Description
This Crockpot Buffalo Chicken and Broccoli recipe is a creamy, flavorful dish combining tender chicken with spicy buffalo sauce and fresh broccoli. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal, this recipe offers two cooking options: slow cooker for hands-off preparation or stovetop for faster results. The dish features a comforting blend of cheddar and cream cheeses, smoky paprika, and a hint of jalapeño heat, making it a crowd-pleaser that’s both hearty and nutritious.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Sauce and Vegetables
- 1/2 cup hot sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
- 6 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3-4 cups chopped broccoli
- 4 green onions, chopped
- buffalo sauce, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare and Season Chicken: In the slow cooker or a large skillet, start by layering the chopped onion and then the chicken. Sprinkle the chicken evenly with smoked paprika, dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, chipotle chili powder, kosher salt, and black pepper to season thoroughly.
- Add Liquids and Aromatics: Pour the hot sauce and 1/4 cup water over the seasoned chicken. Add the salted butter and chopped jalapeño to the mixture to infuse richness and heat.
- Cook Chicken: For slow cooker method, cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1-2 hours until the chicken is tender. For stovetop method, set skillet to medium heat, partially cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until chicken is cooked through.
- Add Cheeses and Broccoli: Increase heat to high in slow cooker; stir in cream cheese and cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Add chopped broccoli and cook covered for another 15 minutes until the sauce is creamy and broccoli is tender. On stovetop, add cheeses and broccoli after chicken cooks, stirring and cooking for an additional 10 minutes until creamy.
- Serve: Plate the creamy buffalo chicken and broccoli mixture and garnish with chopped green onions. Optionally drizzle extra buffalo sauce for more heat. Enjoy your flavorful, comforting meal!
Notes
- You can use boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs depending on your preference; thighs offer more moisture and flavor.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce and jalapeño to control the spice level.
- Allow cream cheese to come to room temperature before adding for smoother melting and creamier sauce.
- If using stovetop method, stir occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- Serve with cauliflower rice or a fresh side salad for a low-carb meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
