Description
This Crockpot Buffalo Chicken and Broccoli recipe offers a comforting, spicy meal that combines tender shredded chicken with creamy cheese sauce and fresh broccoli. Perfect for a hearty dinner, it can be effortlessly prepared in a slow cooker or on the stovetop, delivering bold buffalo flavors and a satisfying balance of protein and veggies.
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 Add-ins
- 1/2 cup hot sauce
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
- 6 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Vegetables and Garnish
- 3-4 cups chopped broccoli
- 4 green onions, chopped
- Buffalo sauce, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: In the slow cooker or large skillet, layer the chopped onion and then place the chicken on top. Sprinkle the chicken evenly with smoked paprika, dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, chipotle chili powder, and season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add Liquids and Cook the Chicken: Pour over the hot sauce and 1/4 cup water. Add the salted butter and chopped jalapeño. For slow cooker method, cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1-2 hours. For stovetop, turn burner to medium, partially cover the skillet and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway, until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Add Cheeses and Broccoli: Increase heat to high on slow cooker, then stir in cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Add chopped broccoli, cover, and cook an additional 15 minutes until the sauce is creamy and broccoli is tender. On stovetop, stir in cheeses, add broccoli, and cook for 10 minutes until sauce is creamy.
- Finish and Serve: Serve the buffalo chicken and broccoli mixture topped with chopped green onions. Add extra buffalo sauce on the side if desired. Enjoy your flavorful and creamy buffalo chicken dinner!
Notes
- You can use either chicken breasts or thighs depending on your preference; thighs may result in a juicier dish.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce and jalapeño to control the spice level.
- For a thicker sauce, you can cook uncovered for the last few minutes to reduce liquid if desired.
- Serve over rice, cauliflower rice, or with crusty bread to make a complete meal.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
