If you are looking for an easy and delicious meal that requires minimal effort, you’ve come to the right place! The 6-Ingredient Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli is a perfect dish for busy weeknights. With just a few ingredients, you can create a comforting and tasty meal that your whole family will enjoy.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is great for several reasons:
- Simple Ingredients: With only six ingredients, it’s easy to prepare and you likely already have many of them in your pantry.
- Effortless Cooking: Using a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it! Just let it cook while you go about your day.
- Kid-Friendly: The cheesy flavor paired with tender chicken and broccoli makes it appealing for kids and adults alike.
- Customizable: You can serve it over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes, making it versatile for different preferences.
How to Make 6-Ingredient Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Directions:
- Season the chicken with salt and black pepper and place it in the bottom of a slow cooker.
- Spoon the cream of chicken soup over the chicken and sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese on top.
- Cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2 1/2-3 hours.
- About 30-45 minutes before serving, stir in the broccoli florets and cook until tender.
- Shred the chicken, mix it into the sauce with the broccoli, and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top, cover until melted, and serve over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.
How to Serve 6-Ingredient Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli
You can serve this dish in several ways. It pairs wonderfully over a bed of rice, as well as noodles or even on its own. Add a side of crusty bread or a simple salad to complete the meal and provide some extra crunch.
How to Store 6-Ingredient Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli
To store leftovers, let the dish cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can also freeze it for up to three months. Just remember to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips to Make 6-Ingredient Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli
- Don’t Overcook: Be cautious with cooking times. Overcooking can dry out the chicken, so check it periodically if you’re unsure.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for more nutrition. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes or hot sauce for an extra kick.
Variation
You can easily adapt this recipe by using different meats such as turkey or pork. You can also substitute the cream of chicken soup with other creamy soups like cream of mushroom or a homemade cheese sauce.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you will need to increase the cooking time by about an hour to ensure they are cooked thoroughly.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it the night before and store the ingredients in the slow cooker insert in the refrigerator. Just plug it in the next morning to cook.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe is not gluten-free as the cream of chicken soup typically contains wheat. You can use a gluten-free cream soup alternative to make it gluten-free.
