Description
This Crockpot Buffalo Chicken and Broccoli recipe is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken simmered in a spicy buffalo sauce with creamy cheese and fresh broccoli. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal, it offers a wonderful balance of heat, creaminess, and wholesome veggies all made effortlessly in your slow cooker or on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Sauce
- 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
- 1/2 cup hot sauce
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
Cheese and Vegetables
- 6 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3-4 cups chopped broccoli
- 4 green onions, chopped
Optional
- Buffalo sauce, for serving
Instructions
- Layer Ingredients in Crockpot or Skillet: Begin by placing the chopped yellow onion at the bottom of your slow cooker or a large skillet with sides. Next, add the chicken breasts or thighs on top. Season the chicken with smoked paprika, dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, chipotle chili powder, kosher salt, and black pepper evenly. Pour the hot sauce and 1/4 cup water over the chicken, then add the salted butter and chopped, seeded jalapeño.
- Cook the Chicken: For the slow cooker method, cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1-2 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. If using the stovetop, heat the skillet over medium heat, partially cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through, ensuring the chicken is cooked through.
- Add Cheeses and Broccoli: Turn the heat to high in the slow cooker or maintain medium heat on the stove. Stir in the cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined. Add the chopped broccoli, cover again, and cook for an additional 15 minutes in the slow cooker or 10 minutes on the stove until the sauce is creamy and the broccoli is tender but still vibrant.
- Serve and Garnish: Spoon the creamy buffalo chicken and broccoli mixture onto plates or bowls. Garnish with the chopped green onions for a fresh, mild bite. Optionally, drizzle more buffalo sauce on top if you desire extra heat. Enjoy your hearty and flavorful meal!
Notes
- Use boneless skinless chicken thighs for juicier results, or breasts for a leaner dish.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the chipotle chili powder and jalapeño.
- Make sure to soften the cream cheese to room temperature for easier incorporation and a smoother sauce.
- Serve with rice, cauliflower rice, or crusty bread to soak up the buffalo cheese sauce.
- Leftovers store well for up to 4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6th of recipe)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
