Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese is a comforting and hearty dish that combines tender chicken with creamy cheese and nutritious broccoli, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, showcasing its versatility and ease of preparation. With minimal effort, you can create a flavorful meal that will delight both kids and adults alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: Simply add ingredients to your crockpot, set it, and walk away—perfect for busy schedules.
• Creamy & Cheesy Delight: The combination of cheddar and cream cheese creates a rich and satisfying sauce that everyone will love.
• Nutritious Addition: Fresh broccoli adds essential vitamins while balancing the richness of the mac and cheese.
• Customizable Dish: Feel free to swap in different vegetables or pasta shapes based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
• Family-Friendly: This dish is a surefire hit at the dinner table, making it great for kids who may be picky eaters.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing this delicious meal requires just a few essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and ensures great results.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups
• Mixing spoon

Why These Tools Matter

• Slow cooker: It allows for hands-off cooking while infusing flavors over time.
• Cutting board & knife: Essential for safely prepping your ingredients with ease.
• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient portions for consistent results.
• Mixing spoon: Helps combine ingredients thoroughly, ensuring every bite is delicious.

Ingredients

This is an easy and delicious dinner recipe!

For the Chicken and Broccoli

• 1 lb chicken breast
• 1 packet of Ranch seasoning
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 5 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 tbsp minced garlic

For the Pasta and Cheese Sauce

• 8 oz of shell pasta or elbow macaroni noodles
• 1 1/2 cups of whole milk
• 8 oz cheddar cheese shredded
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 1 tsp dry mustard seasoning

How to Make Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

1. Cut the chicken breast into cubes.
2. Spray your slow cooker with cooking spray.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot

1. Add the cubed chicken, Ranch seasoning, chicken broth, minced garlic, and broccoli florets to the slow cooker.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken Mixture

1. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for about 3-4 hours or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 4: Prepare the Pasta

1. While the chicken cooks, bring a pot of water to boil.
2. Add the pasta, boiling it for about 3 minutes.
3. Drain the pasta; this parboiling step is important to prevent overcooking in the crockpot.

Step 5: Mix in Remaining Ingredients

1. In the slow cooker, combine the drained pasta, whole milk, shredded cheddar cheese, dry mustard seasoning, and cream cheese.
2. Stir everything together until well mixed.

Step 6: Final Cooking Stage

1. Cover and cook on low for about an hour, stirring at least a few times during this period to ensure even cooking.

Now you’re ready to enjoy this delicious Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese!

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese is a comforting dish perfect for family dinners. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

Add a Crunchy Topping

• Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs on top before serving for added texture.
• Crushed Crackers: Use crushed saltine or Ritz crackers for a buttery crunch.

Pair with Fresh Salad

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with romaine, croutons, and parmesan adds freshness.
• Greek Salad: Combine cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.

Serve with Garlic Bread

• Toasted Baguette: Slice a baguette, toast it lightly, and brush with garlic butter for delicious sides.
• Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks: Bake some cheesy breadsticks for an indulgent touch.

Include Steamed Vegetables

• Green Beans: Lightly steamed green beans seasoned with lemon zest complement the dish well.
• Carrots: Sweet, steamed carrots add color and nutrition to your plate.

How to Perfect Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese

To make this dish truly special, consider these tips for perfection.

• Bold seasoning: Enhance the flavor by adding extra herbs or spices according to your taste.
• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh broccoli and quality cheese will elevate the dish’s overall taste.
• Adjust creaminess: For a creamier texture, increase the amount of cream cheese or milk used.
• Control pasta doneness: Parboil the pasta just enough to prevent overcooking in the crockpot.
• Mix cheeses: Combining different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda can create a unique flavor profile.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Pairing side dishes with your Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese can enhance your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garden Salad: A light mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber dressed in vinaigrette provides refreshing balance.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Seasoned with olive oil and garlic, these offer a crispy contrast to the creamy mac and cheese.
3. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn is always a hit; serve it grilled or boiled with butter for extra flavor.
4. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits can be a sweet complement to the savory main dish.
5. Baked Potatoes: Simple baked potatoes topped with sour cream or chives make for hearty sides.
6. Coleslaw: The crunchy texture of coleslaw pairs well while adding tanginess to your dinner table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese, avoid these common pitfalls for the best results.

• Bold seasoning choices: Using too little or too much Ranch seasoning can affect the flavor balance. Stick to the packet’s recommendation for the best taste.
• Bold overcooking vegetables: Adding broccoli too early can make it mushy. Add it with the chicken at the beginning, but monitor cooking times.
• Bold not parboiling pasta: Failing to parboil your pasta can lead to overcooked noodles in the final dish. Always cook for just 3 minutes before adding to the crockpot.
• Bold ignoring cheese types: Using different cheese may alter the creaminess you desire. Stick with cheddar and cream cheese for optimal texture and flavor.
• Bold skipping stirring: Not stirring during cooking can lead to unevenly melted cheese. Stir every 20 minutes during the last hour for a creamy consistency.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese

• Freeze in individual portions or family-sized containers.
• It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat gently over low heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese?

Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese is a creamy and flavorful dish made with chicken, broccoli, macaroni, and cheese cooked together in a slow cooker.

How long does it take to cook Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese?

Cooking time is approximately 3-4 hours on low for the chicken, followed by an additional hour after adding pasta and cheese ingredients.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes! Frozen broccoli works well in this recipe; just add it directly into the crockpot without thawing.

Can I customize this recipe?

Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, or switch up the type of cheese for different flavors.

Conclusion

Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese is an easy-to-make dish that offers comfort food satisfaction. Its creamy texture paired with tender chicken and vibrant broccoli makes it perfect for any dinner table. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or adjust seasonings to suit your taste!