.
• Spicy Protein Punch: Incorporate diced jalapeños, add red pepper flakes to the seasoning, and swap chicken for spicy chorizo or lean turkey for a kicked-up protein variation.

Sides That Go With Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole

• Elevate Cheese and Cream Chicken Broccoli Casserole Pairings
• Complement Robust Wine Selection: Opt for a crisp Chardonnay or light Pinot Grigio to balance the creamy, rich casserole flavors and cut through the heaviness.
• Match Refreshing Side Salad: Create a zesty green salad with mixed lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and tangy vinaigrette to provide a fresh, acidic contrast against the dish's creamy texture.
• Serve Crusty Garlic Bread: Prepare warm, buttery garlic bread with herbs to soak up the delicious sauce and add a crunchy element that complements the casserole's soft interior.

Saving And Warming Up Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Remains good for up to 2 months when properly sealed.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Add splash of milk to restore creamy consistency.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place casserole in baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes, removing foil last 5 minutes to crisp bread crumb topping.

Questions On Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole

• What kind of texture can I expect from this slow cooker chicken and broccoli casserole?

The casserole offers a creamy, tender experience with soft chicken, perfectly cooked broccoli, and a rich, velvety sauce that’s complemented by a crispy bread crumb topping.

• Is this recipe suitable for people who want a balanced meal?

Yes, the dish combines lean protein from chicken, nutritious broccoli, and dairy elements, providing a well-rounded meal with good nutritional value.

• Can I adjust the seasoning to my taste preferences?

Absolutely! You can easily modify the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper quantities to suit your personal flavor profile without compromising the recipe’s overall structure.

Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes – 5 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty slow cooker cheesy chicken broccoli casserole delivers comfort and flavor in one delightful dish. Creamy cheese, tender chicken, and nutritious broccoli combine for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Dairy and Liquid:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup milk

Seasonings and Additions:

• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup bread crumbs
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 can cream of chicken soup

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by trimming any excess fat and cutting into uniform chunks to ensure even cooking in the slow cooker.
2. Layer the chicken pieces at the bottom of the slow cooker, creating a solid base for the casserole.
3. Chop broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces and distribute evenly over the chicken layer.
4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together heavy cream, sour cream, milk, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well-combined.
5. Pour the creamy seasoned mixture directly over the chicken and broccoli, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously across the top of the casserole, creating a rich, melty surface.
7. Melt butter and mix with bread crumbs to create a golden, crispy topping.
8. Evenly scatter the buttered bread crumbs over the cheese layer for added texture and flavor.
9. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4-5 hours, or until chicken is tender and thoroughly cooked.
10. Once done, let the casserole rest for 10 minutes to allow the sauce to set and flavors to meld together.
11. Serve hot, scooping portions that capture the layers of chicken, broccoli, and cheesy goodness.

Notes

• Ensure uniform chicken size by cutting into consistent chunks, promoting even cooking and preventing dry or undercooked sections.
• Select fresh, crisp broccoli florets to maintain texture and prevent mushiness during slow cooking process.
• Create a creamy base by whisking ingredients thoroughly, eliminating potential lumps and ensuring smooth, consistent seasoning throughout the dish.
• Prevent soggy bread crumb topping by adding them during the last 30 minutes of cooking, maintaining a delightful crunch and golden appearance.
• Customize the recipe for dietary needs by substituting low-fat dairy, using gluten-free breadcrumbs, or replacing cream of chicken soup with a homemade alternative.
• Enhance flavor complexity by incorporating additional herbs like thyme or rosemary into the cream mixture for a more sophisticated taste profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-5 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 19g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 150mg