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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by trimming any excess fat and cutting into uniform chunks to ensure even cooking in the slow cooker.
- Layer the chicken pieces at the bottom of the slow cooker, creating a solid base for the casserole.
- Chop broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces and distribute evenly over the chicken layer.
- 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.
- Pour the creamy seasoned mixture directly over the chicken and broccoli, ensuring complete coverage.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously across the top of the casserole, creating a rich, melty surface.
- Melt butter and mix with bread crumbs to create a golden, crispy topping.
- Evenly scatter the buttered bread crumbs over the cheese layer for added texture and flavor.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4-5 hours, or until chicken is tender and thoroughly cooked.
- Once done, let the casserole rest for 10 minutes to allow the sauce to set and flavors to meld together.
- 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