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Crockpot Buffalo Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 129 reviews
  • Author: Jaden
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 3 hrs 15 mins
  • Total Time: 3 hrs 30 mins
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Crockpot Buffalo Chicken and Broccoli recipe is a creamy, spicy, and comforting dish perfect for an easy weeknight meal. Tender chicken breasts or thighs are slow-cooked with a flavorful blend of smoked paprika, chipotle chili powder, and hot sauce, then combined with cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and fresh broccoli for a rich and satisfying meal. Topped with green onions and optional extra buffalo sauce, this recipe offers a delicious twist on classic buffalo chicken with a nutritious vegetable side.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasonings

  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp dried parsley
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp chipotle chili powder
  • Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

Sauce and Add-ins

  • ½ cup hot sauce
  • 4 tbsp salted butter
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
  • 6 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 3-4 cup chopped broccoli
  • 4 green onions, chopped

Optional

  • Buffalo sauce, for serving


Instructions

  1. Prepare and season chicken: In the slow cooker bowl, layer the chopped onion first, then place the chicken breasts or thighs on top. Sprinkle the chicken evenly with smoked paprika, dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, chipotle chili powder, and season well with kosher salt and black pepper.
  2. Add liquids and butter: Pour the hot sauce and ¼ cup water over the seasoned chicken. Add the salted butter and chopped jalapeño on top to infuse flavor during cooking.
  3. Cook in crockpot: Cover and cook on low setting for 3 to 4 hours, or on high for 1 to 2 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
  4. Add cheeses and broccoli: Increase the crockpot heat to high. Stir in the room temperature cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese until fully incorporated and creamy. Then add the chopped broccoli, mixing gently.
  5. Finish cooking: Cover and cook for an additional 15 minutes, until the broccoli is tender and the sauce is rich and creamy.
  6. Serve: Plate the buffalo chicken and broccoli, topping with chopped green onions and additional buffalo sauce if desired. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful meal!

Notes

  • Use either chicken breasts or thighs depending on preference; thighs are more moist and forgiving if overcooked.
  • Adjust the heat level by adding or omitting jalapeño seeds or using more or less hot sauce.
  • Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for easy melting and a smooth sauce.
  • Broccoli can be steamed separately and added at the end if you prefer it crisper.
  • This recipe can also be made on stovetop in a large skillet; cook chicken and onion mixture until chicken is cooked through, then add cheeses and broccoli to finish.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 cup chicken and broccoli with sauce)
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 34g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg