Craving a mouthwatering, hassle-free dinner that'll make your taste buds dance and your family beg for seconds? Look no further than this incredibly delicious Slow Cooked Chicken with Broccoli and Cheddar! Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts swimming in a creamy sauce, topped with melted cheese and perfectly cooked broccoli - all prepared with minimal effort in your trusty slow cooker. This recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero, transforming ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal that'll have everyone asking, "How did you make this?"
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by patting them dry with paper towels and seasoning generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Lightly grease the interior of a 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup and chicken broth until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the soup mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are mostly covered.
- Wash and chop broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces, then scatter them around and between the chicken breasts.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat, cooking for 5-6 hours until chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken and broccoli.
- Once cooking is complete, carefully remove chicken and broccoli, and transfer to a serving platter.
- Optional: For a golden finish, place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to lightly brown the cheese.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Tips
- Use fresh chicken breasts for the best texture and flavor. Pat them completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect sear and prevent excess moisture.
- Don't skip seasoning! The salt and pepper are crucial for developing deep flavor. Consider adding garlic powder or herbs like thyme for extra depth.
- For the most tender chicken, avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) - no more, no less.
- If you want a richer sauce, you can substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or add a splash of heavy cream.
- For a crispy cheese topping, the optional broiler step is a game-changer. Watch carefully to prevent burning - just 2-3 minutes can transform your dish.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.
- This recipe freezes beautifully! Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months for an easy future meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 120mg
